Live Music on the Big Island This Week: Dec 19–26

The week’s vibe

Tradewinds are cool, the bayfront lights are twinkling, and you can hear mele drifting through the palms if you pause and listen. Friday in Hilo brings that familiar buzz—street food smoke curling up as guitars kick in—thanks to the beloved FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET, while down Puna-side, a solstice soundtrack is already warming up for a night under the stars.

Ever slipped into the weekend with a sound bath, then danced your way into midnight? Start soft at Sound Healing with Creative Frequencies & Chris Murphy (Pre Bee Dance) at Hawaiian Sanctuary, then ride that glow straight into the live-collab of Bee Dance: Tyler Gibson + Chris Murphy. The jungle air, the pulsing floor, the violin floating over the beat—chef’s kiss.

Don’t-miss moments

If your heart’s craving story and song, the Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani folds you into Kalāhuipuaʻa’s legends with mele, hula, and that golden Kohala sunset—pure aloha. For ʻohana feels, A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) brings the Peanuts magic to life—live music, big smiles, and all the holiday heart; it returns again this weekend too via A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!).

Looking for a free, big-sound moment? Head down to the South Hawai'i Symphony Holiday Concert at Ocean View Community Center—world premieres, beloved classics, and that community sparkle that makes you hum all the way home. Or go vintage: at Palace Theater, the Silent Movie Night Before Christmas: A Christmas Carol pairs Edison’s 1910 gem and Chaplin shorts with live organ—old-school chills and charm.

Vibes for every mood

Chill day vibes: Waimea’s markets are a sweet soundtrack to your morning stroll—Waimea Town Market at Parker School and the lively Kamuela Farmers Market at Pukalani Stables serve up coffee steam, slack-key strums, and plenty of ono bites. Down in lower Puna, Kaimu Farmers Market at Kaimu Farmer's Market blends breezy tunes with molten-coast energy.

Night owls: Hilo Town Tavern turns it up with Live Friday Night Music: Rhythm X—high-energy rock and dance hits that keep the floor moving late. Over at The Booch Bar, the Puna crew gets lit with PunaKat!, and the Rainbow Room hosts them too via Puna Kat — Rainbow Room at The Booch Bar for extra jammy goodness.

Season of light: The solstice centerpiece glows on Sunday with Winter Solstice: Return to the Light at Kalani—live sets from Māh Ze Tār, Peace Sine, Jämi, and Dros, plus dance and community under the palms. It’s that midwinter reset your wairua’s been craving.

Before you go

• ●Hilo nights can bring passing showers—pack a light shell and slippers you don’t mind getting damp.
• ●Mauka temps in Waimea dip after sunset—hoodie season for sure.
• ●Markets are easier with cash and a tote; go early for best ʻono picks and parking.
• ●Respect the ʻāina: pack out your trash and give performers plenty of space to shine.

Hope to bump into you at a show this week—bring your favorite auntie, your keiki, or just your dancing shoes. If you’re still browsing, wander through explore more live music events → or browse more events → and build your own perfect playlist of Island nights.