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Hilo

For events and things to do in Hilo, HI, the city’s scene is centered on the historic, walkable downtown area, which has a deeply local and community-oriented feel. The social rhythm is more about enjoying cultural performances and live music than late-night clubbing. This reflects a strong connection to local heritage and a relaxed, small-town pace.

Start an outing in historic Downtown Hilo, where the popular Hilo Farmers Market sets a lively daytime pace before the area's venues host evening music and comedy.
Along Banyan Drive, hotels like the Grand Naniloa and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel serve as key venues for concerts, community events, and regular live music.
The restored Palace Theater presents a mix of films, concerts, and community performances that anchor the downtown cultural scene.

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HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC primary image

HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Crown Room

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Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair primary image

Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair

Thu, Nov 5 • 9:00 AM

Hoolulu Park

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Wreath Making for all Occasions - Hilo primary image

Wreath Making for all Occasions - Hilo

Sat, Nov 7 • 3:00 PM + 2 more

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts

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Foodies + New Friends: Hilo | Entrepreneurs Giving Back Edition primary image

Foodies + New Friends: Hilo | Entrepreneurs Giving Back Edition

Sat, Nov 7 • 7:00 PM + 3 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Make It Country 4, November 14, 2026 primary image

Make It Country 4, November 14, 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 6:00 PM

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton

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Cake Picnic Hilo primary image

Cake Picnic Hilo

Sun, Nov 15 • 4:00 PM

Event Center at The Arc of Hilo

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Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo primary image

Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo

Fri, Nov 20 • 5:00 PM

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

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HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC primary image

HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Crown Room

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Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair primary image

Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair

Thu, Nov 5 • 9:00 AM

Hoolulu Park

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Wreath Making for all Occasions - Hilo primary image

Wreath Making for all Occasions - Hilo

Sat, Nov 7 • 3:00 PM + 2 more

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts

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Foodies + New Friends: Hilo | Entrepreneurs Giving Back Edition primary image

Foodies + New Friends: Hilo | Entrepreneurs Giving Back Edition

Sat, Nov 7 • 7:00 PM + 3 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Make It Country 4, November 14, 2026 primary image

Make It Country 4, November 14, 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 6:00 PM

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton

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Cake Picnic Hilo primary image

Cake Picnic Hilo

Sun, Nov 15 • 4:00 PM

Event Center at The Arc of Hilo

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Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo primary image

Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo

Fri, Nov 20 • 5:00 PM

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026 primary image

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training primary image

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect primary image

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026 primary image

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training primary image

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect primary image

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC primary image

HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Crown Room

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HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC primary image

HILO'S OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY with DJ XTC

Saturday • 8:00 PM

The Crown Room

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Community & Culture events

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Craft Brick Lei-Hilo primary image

Craft Brick Lei-Hilo

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM + 2 more

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts

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Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair primary image

Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair

Thu, Nov 5 • 9:00 AM

Hoolulu Park

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Monday Munchies: Hilo 20's edition | Foodies + New Friends primary image

Monday Munchies: Hilo 20's edition | Foodies + New Friends

Mon, Nov 9 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo primary image

Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo

Fri, Nov 20 • 5:00 PM

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

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Craft Brick Lei-Hilo primary image

Craft Brick Lei-Hilo

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM + 2 more

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts

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Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair primary image

Still Good Stuff - Resource Recovery Fair

Thu, Nov 5 • 9:00 AM

Hoolulu Park

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Monday Munchies: Hilo 20's edition | Foodies + New Friends primary image

Monday Munchies: Hilo 20's edition | Foodies + New Friends

Mon, Nov 9 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo primary image

Papahānaumokuākea Talk Story Sessions Across the Pae ʻĀina – Hilo

Fri, Nov 20 • 5:00 PM

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

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Frequently asked questions about Hilo

What are some good venues for live music events in Hilo?

The Wai'oli Lounge at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is a great spot for regular live local music. Downtown, Amigos Cantina also hosts frequent performances and open mic nights, while the historic Palace Theater occasionally features concerts.

Where can I find comedy shows in Hilo?

Amigos Cantina is a go-to spot for regular stand-up comedy events and open mic nights. Hilo Town Market and the Crown Room at the Grand Naniloa Hotel also periodically host touring and local comedy performances.

Are there any recurring free events in Hilo?

The Hilo Farmers Market is a popular free event to explore, open daily in downtown Hilo. While shopping costs money, browsing the lively stalls and enjoying the atmosphere is free, with peak activity on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What is Hilo's nightlife like?

Hilo’s nightlife is relaxed, focusing on live music and lounges rather than late-night clubs. Venues like the Wai'oli Lounge or Amigos Cantina offer evening entertainment, but the scene generally winds down earlier than in larger cities.

What's the best neighborhood for finding things to do?

Downtown Hilo is the main hub for activity and community events. Its historic, walkable streets are filled with local shops, galleries, and venues like the Palace Theater and Hilo Town Market, offering plenty to discover.

Can you recommend a date night idea in Hilo?

A great date night could involve seeing a film or performance at the historic Palace Theater downtown. Afterwards, you can find a nearby spot for drinks and live music, such as the weekly performances at Wai'oli Lounge.

Are there any major annual cultural events in Hilo?

Hilo is home to the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of hula held each spring. This major cultural event draws visitors and participants for its prestigious hula competitions and associated fairs.

How can I find family-friendly events in Hilo?

Many community events in Hilo are suitable for all ages, especially daytime activities. The Hilo Farmers Market is a great family outing, and cultural showcases like Hilo Hula Tuesday offer performances enjoyable for everyone.