An inaugural Taste of Chinatown event this weekend is intended to showcase tasty and bright examples of what the area has to offer, with free admission to sweeten the deal.

“The purpose of the event is to celebrate the culinary and cultural diversity of the area in a family-friendly way, and during the day, when most businesses in the area are open,” said Lee Stack, president of the Chinatown Improvement District, a sponsor of the event.

Restaurants participating in the event include Artizen by MW, the vegan Downbeat Diner, Kan Zaman, Little Village and The Pig & the Lady.

“The focus is on great flavors, whether it is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant on River Street, a factory that makes fresh noodles, dim sum or a new restaurant,” she said.

“Food is also a great common denominator for the area, as there are so many restaurants and takeout counters and hideaways to choose from,” Stack said. “So many small businesses have had their beginnings in the Chinatown area, it is great to see that trend continue.”

In addition to savory food, sweet treats will be available, including bean-to-bar chocolate creations, shave ice, custard and ice cream.

One vendor, Wing Ice Cream Parlor, creates unusual ice cream flavors, said Stack, citing lemon Thai basil, ginger peach, honey chrysanthemum, soursop and Tangerine Dream flavors, to name just a few.

Beyond the food, the cultures that thrive in Honolulu’s Chinatown area also will be celebrated, with activities including a lion blessing and demonstrations of tai chi, shao lin and karate. Keiki activities include face painting and making monkey masks.

Recording artists Ben and Maila, hip-hop dancers and ukulele students will perform. There will be a lip-sync battle involving Emi Hart and Tim Ball.

Taste of Chinatown is likely to become a regular event.

“Because this is the first year, we started with a basic sampling of cuisines and chefs,” Stack said. “We hope to build on this foundation in future years. There appears to be a lot of interest in the concept.”