With its cool Bay breezes, grassy hills, and open fields, Lynch Canyon has the year-round elements that are ideal for flying a kite high in the sky. 

Every year, families from throughout Solano County and beyond come to Lynch Canyon for the Solano Land Trust’s annual Kite Festival. This year’s event, the 10th annual, is Saturday, May 5, from noon to 4 p.m. 

Local residents and visitors are invited to bring their family and friends, a picnic lunch, and of course, their kites to this natural park and working ranch off Interstate 80 between Fairfield and Vallejo.  Kites will also be available to purchase.  The festival is free and parking is $6.  Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome.

Lynch Canyon’s annual kite festival is the legacy of Mike Rydjord, who passed away in 2013. Rydjord was a C-5 and US Airways pilot, and a flight instructor at Travis Air Force Base. He founded the festival to share his love of air, wind, land and flying. He would spend his time at the festival helping first-timers get airborne and discussing technique with more experienced flyers.

People around the world have been flying kites for centuries. Kites have been used to fight evil spirits, bless harvests, carry messages, advance science, win wars, learn about wind and weather, and bring joy. Learn more about kite flying at kite.org.

Lynch Canyon is home to wildlife and free-range cattle, and visitors may explore the trails on foot, mountain bike, or horse. Participants should bring their own drinking water since there is none at Lynch Canyon. Dogs are not allowed. For more information about the kite festival, visit solanolandtrust.org or call 707-432-0150.

Lynch Canyon is at 3100 Lynch Road, near McGary Road, between Vallejo and Fairfield. From I-80, exit American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke or Red Top Road, and follow signs to Lynch Canyon. Lynch Canyon is owned by Solano Land Trust and is part of the Solano County Parks system. Solano Land Trust protects land to ensure a healthy environment, keep ranching and farming families on their properties, and inspire a love of the land. For more information about Solano Land Trust, its upcoming events, and to make a donation, visitsolanolandtrust.org.