The 15th Annual Honolulu Festival is expected to draw about 4,700 visitors from Japan this year — March 13 to 15 — and generate $10 million in spending, according to sponsors.

The cultural festival features free, live performances of music and culture, as well as art exhibits, in and around Waikiki. This

year's festival theme is "Heart of the Pacific, Creating Our Future."

Among the highlights are the Obama Girls from Obama, Japan and the daijayama or fire-breathing dragon float.

The event includes a "Friendship Gala" at the Hawaii Convention Center on March 14, which raises money for the Honolulu Festival Foundation, and a parade along Kalakaua Avenue as well as educational school tours at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The festival — started in 1995 to help promote cultural understanding between Hawaii and Asia-Pacific — attracted more people last year about 6,000. But this year, the number of cultural performers is expected to increase to more than 100.

For more information, visit www.honolulufestival.com or call the Honolulu Festival hotline at (808) 596-3327.