SEAL BEACH — The 16th annual Japan America Kite Festival (第16回日米凧あげ大会), Southern California’s largest kiting event, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the north side of Seal Beach Pier. Admission is free.
Come with family and friends to enjoy Japanese and international kites of all sizes and colors. There will be a kite workshop and games for children, Japanese food and cultural booths, 50′ x 100′ giant show kites, a taiko drum performance, martial arts demonstrations, kite candy drops for kids, kite battles and stunt kite demonstrations, and much more.
As a part of the grand finale, Bon Odori (traditional festival dance) will be held at 4 p.m.! Grab uchiwa (Japanese fan), wear a yukata (summer kimono) or happi (festival coat), and join the dance.
Co-presented by Japan America Society of Southern California and Up Up and Away Kite Club.
Overflow parking is now available at SeaPort Marina Hotel in Long Beach. A free shuttle will operate from 9:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from the hotel to the festival.
For more information, call (213) 627-6217 or visit www.jas-socal.org or www.kiteclub.org. The flyer, festival program and parking information can be downloaded from the Japan America Society website.