Seattle's affection for diverse cultures is no stranger to the limelight, especially with the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival set to bedeck the Seattle Center with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Hawaii. According to the Seattle Center news and events, this free, family-oriented event kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., transforming the grounds into a vibrant exhibit of Hawaiian culture.

Those who wander into Seattle Center’s Armory Food & Event Hall, Mural Amphitheatre, and Fisher Pavilion Rooftop will encounter a breadth of activities like fresh orchid lei-making and Spam musubi eating contests. Educational workshops, kids’ activities, and a Hawaiian craft marketplace resplendent with hand-made goods from artisans are also on the roster. Festivities will be keyed up with performances by Na Leo Pilimehana, marking the 40th anniversary of their #1 hit "Local Boys", as noted by Seattle Center Spotlight.

"We're excited to welcome the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival which transports the culture of our neighbors across the Pacific here to share with Seattle," said Heidi Jackson, Seattle Center Managing Artistic Director of Cultural Programs, as per Seattle Center Spotlight. The festival is a touchstone for the more than 50,000 Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the significance of community connectivity and cultural heritage.

Seattle Center Festál, a constellation of cultural festivities, presents this event as part of its commitment to showcasing the region's diverse communities. It is one of 24 free festivals that form a rich tapestry of cultural exploration designed to deepen regional understanding of a variety of cultures. The festival helps unite the Native Hawaiian community residing in Washington and offers all people a chance for an immersive cultural experience.