Community Events: Lib Day fireworks; Meet the candidates; Art sale at ArtSpace

Guam to mark 82nd Liberation Day

Guam Visitors Bureau will lead the celebration of Guam's 82nd Liberation during two special Tumon Night Market events featuring outstanding local and international entertainment, community activities, and Liberation Day fireworks.

The festivities begin at the regularly scheduled Tumon Night Market on July 19 at Tumon Sands Plaza from 5 p.m. to 9  p.m., featuring live performances by The Corporation, Prominence, Guma' Taotao Kinahulo' Atdao Na Tåno', and a special appearance by the internationally recognized Falun Dafa Waist Drum Team from Taiwan.

Known for bringing dynamic energy and traditional Chinese culture with their highly synchronized, rhythmic drumming and uplifting folk choreography, will bring a unique cultural experience to Guam's Liberation celebration. 

One of the evening’s featured attractions is the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band from Okinawa, Japan.

The celebration continues on July 21, with a special Liberation Day edition of the Tumon Night Market at Tumon Sands Plaza from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live performances from Konference, Trey and Friends, Pacific Cool, Guma' Taotao Kinahulo' Atdao Na Tåno', Guåhan Drum Circle, Yosakoi Team Amata, the Taiwan Falun Dafa Waist Drum Team, the MARFORPAC Band, local entertainment, cultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities. 

Complimentary satellite parking and transportation will be available at Ypao Beach on July 19 and July 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can park at Governor Joseph Flores Park (Ypao Beach) and take advantage of convenient shuttle access to the Tumon Night Market festivities.

Fireworks displays are scheduled for July 21 at 7:21 p.m. in Hagåtña and 9 p.m. at Ypao Beach, Tumon.

Connecting voters with 2026 election hopefuls

Micronesia Mall will host a public outreach event to connect voters with those running for office at the "Meet the Candidates” event on July 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Micronesia Mall Center Court.

This public outreach event offers voters a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face and speak one-on-one with individuals running in Guam’s upcoming 2026 primary election.

Dozens of candidates from senatorial, congressional and gubernatorial brackets will set up tables to share their platforms, answer questions, and hear directly from constituents about their visions for Guam's future.

“With ‘Meet the Candidates’ taking place just one week before the primary election, this is a crucial opportunity for voters to meet the candidates face-to-face, ask meaningful questions, compare their priorities and make informed decisions before heading to the polls," said Francis Lira, operations and finance manager at Micronesia Mall.

Featured gubernatorial teams include:

● Tony Ada & EJ Calvo

● Frank Blas & Mary Okada

● Joe San Agustin & Dwayne San Nicolas

● Therese Terlaje & Sabina Perez

● Josh Tenorio & Tina Muña-Barnes

Senatorial candidates scheduled to attend include: Sen. Vince Borja, Sen. Shelly Calvo, Sen. Shawn Gumataotao, Sen. Jesse Lujan, Sen. Telo Taitague, Lillian Guerrero, Matteo Mortera, Jonathan Savares, Angel Sablan, Gregorio Calvo, Joseph Arriola, Wil Castro, Raffaele Sgambelluri, Captain Kin Cruz, and Fred Bordallo.

On the same day, Guam Regional Medical City will celebrate its 11th anniversary with a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Center Court, featuring free health screenings, wellness resources, interactive booths and giveaways.

The Guam Esports Federation will also host an esports fighting-game tournament from noon to 8 p.m. in Space 105 (next to Winchell’s), offering attendees another exciting event to enjoy throughout the day.

Visit the art market

Artspace Guåhan is inviting the community to experience The Art Yard, a free open house and local artists and makers market on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Artspace Guåhan studio, located at 353 Chalan San Antonio, Suite 103, Photo Town Plaza Tamuning, across from the Salvation Army.

Designed to celebrate Guam's growing creative community, The Art Yard brings together talented local artists and makers for a one-day market featuring original artwork and handcrafted goods, while giving the public an opportunity to explore Artspace Guåhan and learn more about its programs and mission.

Visitors can shop a diverse collection of locally made creations, including paintings, photography, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, crochet creations, beach-inspired artwork, paper art, textiles, home décor, whimsical art, custom portraits, and other one-of-a-kind handmade pieces created by Guam artists and makers.

In addition to shopping, guests are encouraged to tour the nonprofit studio, meet participating artists, and discover Artspace Guåhan's growing selection of classes, workshops, and community programs designed to make the arts accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.

As a nonprofit organization, Artspace Guåhan believes that creativity should be accessible to everyone. Every workshop registration, donation, and purchase made through Artspace helps support arts education, scholarships and creative opportunities for individuals and families throughout Guam.