Big Splash in Hawaii for the King

The birthday of King Kamehameha I, Hawaii’s revered monarch who died in 1819, is celebrated June 9 on all the islands. The biggest parade begins in downtown Honolulu with floats, marching bands and pa’u riders and ends at the far end of Waikiki, in Queen Kapiolani Park, with a Hawaiian folk life festival. On Maui, Lahaina’s parade includes floral floats and ends at the town’s landmark banyan tree, where warrior skills will be demonstrated and ancient games and competitions will be re-created. There will be a slack key guitar festival on the library lawn. Molokai plans a street festival. Contact the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 180 Montgomery St., Suite 2360, San Francisco, CA 94104; telephone (800) 464-2924, Internet https://www.gohawaii.com.

Kentucky

The Great American Brass Band Festival, June 16 and 17 in Danville, brings together dozens of brass bands, including the top Salvation Army group. The fest opens with a hot-air balloon race and continues with a New Orleans-style parade through the historic downtown, an antique show, a display of antique bikes, street performers and a picnic under the stars. Danville is 35 miles southwest of Lexington. For more information, contact the Danville-Boyle Convention & Visitors Bureau, 304 S. 4th St., Danville, KY 40422; tel. (800) 755-0076, https://www.danville-ky.com.

Massachusetts

Boston Harborfest, June 28 to July 4, is packed with more than 200 events--historical reenactments, walking tours, concerts and fireworks. Visitors can tour tall ships, cruise the harbor and join a re-creation of the Continental Congress in debate over independence. More than 2,000 gallons of New England clam chowder will be ladled out during the Chowderfest. Another activity: Go behind the scenes at Old North Church for a one-man show on Paul Revere. Contact Boston Harborfest, 45 School St., Boston, MA 02108-3204; tel. (617) 227-1528, https://www.bostonharborfest.com.

New Mexico

At the 20th annual Taos Poetry Circus, June 9 to 17, L.A.’s Saul Williams challenges world champion Sherman Alexie for the title of World Heavyweight Champion Poet. Other events include a video poem festival, free poetry workshop for children, nXt Generation Youth Poetry Slam, master classes and workshops. Contact the World Poetry Bout Assn., 232 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571; tel. (505) 758-1800, https://www.poetrycircus.org.

Events appears monthly.