Raise One Up

Here’s a place you can get high for free. No, not that kind of high. The Kitetober Kite Festival will celebrate its 22nd anniversary this Sunday with a playful, family-friendly spectacle of sights, sounds, and cuisine. The wide-open spaces of Haulover Park (10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) will provide more than enough breeze to keep kites merry, and no limitations are placed on size or shape. Pirouetting through the sky from noon to 5 p.m. will be a 150-foot flying rainbow, a 100-foot squid, and a plethora of 300-square-foot parafoils. Hosted by Skyward Kites and Miami-Dade Parks, the fest boasts a beachside backdrop that’ll lend a relaxed atmosphere, plus live music by special guest performers of the Miami Country Day rock ensemble 21 Hearts, 1 Beat. Take along your own kite, purchase one onsite starting at $5, or simply watch the sky fill with colorful shapes. Rookies and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to participate in kite-building classes and witness expert demonstrations. A variety of food vendors will be on hand, including Roasted Corn, Ivan’s BBQ & Caribbean Delights, La Nostra Pizza, and Kona Ice. Admission is free, and parking costs $7. Shoes with socks are recommended. Call Dan Ward of Skyward Kites at 305-893-0906 or visit skywardkites.com.
Sun., Oct. 19, 12-5 p.m., 2014