Fall Kite Festival

When autumn's steady winds arrive, the giant show-kites return to the beach for the Fall Kite Festival. Enormous squid, whales, and creatures of every color fill the sky by day, while teams fly fast, acrobatic Rokkaku kites in choreographed duels on the crisp coastal air.

The weekend kicks off with the crowd-favorite Night Flight, when illuminated kites glow against the dark sky in a mesmerizing after-dark display — a magical sight you won't find at many festivals.

Cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and dramatic fall skies make this a local favorite — arguably even better than the summer edition. Bring a warm jacket and a thermos.

With a Step Away Lodging home nearby, you can catch the day flights, warm up indoors, and head back out for the glowing Night Flight — then round off the evening with a soak in the hot tub.