International Festival of the Winds

May 12-13, 2012

This page has all the events that took place in 2011. Bookmark this page and return to get information about 2012’s events!

Every Mothers' Day weekend, Marina State Beach and the Glorya Jean Tate Park in Marina become the brightest spots on the Monterey Bay with the annual Festival of the Winds, celebrating the air currents that make Marina a popular destination for hang gliders and kite flyers alike. Colorful kites are launched from sandy dunes by the hundreds, and families gather for two days of crafts and fun at this free celebration.

Kite Flying

Children can build their own kites at the kite-making workshop on Saturday at Glorya Jean Tate Park. The kite competition immediately following will allow them to test their creations. Professional kite flyers will show off their skills throughout the weekend with a series of kite demonstrations, and you're sure to see some giant kites being shown off over the weekend.

Inflatable Air Park and Other Children's Activities

Of course, a festival themed around air must have air-filled bounce houses for children to play in. The Marina Festival of the Winds will have several of them!

Your children can have fun learning with the wind-related science projects led throughout the weekend by the National Weather Service. They can also unleash their creative sides by building wind-related crafts such as wind chimes.

Food and Vendor Booths

You won't go home from the Marina International Festival of the Winds empty-handed — or with an empty stomach! Food vendors at Glorya Jean Tate Park have both local specialties and traditional fair favorites. Other vendors will supply you with that perfect wind-themed trinket to take home.

The official Marina International Festival of the Winds website has an online schedule that is continually updated. Check it regularly for the latest information.

Map and Directions

Glorya Jean Tate Park and Marina State Beach are both directly off the Reservation Road exit of Highway One. Marina State Beach is west of the exit, while Glorya Jean Tate Park is east of the exit.


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