Although the weather might not be cooperating totally, with the weather warming slightly and the cherry blossom festival under way, spring is definitely almost here. What better way to celebrate than to go check out the Smithsonian’s popular 39th Annual Kite Festival planned for this Saturday on the National Mall. At this point, the weather for the festival looks iffy at best: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers, and winds only around 10 miles per hour. Luckily things are looking a bit better for Sunday (the rain date), although with even less wind.

The hallmark of the festival is three competitions: a handmade kite competition, a rokkaku kite battle, and the first-ever “Hot Tricks Showdown” competition. There will also be free kite making for kids and a kite exhibition if your neck needs a break from looking up. The photo is from a group entry titled “Flying Nations” from last year’s festival that won a number of awards.