More than 60,000 people attended last year's Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island, and organizers say this year's crowd for the four-day event could be even larger, with new acts like the Amazing Agostino acrobats, coming on board.

"It's the most exciting entertainment schedule for family fun we've had yet," said event chairman Fran Kirk.

The event, which opens Thursday and runs through Sunday, will be entertaining for the whole family, with EK Fernandez rides, games, food, a Backyard Circus & Puppet Parade and live performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Frank DeLima, the Gregg Hammer Band, Kapena, Holunape, Henry Kapono with the Duke's Trio and Taiko Center of the Pacific.

Thursday's opening night festivities include the Royal Hawaiian Band Legacy Concert, with Nina Keali'iwahamana, Marlene Sai, Beverly Noa, Karen Keawehawai'i, Misty Kelai and Iwalani Kamahele.

But the attraction that's likely to draw the largest crowds will likely be the Amazing Agostino, who will perform on a flying trapeze, the Russian Swing, Wheel of Destiny and more.

"The Amazing Agostino is part of the Family Maltese Troupe from Venezuela," said Donna Smith, executive vice president of Fernandez Events. "Agostino Provenzano-Maltese is an extremely talented member of the troupe, who can perform a variety of circus acts."

With his 'ohana of acrobats, Agostino Provenzano-Maltese has been performing since he was a teen. He will perform nine shows during the festival.

Other highlights:

• The Backyard Circus & Puppet Parade, where keiki can travel with you and oversized puppets to form their own little show with impersonations galore.

• Carnival games. "We have one called Play to Win where the children play until they win the prize," Smith said.

Admission is free, but tickets will be sold for food, games and rides. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available at Ticketmaster for $20, plus Ticketmaster fees, or for $25 at the festival.

Parking is available at the Honolulu Municipal building parking lot. There will be free shuttle service from the Alapa'i Street bus station to Magic Island available from 3 to 11 p.m. on Aug. 1 and from 3 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 2.

For more information, call 924-1907, or visit www.honolulufamilyfestival.com.