SPECIAL EVENTS AT DAC
+ IN THE COMMUNITY

DAC+ James McCarthy Present: Raise Your Voice: Songs of Hope and Resistance

In "Raise Your Voice: Songs of Hope and Resistance," veteran Honolulu singer/songwriter James McCarthy revisits powerful, time-honored songs of resistance, protest, and community, drawn from a lifetime in music and personal encounters with legends like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Expect classics like "A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke, "I'll Take You There" by The Staple Singers, some contemporary songs, and and many favorites to get you in the groove and singing along, all led with the evocative and engaging style of a master performer.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, August 9

  • Time: 5-7 p.m.

  • Tickets: $10 per person, online or at the door.

DAC Walking Tour: Art, History & Architecture in the HEART of Honolulu

Join historian Gary R. Coover and artist/educator Susan Hogan for a 1.5–2 hour guided walking tour through the HEART district, exploring the cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of downtown Honolulu. Highlights include significant landmarks, public artworks, and rich storytelling. Includes a free copy of Gary’s book Pocket Walking Tour of Honolulu's Royal Mile.

  • Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

  • Meeting Point: DAC Art & Gifts Shop, 1041 Nuuanu Ave (Chinatown Gateway Plaza)

  • Cost: $25 per person (max 20 participants)

DAC Wellness Workshop: Awesome August!

Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Sweat the small stuff—in a good way! Discover seeds of hope in mini terrariums. Turn over a new leaf—print. Make flower-press bookmarks, and other fun activities.

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, August 24

  • Time: 2-4 p.m.

  • Tickets: $10 per person, online or at the door.

DAC-Produced Community Events

  • The HEART of Honolulu Art-focused Street Festival

    Next Event: Saturday, April 12, 2025

    Save the date for our next annual HEART of Honolulu Art Street Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025! We're inviting artists and arts organizations to take to the streets, as we shut down Nuuanu Avenue in Chinatown and open it to pedestrian traffic for everyone to experience and enjoy the HEART of the Chinatown Arts District, including art, free make & take crafts, live music, food, creative local vendors, performances and more.

    Find Out More!

  • Guitars & Plein Air in the Park

    Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    FREE and open to the public!

    Save the date, Saturday March 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Guitars & Plein Air in the Park, at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park on Bethel and Hotel Streets. It's a FREE public collab event with DAC and Hawaii Theatre that celebrates Hawaii's musicians and artists!

    Experience the traditional Hawaiian melodies of Maikapu'uwai, the classic surf rock sounds of Men in Grey Suits, the folk harmonies of John Batdorf, from the ’70s duo Batdorf and Rodney, and the timeless energy of classic rock with Later Dave.

    Artists, don't miss your chance to take part in the DAC Quickdraw Plein Air Painting Competition, juried by David Luchak. There is NO entry fee, and it's open to all mediums: watercolor, pastel, oil, pencil, and acrylic. Participants must bring their own supplies and register on-site. Upon check-in, canvases will be date-stamped, and artists will receive a designated area map. All artwork must be completed on the day of the event, within Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu!

    More info + Artist Registration Forms at: downtownarthi.org/guitarsandpleinair.

    Find Out More!

  • Sunset Arts Market at Fort Street Mall

    Next Event: Date TBA, from 4-7 p.m.

    Free and open to the public.

    Save the date! Sunset Arts Market at Fort Street Mall is a new evening arts market produced by Downtown Art Center, and focused on activating the historic Fort Street Mall at Pauahi Street with a spotlight on local art, live music, fashion, and food.

    Find Out More!

FREE Public Events at DAC

  • Sunday Sessions Live Music

    Every First Sunday of the month from 2-4 p.m.
    FREE and open to the public

    Located in the second floor DAC Main Gallery or Classroom

    Every First Sunday of the month, we host live music by different local bands, curated by local music veteran Terry Oyama. These performances are FREE, although donations are welcome. Refreshments available from the DAC donation bar.

  • First Fridays at DAC

    Every First Friday of the month from 5:30 - 8 p.m.
    FREE and open to the public!

    Every First Friday, DAC and several other arts organizations in the Chinatown Arts District host art receptions and special events that showcase the local creative community, from visual to performing arts! Join the First Friday art walk and celebrate with us!