More than 5,000 artisans, performers, musicians and spectators from Hawai'i, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and the Philippines are expected to participate in the three-day festival.

This year's theme is "Pacific Renaissance," which "goes hand-in-hand with the revitalization efforts in Waikiki," said David Asanuma, executive director of the Honolulu Festival Foundation, in a news release. "Just as Waikiki attracts visitors from around the world, the Honolulu Festival brings together cultures from across the Pacific and enables them to share their heritage with each other while promoting goodwill and friendship."

Entertainment will be held at the Hawai'i Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and the newly renovated Waikiki Beach Walk.

All events are free and open to the public

Here are some highlights:

i The fourth U.S.-Japan Cultural Exchange Seminar Program: This seminar and panel discussion at 10:30 a.m. Saturday explores how baseball bridged the cultural gap between America and Japan. Maui-born baseball player Wally Yonamine will be a guest on the panel.

i Performance by Australia's Descendance: This Aboriginal dance troupe will return to the Honolulu Festival for the third consecutive year. They will take the stage at Ala Moana Center at 1 p.m. Sunday.

i Craft fair: More than 100 Japanese and local artisans will showcase their wares Saturday and Sunday at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

i The fourth annual Maui Mikoshi Design Contest: Designed exclusively for Maui students, this contest features mikoshi, or decorative portable floats that are unique to specific prefectures in Japan. Forty-three students from Kamehameha High School, Maui Campus, will travel to Honolulu to carry their winning mikoshi in the grand parade.

i Grand Parade: The festival culminates Sunday with the annual Grand Parade down Kalakaua Avenue, with colorful floats and dance performances. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. at Lewers Street.

For more information visit www.honolulufestival.com.