Hawaii's Aloha Festivals returns for its 80th year, a free public celebration of island culture running every Saturday in September on Oahu.

• This year's theme is "80 Years of Aloha," honoring the people and traditions behind the event.
• Signature events are free and open to the public, spread across Saturdays in September.
• Organizers are calling for parade participants — decorated vehicles, school groups, churches, civic and marching groups — with applications open until August 22.
• The season opens with the Royal Court investiture and opening ceremony, followed by west-side celebrations, performance stages with food vendors, and the closing Floral Parade from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park.

Outlook: The festival builds through September and ends with the annual Floral Parade on the last Saturday of the month.