A three-day local shopping and food market kicks off at Honolulu's Blaisdell, giving small Hawaii brands a weekend of direct sales and shoppers free admission.

• More than 250 local vendors and 30 food vendors fill the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall Friday through Sunday.
• Admission is free for all ages, with on-site parking at a flat $8; early-entry VIP tickets get vendor discounts.
• Beyond shopping there are live fashion shows, contests, giveaways and an art contest where a winning design goes on a T-shirt.
• A separate music festival at the Blaisdell Arena Saturday night features an all-local lineup, with tickets from $20 and most already sold.
• Food vendors are cooking on site, with plate lunches, garlic shrimp and pork belly among the draws.

Outlook: Expect heavy crowds and strong weekend sales for local makers, with the Saturday concert likely to sell out.