Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Weekend in Honolulu: May 13–May 15

Lei Chic’s guide to the weekend’s best events.

Shop: Act II: A Fashion Reprise Pop-Up Shop

Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

We love giving to a good cause. We love shopping. When these two things come together? It’s a weekend for the books. Hawai‘i Opera Theatre (HOT) is back this year with a totally fashionable way to support itself doing just that. The popular fundraising event, Act II, has raised more than $85,000 in support of the theater and this year returns as a pop-up shop where fashionistas can shop for couture and designer apparel, handbags, shoes, jewelry, art, home accents and more. The proceeds going to service the HOT and many of the donated items are brand new—we’re talking still have the tags and everything. Doing good never looked so fly.
$50, Hawaiʻi Opera Plaza, 848 S. Beretania St., Suite 310

Listen: Soul Time in Waikīkī

Saturday, May 14, 5–10 p.m.

The work week is over, and it was a doozy. Chill out with some soul tunes this weekend, courtesy of Aloha Got Soul, a record label and DJ crew specializing in rare and lesser-known Hawaiian, soul and funk musicians. The blog-turned-record-label founded by Roger Bong explores the Island’s musical past with artist interviews and mixtapes and has garnered a following of DJs and record collectors from London, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Paris and Rio De Janeiro. This weekend’s free listening event will feature Bong, Oliver Seguin, Hideki Yamamoto and David Jordan spinning all vinyl.
The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, 412 Lewers St. Visit alohagotsoul.com for more information.

Do: Bike to the Zoo Day

Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Get your gears ready! As part of its initiative to encourage people to bike for short distances instead of resort to cars, this Sunday, the City and County of Honolulu is offering free admission to anyone who rides a bicycle to the Honolulu Zoo. That means not only do you get to scope out zebras and elephants for free, you get to go on a ride through the city. Talk about a win-win! There will also be free bicycle valet service and a bag of prizes for the first 200 bicyclists. Hey, bicyclists: Just make sure you enter the zoo from the Monsarrat Avenue gate.
Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave.

Attend: 24th Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade

Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Time to fiesta! The Filipino Community Center’s 24th Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade dubbed “Flores de Mayo” is here and it’s going to be one festive Saturday. Things kick off with a parade at 9 a.m. at Fort de Russy. The spectacle will feature Miss Filipina Hawai‘i, her court, marching bands, decorated floats, and groups from Filipino civic, culture and community organizations. After, check out food, business and cultural booths showcasing Filipino products and samples at Kapi‘olani Park. Nonstop entertainment will be staged at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand, featuring local talents as well as performing artists from the Mainland, plus television and movie personalities from the Philippines. These events are free and open to the public.
Kapi‘olani Park. Visit filcom.org for more information.

Watch: Mahi‘ai Film Festival

Sunday, May 15, 4–8 p.m.

Forget farm to table. We’re looking at farm to screen this weekend. Mahi‘ai is a free film festival that promotes local, small-scale agriculture in Hawaiʻi. Agriculture enthusiasts, farmers, home gardeners, plant lovers and those who are even remotely interested in local food systems will not want to miss joining in on the dialogue. You’ll have a chance to meet with local farmers and be a part of the conversation about reconnecting with our ultimate food source: the ‘āina. The event will showcase short, compelling agriculture films with special guest speakers, booths, food by Hawaiian Fresh Farms, drinks by Honolulu Beerworks and giveaways.
Kaka‘ako Agora, 441 Cooke St.

American Heart Association's beat Queen of Hearts event (Sponsored)

The American Heart Association’s beat 2016, featuring our Queen of Hearts, is an event which brings together community-minded professionals that want to take action to make a difference in increasing awareness of heart disease and stroke. The Queen of Hearts are women in our community who are fighting every day for their second chance, a new breakthrough in research and to live a long, healthier life. Supporters like YOU make a difference in each of their lives!

The beat 2016 event is happening on May 14th at Trump International Towers. Purchase tickets here now.