A few years ago, I was taken to the Santa Barbara Kite Festival for my birthday. It’s a free event that happens every year at Santa Barbara City College. And, being that it was a free event, I didn’t expect too much out of it except stress and crowds. I was curious anyway and it had been years since I flew a kite.
See my first year’s visit to the kite festival, which had more kites than this year.
What is a kite festival?
I mean, I guess I asked the same question, but if you had to ask, I kind of hate you already. Yes, I hated myself, too – so this is an equal opportunity hate.
I’m kidding!
It’s both nothing special and everything awesome. A bunch of people and a few event vendors get together and fly kites. People of all ages attend here with no exception of family or group type. Yes, you can be here as a group of adults. You can be here if you don’t have kids and only have fur kids. You can be here as a lone grandfatherly type man with your folding beach chair (who was a really awesome guy, by the way) and you won’t stand out
What you should bring
Your best attitude and a smile. There isn’t a lot of shade, so sunglasses and a hat if you like. We also brought a banig (Filipino rolled up mat that looks like a giant placemat) to sit on.
Food. You are totally allowed to bring your own food. While I love me a good food truck, the first year I attended, the only food vendor was a hot dog truck, who was also there this year. I’m a person who needed more than that, so if you are too, then pack some food with you.
You can bring kites, but if you forget or decide last minute, there is a booth selling kites on-site.
Additionally, you can also pack some swimwear and beach towels. Read on.
Also, bring poop bags for your dogs because don’t be an asshole.
So what was it like?
The first year it was overwhelming in a good way. There were so many kites in the air and the wind was just enough to get all the kites up and going. The weather was unexpectedly so perfect because Siri had made it seem like it was gonna be cold. I turned out to be too warm in my leggings and Uggs but luckily had a light top on. Otherwise, I would’ve had to get naked.
There are events and contests for all ages. There will be a squared off section in the centre of the field where the contests happen. (ex: youngest kite flyer, biggest kite, oldest kite flyer, etc.)
There are also booths for kids entertainment. I don’t remember specifics, but there were a few tables and a bounce house.
This year it was very similar, although the sky didn’t seem to have as many kites as on my first year. It was less windy, but not impossible to get a kite up. It looked as if there were more people than on my first visit, but not as many kites.
I also didn’t realize until I looked up their website that there is a theme every year! So, be on the lookout for that, if you wanna play along.
Specifically for those with dogs
There were a lot of dogs and they are very welcome to this event. I saw dogs of all sizes, from my tiny chihuahua to a giant dog named Zeus. I mainly saw leashed dogs, but some were unleashed
Meet my chihuahua, Yoshi!
It seemed like this place collected all the friendliest dogs as I didn’t see or hear any conflicts happening. Most people also seemed to clean up after their dogs as they should, although I did pass by one that someone left behind. (gr.)
I didn’t see any bags being provided, which is why I noted to bring your own.
Specifically for those with children
Honestly, I have not had the chance to bring kids with me, but please keep your kids in your hands somehow. One toddler almost ran into the road in front of our car as an embarrassed mom quickly snagged her back. HELL YEA I JUDGED. That kid had both arms AND a harness on her. That woman’s excuses are low. Hold your children.
Next up was a wonderful dad who was so excited to get to the beach that he left his 7-9year old child 5 feet behind him walking across a parking lot. The child had to race after his dad saying, “wait for me!”
STOP IT. Hold your kid’s hands.
…and what else was there to do?
We took a walk down to the beach. I was amazed at how close by it is to the campus. If you’re in LA and want to go to school by a beautiful beach and can’t make it to Hawaii, go to SBCC. It was just a slight downhill walk and across the street. You can’t take your dogs to the beach, though. There is a grassy section where leashed dogs are allowed, but not beyond that border.
Wanna go? Here’s your info
Website: sbkitefest.com
Dates: Usually around early April, every year.
Location: Santa Barbara City College West Campus
Parking: Free, on campus. There are a few lots so drive around to find the closest lot to the event. We parked near La Playa Field, entering from Cliff Dr. and driving straight in.
Bathrooms: Attendees are able to use the library bathrooms, so no need to worry about portapotties or being SOL if you need to pee. It’s very clean.
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