Hello Kitty will join the meaty mirth and merriment at this year’s Waikiki Spam Jam.

This will be the globally known character’s first time at the annual celebration of Hawaii’s favorite product from Minnesota. Attendees can be photographed with Hello Kitty, created by Sanrio, and with Spammy, a Hormel mascot. Additionally, limited-edition Hello Kitty Spam Musubi Kits will be available for purchase.

More than a dozen restaurants and other purveyors will offer unique Spam dishes, from tempura Spam fries by ABC Stores to Ahi Spam Katsu from Chai’s Waikiki, and from Crispy Spam Chips by Eggs ‘N Things to a Korean Spam Street Taco from Duke’s Waikiki.

“We know Hawaii residents and visitors are just as excited as we are to meet Hello Kitty at this year’s Waikiki Spam Jam,” said Outrigger Enterprises Group vice president Barbara Campbell, a co-founder of the event.

Outrigger, Hormel and Sanrio are collaborating on the street festival, which closes Kalakaua Avenue to traffic so attendees can indulge in the creative, Spam-centric culinary fun as well as enjoy entertainment from local performers on two stages.

In front of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, people will see and hear the Waimanalo Sunset Band, Ben Vegas and Maila Gibson, Jeff Rasmussen, Robi Kahakalau and finally Raiatea Helm.

On the Shops of Hawaii Stage in front of the Royal Hawaiian Center, see the women of Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie and the men of Kahulaliwai, the Ukulele Superkids (Honaka Katayama and Azita Ganjali), dancers from Germaine’s Luau, Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental, with performances capped off by local rock group EMKE.

More than a dozen vendors will have booths offering locally crafted gifts and snacks.

Proceeds generated by the Outrigger-created event will be donated to the Hawaii Foodbank and other local charities, including the Waikiki Community Center and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii.