Frequently Asked Questions
01
When is it?
These are two different (but similar) annual events held every year in January & June.
Next Up:
January 10, 2026...
Upcoming:
S.J. Birthday Bash:
January 10th, 2026
January 9th, 2027
January 15th, 2028
...
S.J. Festival:
June 13th, 2026
June 12, 2027
June 17, 2028
...
Past Dates:
June 12th, 2015
January 15th, 2016 - birthday bash edition
June 11th, 2016
June 17th, 2017
June 16th, 2018
June 15th, 2019
June 13th, 2020 - covid livestream edition
June 12th, 2021 - prolonged pandemic art show edition
July 28th, 2022 - a special single-venue version
June 17, 2023
June 15, 2024
January 18, 2025 - return of the birthday bash
Note: The main event is always on a Saturday.
We also have an event or two the day before!
(Separate admission tickets are required.)
02
Where is it?
This event takes place on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. More specifically, in the heart of Chinatown... Sailor Jerry's old Hawaii stomping grounds. View the map page for more info.
Note: His old shop, located at 1033 Smith Street, is still standing and is one of the participating venues.
There is a chance that we may expand to other cities some day. It's an idea floating about at least. TBD
03
What is it?
The Sailor Jerry Festival intends to 'celebrate and educate' regarding the life and loves of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins... or Norman Keith Collins, NKC, Old Ironsides, etc.
This festival aims to respectfully honor his life, career, and global influence... right where the legendary man spent so much of his time... Oahu's Chinatown District.
Please also visit the About page for a little more background.
One wristband gets you into all the venues and you make your way from one spot to the next to catch the artists, performers, and activities that you choose... based on the days schedule.
Things we offer every time include tattoo specials, live music, DJ's, burlesque performers, pageants, standup comedy, an art exhibit, plus food & drink specials. We we can pull it off, we have also had neighborhood tours, fashion shows, a beauty bar, a naughty bar, derby girls, vendor booths, product giveaways & contests, skate demos, movie screenings, and more!
04
Who is it?
We always offer a mix of talent. We have local, national, and sometimes international artists providing live music, art, burlesque, tattoos, and more. For info on the artists and entertainers, past and present, please visit the links in the menu bar.
(In terms of the person that we celebrate, check this About page.)
05
Why?
Aside from the obvious 'Why not?'... Norman Keith Collins spent much of his life here in Hawaii.
His final resting place is here in Hawaii.
He has influenced the art world across the globe.
This answer could go on and on, but many people know very little about the man.
We intend to celebrate these things. Rest in peace sir, and thank you.
Further, to quote a comment on Facebook:
"I like many Submariners, Tin Can sailors, and Bird Farmers appreciate you keeping Norm's memory alive. He found out my Dad was also a Mason. Gave me a penny with the Square and Compass stamped into it. Got some solid mentoring from him. He rests among this old sailors fondest memories... got my Sailor Jerry from the man himself, 1970. Went to a Navy Reunion and dropped into Hotel Street 1992. Well shiver my timbers, who sat in the chair but Mike "Rollo" Malone... got me some Tribal work done before it became mainland mainstream. Got me a waterman band (on the) other bicep!"
06
Block Party?
Not yet, those are expensive to host. This is more of a self-guided pub crawl type of event. One wristband gains entry to all venues, though some have age restrictions and some do not so check the venues page for ages, address, and expected hours of operations details. Of course, we are open to trying a block party one day if you know a sponsor?
Tickets?
We provide wristbands that get you in to all of the venues. They are available online (for a discount) until the day prior to the event. There's a link below. You may also purchase a wristband on the day of the event at many of the venues (such as The Manifest and Nextdoor), when the doors open.
For online orders, you will get instructions for where to bring an ID and pick up your purchase. Lately, that will be outside Proof Social Club (Chaplain Lane and Ft. Street Mall)
Note: Capacities are limited. We cannot guarantee admission to every venue for all activities so please try to plan ahead.
07
08
Ages?
This is a mixed event. Some venues/activities are age restricted... 18+ or 21+
Others are open to all ages.
(No charge for 12 and under but bring hearing protection if going to see live music at the limited all ages venues.)
09
Proceeds?
A portion of any proceeds from this event will always be offered to Norman's family members.
We have been doing so since year one and greatly appreciate their support.
Will Call?
Some people don't know the term. We will always designate a place to come get tickets purchased online and that's the Will Call location... where you show ID to claim your purchase.
10
Designs?
The mermaids logo is an original work by Jason's ex-wife. A talented local tattoo artist. The design was purchased from her as part of their divorce decree. We have also teamed up with another great local artist that goes by Unomas for the eagle design. The legendary Tokyo Hiro came thru with the panther logo. Harisumi, the current owner of Jerry's old shop brought us the menehune design (which was also painted on the side of a Harley-Davidson giveaway). We've also got designs by our friends Blexo, ToniBeat, and Jimmy Jam. Perhaps even more down the line. Thanks for the support.
11
Covid?
We did not hold the event in it's true form during the pandemic and will follow all guidelines upon our return.
Click here for more.
12
More Questions?
Hit us up on our social media accounts and we will reply ASAP
Relevant Issues:
This has moved to the about page (HERE)
Hot Topics
Like all 808shows events, this is an open safe inclusive event. All are welcome. We have a long history of working with people of all types. Not perfect by any stretch, but raised on unity, positivity, questioning authority, and treating others the way you’d want to be treated. That said, rumors aren’t always fact. Have any concerns? Let’s huddle up with all involved and discuss... What's on your mind?
(We do reserve the right to not work with some, on a case by case basis, and to leave any component of an equation out of a conversation involving them would be concerning, but we will listen as needed, and eagerly participate if our name is involved.)
