The Aloha Festivals kick off this week with a block party that will give an advance taste of the music and celebratory spirit that infuses this annual event.

Support the festival by purchasing a ribbon, on sale at 7-11 and ABC stores, Ala Moana Center Customer Service Center, Pearlridge Center Information Desk, Waikiki Community Center and other locations.

Info: 391-8714, www.alohafestivals.com.

ALOHA FESTIVALS EVENTS

What: Aloha Festivals Kickoff Block Party Fundraiser
Where: Murphy’s Bar & Grill, 2 Merchant St.
When: 6-10 p.m. today
Performers include Ka’ala Boys, Blaine Kia and Keaniwai with Halau Ka Waikahi Lani Mailie and Halau Kahulaliwai, Greg Sardinha and Gordon Freitas, Maunalua, and Ken Makuakane’s "Tell Mama" Island Jazz Band. Food, drink, festival T-shirts and ribbons will be sold. A Blue Moon beers muralist will create a live painting, there are giveaways, and an all-inclusive trip to the University of Hawaii football game at the University of Colorado will be auctioned, among other items.

What: Aloha Festivals 2010 Royal Court Investiture
Where: Hilton Hawaiian Village
When: 2 p.m. Thursday
The king, queen, prince and princess will take their place in the Royal Court amid traditional chant and hula.

What: Aloha Festivals Opening Ceremony
Where: Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove
When: 5 p.m. Thursday
The official beginning of the Aloha Festivals events is marked with traditional chant and hula. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be introduced.

ALSO

Sept. 11: Seventh Annual Keiki Hoolaulea, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pearlridge Center Uptown and Downtown. Pearlridge will offer activities, demonstrations and musical performances by youth groups and hula halau. Wear an Aloha Festivals ribbon for monorail rides and merchant discounts. Ribbons and T-shirts will be available for purchase. Information: www.pearlridgeonline.com.

Sept. 18: 58th Annual Aloha Festivals Waikiki Hoolaulea, 7 p.m., with music, performance, hula, Hawaiian crafts and flower lei. The hoolaulea along Kalakaua Avenue typically draws thousands of people for what is billed as "Hawaii’s largest block party."

Sept. 24: Taste of Helumoa Food & Wine Festival, 6-9 p.m., Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove (co-related event). Sample food from 10 Royal Hawaiian restaurants with the option to purchase wine pairings or the Aloha Festivals signature ale. Entertainment by the Brothers Cazimero. Tickets, $45, include 10 tastings and one drink. Get tickets at the Royal Hawaiian Center and through Aloha Festivals.

Sept. 25: 64th Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade, 9 a.m. The parade will proceed along Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park and feature flowered floats, equestrians, hula halau and marching bands.