The First Aloha Music & Arts Festival, inspired by the spirit of aloha and Hawaii, will take place at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds July 31, and Aug. 1. The free event will feature music, art and crafts, and food that celebrates Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific cultures.
“This festival is about bringing people together through music, dance, food, art, and community,” said Marie Victor, founder of Victor Ohana Productions who is putting on the event. “Santa Cruz has deep cultural and historical connections to Hawaiʻi through surf culture and the ocean lifestyle. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those shared influences while showcasing the incredible local talent we have here in Northern California.”
Rather than featuring a national headliner, the festival will spotlight local bands and performers from throughout Santa Cruz County and the surrounding region. Live music will include Victor Ohana 3 Generations, Ho’ Omana, Hunawai, Kanalu, Laule’a Hawaiian Band, Ka La’i O Mele, and George Kahumoku Jr (Grammy Award Winner in Slack-Key Guitar). Hula dancing performances are also planned.
INFO BOX
The event runs, July 31 and Aug. 1.
Gates open at 11am with performances running between noon and 6pm. Parking is $20.00 per vehicle
