Aloha Festival Comes to San Mateo This Weekend

Occasionally gloomy weather in South City got you down? Perhaps consider heading south this weekend for something a little bit more tropical.

A little slice of the island life - that's what Peninsula residents can get this weekend at the Bay Area Aloha Festival, to be held at the .

Though the event has been a tradition for many years, this will be the first time it will be held in San Mateo.

Hosted by the Pacific Islanders' Cultural Association each year during the first weekend of August, the event celebrates the cultures of areas like Hawaii, Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.

The festival will offer activities and performances for all ages, such as Polynesian dance and music, arts and crafts vendors, educational exhibits and workshops, plenty of island cuisine, and an "Ohana Corner" with games for kids.

Musical and dance performances will feature everything from hula dancing to ukelele bands. Click here to view a complete schedule of performances throughout the weekend.

Vendor booths will offer handmade island-style jewelry, organic bath salts, art and more. Food options include Hawaiian barbecue, gourmet desserts and more. Click here to view a complete list of art and food vendors for this weekend's festival.

THE DETAILS:

When: This Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4-5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: , 1346 Saratoga Dr., San Mateo

Admission: Free!

Parking: Parking will be available in the East parking lot. Cost is $10, and only cash will be accepted.

Click here for options for public transporation or driving directions.

A map of the festival's layout and the official event flier are available as downloadable PDF documents in the photos section of this article.