Weekend Offers Pride, Pints and Carnival Rides

By Vanessa Wolf

It’s the weekend once again, and we have no clever thoughts to offer on that fact minus some trite observations a la “Whoa. Time flies.”

Make the most of your brief stay on this spinning orb by hitting some of the events listed below.

Most Fun You’ll Have Saving Birds

The Maui Parrotbill. Photo courtesy MFBRP.

Tonight from 6 to 10:30 p.m., The Maui Brewing Company is holding “Pint Night for the Birds.”

During those hours, half of the profits from the house beer sold will benefit the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

In addition to the flagship beers like Coconut Porter and Big Swell IPA, you can help save wildlife by chugging down some specialty offerings.

The brew pub is currently pouring Mana Wheat, an American wheat made with Maui Gold Pineapple; Hawaii 90/Wee Heavy, a Scotch ale; Smoked Out, a German smoked lager; Aloha Bak’Tun, a Belgian Stout with Local chocolate and chili; and Barefoot Brew, an amber ale with Hawaiian honey, among others.

Best Excuse to Dress Like it’s the 60s

It’s First Friday in Wailuku town.

Events kick off at 6 p.m. and go until 9 p.m.

Tonight’s version features music from Eddies and the Promises, Gomega Maui, Pam Peterson, and Joel Katz.

There will also be a ’60s costume contest and an Oktoberfest-themed beer garden.

If you’re already at the fair you’re practically at Wailuku First Friday anyway, so there you go.

Best Reason to Mixx

Still raring to go?

Presumably you can keep your wacky outfit on and head straight to Kahului.

Tonight from 7 to 11 p.m. at the MACC’s Yokouchi Pavilion and Schaefer International Gallery is ArT=Mixx.

Billed by the art and cultural center as “an interactive social event for the over-21 and young-at-heart crowd, with art, music, video/multi-media, dancing. ArT=Mixx gives emerging artists in our community an opportunity to create memorable performing and visual arts experiences and connects people to art in ways that are both fun and stimulating.”

Tonight’s presentation explores the theme of wonder, expanding upon the concepts explored by the MACC’s current exhibit entitled “Taken By Wonder.”

The evening will feature illumination artist Jim Langford, the Eric Gilliom Band with special guest Vince Esquire, DJ Sweet-Beets, Nle Dollz, and Raizes Do Brazil Capoeira Maui.

Best Way to Show Some Pride

The 2012 Pride Hike. Photo courtesy Maui Pride

On Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. is the Maui Pride Festival.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Free and open to the public, the festival features a drag show and drag race competition (probably not the car kind, folks) and Hawaiian cultural activities. There will also be food and beverages for purchase.

If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate diversity, there are a plethora of other events occurring all weekend long as part of a three-day Pride Weekend celebration.

Best Poster We’ve Seen in a While

(Although we kind of wish he was holding a pistol or maybe something inexplicable like a fluffy bunny rabbit.)

Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. and again at 10:00 p.m. at Stella Blues in Kihei, you can take in “Maui’s Most Wanted.”

Both shows feature local comedian Chino LaForge and proceeds will benefit his upcoming east coast tour.

The family friendly 8:30 p.m. show is all-ages and will feature fellow comedian Willie Simon.

The 10 p.m. show promises a feistier adults-only take on things and La Forge will be joined by Michael Enns.

Tickets are $10 at the door.

Best Opportunity Pig Out on Chili Without Those Pesky Calories

Sunday is the last chance to take in the wonderment at this weekend’s 91st Annual Maui Fair.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and Sunday is Discount Ride Day and Fun Factory Day. This first 2000 people through the gate on Sunday get in free courtesy of Fun Factory.

At 11 a.m. is a cheer demonstration by talented island cheerleaders.

The 9th Annual Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety’s “Who’s Got the Heat” Chili Cook-off Fundraiser runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Maui Fair’s Events Arena fronting the War Memorial Pool. There will be a special drawing to win round-trip airfare for two to any Alaska Airlines destination, compliments of this year’s Entertainment Tent sponsor.

You can purchase samples and proceeds will benefit the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital Patient’s Transportation fund.

Realize you ate too many chili samples?

Take advantage of Sunday’s discounted ride prices, make your way to the Scrambler, climb on board and say goodbye to the con carne.

Best Way to Wind Down After a Long Weekend at the Fair

A scene from Love, Sex and the IRS. Courtesy photo

If you don’t make it to the Historic Iao Theater tonight or tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 6 is your last chance to catch “Love, Sex, and the I.R.S.” by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore.

The 3 p.m. matinee showing of the farce tells the tale of two out of work musicians, John (Jim Oxborrow) and Leslie (Tom Althouse), who have been cheating on their taxes for years, claiming to be a married couple. When an investigation ensues, Leslie must disguise himself as a woman.

The Maui OnStage production also stars Patty Sylva, Julianna Scharnhorst, Beth Garrow, David Negaard, Perry Kunin and Russ Taft.

Reserved seating tickets range from $17 to $28 (plus applicable fees).

Aware of something that’s happening or going to be happening on Maui? LET US KNOW ABOUT IT: [email protected]