This October, the island of Oahu will continue to maintain its status as the place to go for big events. From massive pride parades to A-list film festivals to rare showcases of art and other goods, the month has something on the calendar for every visitor.
Here are the top events and festivals coming to Oahu in October 2023.
— article continued below —
2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides
Visiting Hawaii soon? Be sure to grab a copy of one of our updated Hawaii Visitor Guides.
~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~
2023 Events and Festivities
Hawaii’s Woodshow 2023
For its 31st anniversary, Hawaii’s Woodshow returns to Honolulu in 2023. The event is a juried woodworking exhibition showcasing some of the finest works made from some of the finest locally sourced woods. It is also very focused on ecology and spreading awareness about the importance of Hawaii’s forests.
When: Starting Sunday, October 29th, 9 AM - 5 PM
Where: 848 South Beretania Street, Honolulu (Hawaii Opera Plaza)
More Info: Woodshow Hawaii Forest
Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival
The Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation will host an in-person Pride celebration in Honolulu for the second October following a COVID-induced hiatus. The foundation will be hosting events throughout October, the most definitive of which is the parade and festival at Waikiki Shell and Diamond Head Greens on Saturday the 21st.
When: Saturday, October 21st, 9 AM - 6 PM
Where: 2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu (Waikiki Shell & Diamond Head Greens)
More Info: Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation
43rd Annual Hawaii International Film Festival
This renowned international showcase is focused on the elevation of Asian-Pacific Rim films. There is also a particular focus on films made in Hawaii. The festival is more than just a top-tier film program - although it indeed is. There will also be parties and panels with some of the leading professionals of the art form. Any film buff visiting the island won’t want to miss it.
When: Thursday, October 12th - Sunday, October 22nd
Where: Various Locations (see More Info)
More Info: Hawaii International Film Festival
Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show
This pop-up sale will feature 92 tables with vintage collectibles from Oahu and the United States. What makes this pop-up unique from virtually any other in Hawaii is its being strictly vintage - all items are at least 20 years old, some many more than that. The range is seemingly endless - shirts, jewelry, paintings, dolls, beads, furniture, comic books, ukuleles… You could spend hours here if you want to bring something back from your trip.
When: Sunday, October 1st, 10 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: 777 Ward Ave, Honolulu (Neal Blaisdell Hawaii Suites)
More Info: Ukulele - Wiki Wiki
The Queen Emma Summer Palace Festival
What could be cooler than a festival under the Hawaiian sun with live music, delicious food, “famous” jams and jellies, and lots of arts and crafts? Well, how about if the festival took place…in a palace? Yup, that’s right - this October, Daughters of Hawaii will be hosting a unique festival on the grounds of the historic and lovely Hanaiakamalama - once a 19th-century summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii.
When: Saturday, October 7th, 9 AM - 2 PM
Where: 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu (Queen Emma Summer Palace)
More Info: Daughters of Hawaii - Summer Palace Festival
We hope you find this helpful in planning your October in Oahu. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
