The summer skies over the Berkeley Marina will be filled with hundreds of kites this weekend. The marina’s Cesar Chavez Park is the setting for the 2010 Berkeley Kite Festival, a fun and free activity for all ages.

Kites bigger than a house and longer than a train will take to the breezes. Giant creature kites and the world’s largest octopus kite will be featured.  Competitive kite teams will demonstrate the speed, excitement and artistry of multiple kites in choreographed routines and kite battles.

Hands-on activities include free kite making, kite flying lessons and candy drops. Adding to the festivities will be Taiko Drummers, arts and crafts, food and music.

Berkeley’s waterfront location contributes to a fairly reliable constant breeze—an essential element for a kite festival. We are fortunate that the Bay Area has the geography and climate that lend themselves to this kind of event.

Again, admission is free, but there is a $10 charge for parking.  Well-behaved on-leash dogs are welcome.