MARCH 1

'UKULELE FESTIVAL

The place for 'ukulele lovers to be next weekend is the Kona coast, where the 8th annual Great Waikoloa 'Ukulele Festival will take place, featuring headliner Raiatea Helm, Japanese performing artist Boo Takagi, Ohta-San, Holunape and John Keawe. Events go on throughout the day March 1 at various locations around the Waikoloa resort. Roy Sakuma will again offer popular free 'ukulele lessons between 10 and 11:30 a.m. in the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa's Naupaka Ballroom. Performers will appear between 2 and 7 p.m. in the Queen's MarketPlace Coronation Pavilion; Helm's show is at 6 p.m. www.waikoloabeachresort.com.

— Wanda Adams

MARCH 21

'MESSIAH' IN LONDON

If you're in London over Easter weekend, stroll through Hyde Park to hear the Royal Choral Society present its annual performance of Handel's masterpiece, "The Messiah," at the Royal Albert Hall. Formed soon after the opening of the Royal Albert Hall, the society has performed "The Messiah" from the beginning. The Easter tradition began in 1878 and has continued every year. Choral society music director Richard Cooke will conduct the choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 2:30 p.m., Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington. $10-$70, www.royalchoralsociety.co.uk.

— Chris Oliver

MAY

TURKISH DELIGHT

Flight conditions for hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia are at their best now on the shoulder of Turkey's hot summer months.

Cappadocia's landscape, best seen from above, is an outlandish patchwork of white, yellow, ochre and terra-cotta hues.

It's no surprise this otherwordly terrain was chosen as the location for filming "Star Wars."

Balloons operate most mornings, with flights taking place at dawn (weather permitting) and lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

You'll see huge stone mushrooms and fairy chimneys riddled with ancient cave dwellings. Balloon companies operate from nearby Goreme town. Flights costs begin at $150 for one hour with hotel pickup and breakfast included. www.goremeballoons.com/company.htm.

— Chris Oliver