Redondo Beach Kite Festival Today
The 52nd Annual Kite Festival is taking place today at the Redondo Beach Pier from noon to 5:00 PM. The free, all-ages event is a local tradition for kite-flying enthusiasts and families in the South Bay.
As one of Southern California's longest-running kite festivals, the event has become a cherished local tradition, annually drawing thousands of people to the Redondo Beach Pier. The festival is consistently scheduled for the second Sunday in March, aligning with the beginning of daylight saving time. The day is filled with friendly competitions, and prizes are awarded in several categories. Recognitions include awards for the best handmade kite, the biggest and longest kites, the highest-flying kite, and accolades for both the youngest and "youngest at heart" kite flyers. Beyond the kites, the festival features a variety of pier-side entertainment. Attendees can enjoy live music from bands like the 1969 Band, DJ sets, dance performances, and martial arts demonstrations. For younger attendees, activities often include face painting and glitter tattoos. A unique and popular feature of the festival is the hot dog on a stick eating contest, sponsored by Craig's Hot Dog on a Stick. This timed and judged competition offers a cash prize to the person who can consume the most hot dogs. The festival culminates in a mass group kite ascension, filling the sky over the beach with hundreds of colorful and unique designs, ranging from birds and eagles to pop culture characters. While attendees are encouraged to bring their own kites, they are also available for purchase at the pier.
