OCT. 2-3

"The Ice Wolf" in Hawai'i? When 14 middle-schoolers are busting out parkas in a tropical state, that's acting at its best! This middle-school production is an Eskimo/Inuit tale about acceptance.

7:30 p.m. / Punahou School, Dillingham Hall / $6 adults, $3 for students and seniors / 943-3295

OCT. 3

HECO's annual Live Energy Lite celebration kicks off Energy Awareness Month. Here's a chance to test your energy IQ or check out the wizardry of Mad Science of Hawai'i. Mostly, it's a fun way to learn to conserve.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. / Pearlridge Center, Uptown Center Court / Free / 543-7511

OCT. 3

Also known as the 'Awa Festival, the Kava Festival features live music, educational and cultural booths, 'awa sampling, 'awa plants, 'apu-making workshop, preparation demos, pa'i'ai/poi pounding and food booths.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. / UH-Manoa, McCarthy Mall / free/ kavafestival.com

OCT. 3-4

We love high-pole lion acrobatics, but we're really looking forward to Grand Master Tu Jin Sheng (pictured) and the amazing feats he'll perform at the 7th annual Splendor of China Cultural Festival.

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4 / Blaisdell Exhibition Hall / $5 / 533-3181, http://www.splendorofchina.com

OCT. 4

The Hawaii Underground Music Awards mantra is to honor the real music of Hawai'i from the streets of Chinatown to the shores of Hale'iwa. All Heart (pictured) is among the rock/metal/hardcore nominees.

4 p.m. / Honolulu Academy of Arts, Doris Duke Theatre / $10 / 532-8700

OCT. 5

The 10th annual Native American Flute and Storytelling Concert makes for one of the most tranquil and relaxing evenings you can find. Among the performers are Andrew Thomas (pictured), Kee Straits, Troy and Liz De Roche.

6:30 p.m. / Center for Hawaiian Studies / Free / 734-8018

OCT. 9-11

The Talk Story Festival is three days of storytelling fun. "Tita" Kathy Collins (pictured) performs Friday (SpoOoky stories) and Saturday (True Life Tales). Sunday's topic: Revelations.

6-9 p.m. Oct. 9-10, 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 / McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park / free / http://www.honoluluparks.com

NOV. 6-DEC. 6

HPU opens its season with the world premiere of "Quiptease," a comedy written by Yokanaan Kearns. Good stuff.

7:30 p.m. Thursdays (except Thanksgiving performance, which has been moved to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25), 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays / Hawai'i Pacific University, Paul and Vi Loo Theatre / $3-$20 / 375-1282

HOT DATES

Oct. 2 First Friday, Downtown and Chinatown Oct. 2-3, 9-10 "Dear Edwina Jr.," Kapolei High School Forum

Oct. 3 The Sweet (after Jo Koy) at 10 p.m., Pipeline Café Oct. 2-4 "When The Cassowary Pooped!" Kennedy Theatre

Oct. 3 De La Soul and Biz Markie, The Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace

Oct. 9 Vivian Girls, Loft Gallery and Lounge Oct. 10 Mega '80s & '90s Music Festival, Blaisdell Arena

Oct. 18 Aerosmith, Blaisdell Arena Oct. 28 Comedian Don Barnhart, Pipeline Café

Nov. 13 "2012" (starring, Morgan Lily and John Cusack, pictured) opens