BayFest 2011, Oahu's premier summer family festival, celebrates 22 years of music and magic, July 15-17, 2011 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii located on the Mokapu Peninsula on Kaneohe Bay, Windward Oahu.
Festival History
Originally called the "Windward Family Festival" in 1990, BayFest Hawaii began as a community relations event to thank the military for their service, as well as to welcome the local community onto the installation to learn about the lifestyle of being a United States Marine. The first festival featured military static displays, carnival rides and the main attraction, The Mamas & The Papas.
Throughout the years, the local and military communities have come together to celebrate this summer holiday. In 1992, the Windward Family Festival was renamed to BayFest due to the many festival activities that focused on ocean sports in Kaneohe Bay. The number of water activities has since lessened, but the name of BayFest remains a constant over the years.
Over the years nationally-recognized bands have highlighted the billboard including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alan Jackson and Three Doors Down.
GreenFest @ BayFest Expo
The first ever GreenFest @ BayFest Expo will transform Hangar 101 into an eco-village of environmentally conscious businesses and organizations. This eco-village will include products and demonstrations that help make our world a little greener, from sustainable solutions for the home or office to organic products and efficient services. The GreenFest @ BayFest Expo will be open from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Festival Highlights
Continuing from its early days, BayFest still remains a fixture on the calendars of the windward community with those of all ages. Approximately half of all visitors to BayFest do not have a direct affiliation with the military.
Military static equipment displays including Marine Corps tanks and Navy helicopters, various planes, communication devices and various weapons continue to be highlights of the festival.
Building on past successes, BayFest 2011 will also feature Friday night Grucci fireworks, EK Fernandez carnival rides, Coconut Island boat rides, sports, contests, family entertainment and lots of food.
Limited edition BayFest logo wear will be on sale at the MCCS Retail Tent, along with other essentials you may have forgotten (like sunglasses to protect your eyes and sunscreen). Limited edition BayFest souvenirs, Marine Corps and band memorabilia will also be on hand.
2011 Headline Acts
Hawaii’s favorite duo Cecilio & Kapono will take the stage Friday for a two-hour show. Puddle of Mudd with special guest Hoobastank will be a two-for-one treat on Saturday night for post-grunge alternative rock fans. Country music returns to the BayFest stage on Sunday with the award-winning artist Joe Nichols. The Marine Forces Pacific Band will perform all three nights.
If You Go
A general admission ticket provides access to the E.K. Fernandez carnival and midway, GreenFest @ BayFest Expo, fireworks, competitions, food and military displays. A new ticket is required for entry each day of BayFest. Concert tickets for each evening include general admission. Admission is free for children five and under.
General Admission price is $5 in advance as well as at the gate. The price for the Cecilio & Kapono Concert on Friday is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. The prices for the Puddle of Mudd and Hoobastank Concert on Saturday and the Joe Nichols Concert on Sunday are $20 in advance and $30 at the gate.
BayFest hours are 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Concert gates will open at 5 p.m. each day. E.K. Fernandez rides will be open until midnight on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available in advance at all military ticket outlets and online through BayFestHawaii.com.
BayFest is open to the general public and organized the by Marine Corps Community Services and MCB Hawaii. MCCS provides morale, welfare and recreation programs and services which attribute to readiness and retention of Marines, Sailors and family members stationed aboard MCB Hawaii. Proceeds from this and other MCCS events are reinvested into quality of life programs at MCB Hawaii. For more information, visit MCCSHawaii.com.
