Did you know, International Kite Day is celebrated all over the world? From Japan, Italy, China, the United States, France, Brazil, and many other countries, people from all over participate. International Kite Day originated in India and in Hindi the festival is known as Uttarayan, or in other parts of India it is known as Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti’s purpose is to celebrate new beginnings and renew hopes for better times ahead. The celebration is centered around kites which send prayers to the Lord Sun.
Whether you want to celebrate Makar Sankranti or just participate in International Kite Day, the first thing you’ll need is a kite!
This year, International Kite Day is Friday, January 14th! What better way to start the weekend than with a new adventure!
The old kites store
The Old Kites store located in the Old Sacramento Waterfront (1021 Front Street) is a local store where you can browse and find the perfect kite to sail along the Sacramento River. Choose from animal themed kites to classic diamond kites and even box and 3-D style kites. Let your kite sail the winds along the Sacramento River. If you need more space, walk over to the Old Sacramento Historic Park where there is plenty of room for a running start for you and your kite!
The Old Kite store is a few blocks from the Sacramento Valley station. Once exiting the station, head west on I Street towards Old Sacramento until you reach Front Street. Look for the big yellow sign under the awning next to Graciano’s restaurant.
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San Francisco’s Chinatown Kite Shop
San Francisco’s Chinatown Kite Shop (717 Grant Ave) is also a great spot to purchase a kite for the holiday. Choose from old-fashioned styles to ultra modern kites. Take your new kite to Huntington Park, St. Mary’s Square or Salesforce urban rooftop garden. The city has endless options for you to celebrate International Kite Day.
Directions: Getting to Chinatown Kite Shop is a short walk from the San Francisco station. Exit the station and head north on Front Street, take a left on California, right on Grant. The store will be on your left across from the Wok Shop -- look for the yellow “Chinatown Kites” sign.
Highline Kites of Berkeley / César E. Chávez Park
11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710
Get off at Emeryville Station and make your way via a short 5 minute rideshare to Highline Kites at César E. Chávez Park right along the waterfront, one of the Bay Area’s best resources for kite flying rentals and expertise! Soak in the sun and catch amazing views of San Francisco Bay while taking your kite flying abilities to the sky. The shop is open at Cesar E Chavez Park at Berkeley Marina every weekend from 1:30pm - 6:30pm.
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Ferry St, Martinez, CA 94553
Just a 10 minute walk from the Amtrak Martinez station, the Regional Shoreline is an ideal setting to fly your kite for International Kite Day. The park has plenty of open space, great winds, and quality views of the Carquinez Strait. There’s plenty of trails and areas for family activities and before you leave, make sure to check out Keller Beach and Little Point Richmond.
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