Your Guide to the Santa Barbara Kite Festival
If you’ve never been to the Santa Barbara Kite Festival, you are missing out on the experience of a lifetime. A favorite tradition for locals and visitors alike, this family-friendly event features kites of all colors, shapes, and sizes. There’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring as watching hundreds of beautiful kites take flight above the California countryside. Come see it for yourself this April and start making plans to attend now!
About the Santa Barbara Kite Festival
The first Santa Barbara Kite Festival took place in 1985. More than 30 years later, the event is bigger and better than ever before! This year’s festival will take place April 8th at the west campus lawn at the Santa Barbara City College. This beautiful meadow overlooks the Santa Barbara harbor and offers the ideal setting for kite-flying. Attendees can participate in a variety of contests, including “most beautiful,” highest flying,” and “largest kites.” And if you have kids, they will love taking part in the “tail chase” competition. Children of all ages race to catch a kite tail and prizes are awarded to the winner. Don’t have a kite to bring to the festival? That’s okay, too! You’ll find a great selection of kites available for purchase when you go. Make sure to visit the festival’s Facebook page for the latest updates.
Other Upcoming Events in Santa Barbara
There’s always a reason to celebrate in Santa Barbara! If you are planning to visit in April, make sure to mark your calendar for these other exciting events:
Founding Day Festival:
Did you know that El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Park is the birthplace of Santa Barbara? Come celebrate 236 years of history at the Founding Day Festival, which will be held in the park on April 28th, 2018 from noon until 4 p.m. There will be dance and musical performances, a reenactment, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment.
Earth Day Festival:
The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is another event that you won’t want to miss! Held on April 21st and 22nd, more than 200 exhibitors will feature the latest in eco-friendly products. There is also a main stage with live music all day!
Gaucho Festival and UCSB Beer and Wine Festival:
Held at the University of California’s campus, the Gaucho Festival will also take place on April 28th, 2018. If you decide to attend, make sure to bring your running shoes! The event features the famous “Gaucho Gallop 5K” and a Kids 1-Mile Dash. As a part of the Gaucho Festival, guests 21 and over can also enjoy a variety of cold beers and wines at the UCSB Beer and Wine Festival.
Vintners Spring Weekend:
Held from April 19th through the 23rd, the 2018 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend is one of the most anticipated events of the year. You won’t want to miss a single moment of this four-day festival, but the highlight of the weekend is the Grand Tasting on April 21st. When you attend, you can enjoy a great selection of new-release wines, food samplings, chef demonstrations, live music, a silent auction, and more.
Where to Stay During the Santa Barbara Kite Festival
If you are searching for the best accommodations in the area, look no further than Cheshire Cat Inn. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, our charming bed and breakfast has everything you need to relax and unwind. Each of our Victorian Queen Ann houses and Craftsman Cottages are equipped with all the modern conveniences. Plus, all of the best restaurants, beaches, and attractions are just steps away.
During your stay with us, you can expect to start off each morning right with a gourmet breakfast. Then, come join us each afternoon for complimentary wine and hors-devours in the garden. Other amenities include free Wifi, on-site parking, evening cookies, and so much more. Check our availability and get ready to experience a Southern California vacation unlike any other. We can’t wait to hear about the amazing time you had at the Santa Barbara Kite Festival!
