The 4th annual Hawai'i Book & Music Festival this weekend on the civic grounds is very Hawai'i.

Most book fairs are that only: We blend in music, labeling it "A Celebration of Story and Song" and bringing in top-flight contemporary Hawaiian musicians such as Jake Shimabukuro to entertain for free, plus choral and band music and a six-band Kani Ka Pila competition and two new evening concerts this year.

Most book fairs are held indoors: Ours is on the grass and under the trees around Honolulu Hale, though there are a few events in an auditorium on the property.

Most book fairs are as much trade show as exhibition: Ours is about getting books into the hands of readers, not professional buyers.

Most book fairs offer little for kids: Ours has an entire pavilion, sponsored by Target, full of activities — bullseye, board books, pop-up demonstrations, a sign-language program for deaf children, keiki book bags, art prints.

Parking is free and so is admission to the 175 events and more than 500 presenters over today and tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to dusk with Shimabukuro's concert beginning at 5:30 tonight and the Kani Ka Pila concert with Cyril Pahinui, Kaukahi and others starting at 5 tomorrow night.

The Advertiser will be staffing a booth where there will be an exhibit of value-added food products from state Department of Agriculture Seal of Quality growers, and food editor Wanda Adams will be on hand to sign her cookbooks, "The Island Plate" and "The Island Plate II" ($20 each or two for $38) from 1 to 2 p.m. today and tomorrow.

Other special events: Nationally known, Hawai'i-based best-selling fantasy author Terry Brooks will appear along with national best-selling horror author John Saul. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano will discuss his memoirs and appear on a panel with two other former governors. Local authors talking story will include Alan Brennert, Stuart Coleman, Lisa Linn Kanae, Chris McKinney, Lois-Ann Yamanaka and many others. There will be a special tribute to the late writer, teacher and mentor Ian McMillan. A discussion will follow the world premiere of "Voyagers," a new film by Paul Csige, based on the paintings of historian-artist Herb Kane. Discussions and exhibitions will focus on Hawaiian culture, a Hawaiian "sense of place" and sustainability, all hot topics. There will be readings for children. And, of course, displays by local publishers. And food.

Your best bet is to get a schedule and map from www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org or at the festival itself, but here are highlights at a glance:

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