D23 'Ohana Under the Stars | Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Lilo and Stitch

Disclosure: D23 provided me and three guests with complimentary tickets to the ‘Ohana Under the Stars event. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

OUTFIT DETAILS
Dress: Thrifted | Sweater: Vintage | Shoes: Crocs | Jewelry: Pura Vida

Can you believe it’s already been 20 years since Lilo and Stitch first came out in theatres?! 2002 was a big year for me and my family as we had packed up the home I spent my childhood in and moved to a new place, new school, and where I had to make new friends. It was scary and felt alienating at first, but I think that’s what resonated with me most about this movie. It was about finding your place and sense of belonging, and knowing your ‘ohana would have your back.

We were so excited that D23 invited us out to celebrate ‘Ohana Under the Stars on 626 Day in the good old 626 area code - the “new place” that my family moved to in 2002 - so this felt like a full circle moment for me. We headed to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Arcadia, CA for an evening full of fun and games, yummy food, and an outdoor screening of Lilo and Stitch.

I was too busy taking video footage, that I forgot to take photos until after we ate dinner (oops). But not to worry, this is when the party really started for us! After checking out the food trucks on site, we waited in line to redeem our Dole whip which was provided courtesy of Hula Girls Shave Ice. We loved getting to customize all of our Dole whips with the different toppings that were available! My go-to is a sprinkle of Tajin.

Then, it was time for some carnival games! Only one of us was successful in winning a prize, but the evening was really about the good vibes and spending time with our chosen ‘ohana.

We then took our seats by our picnic blanket and it was time for the screening to begin. But before that, what a treat to hear from the surprise guests of the evening, Alex Kupershmidt and Rachel Bibb who both worked on the animation team for Lilo and Stitch.

I am so glad we got to have a little double date with our friends Janus and Jason. It’s been nice getting to hang out again with our friends after the last few years.

Then it was showtime! Mahalo to D23 for having us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lilo and Stitch with you!

Who’s your favorite character from Lilo and Stitch? I’d love to know in the comments below!

xo,
Keshia