Kite flying is a timeless pastime that brings joy to people of all ages. Across the United States, numerous kite festivals celebrate this vibrant activity, offering breathtaking displays, competitions, and fun for the whole family. Here are the top 20 kite festivals in the United States you won’t want to miss.
Held every August, this week-long festival is one of the largest and most celebrated kite events in the country. The skies over Long Beach fill with a dazzling array of kites, from massive creatures to intricate designs, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
Coinciding with the stunning cherry blossom season, this festival in late March or early April sees the Washington Monument grounds transformed into a colorful spectacle. Participants enjoy kite-making competitions, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
Located at the scenic Tecolote Shores in Mission Bay, this March festival offers stunning coastal views and features professional kite flyers, workshops, and kids’ activities.
Held in April, this festival brings together kite enthusiasts from across the South for two days of high-flying fun. Highlights include kite-making workshops, stunt kite performances, and a night fly.
Every May, Grand Haven State Park becomes a kite lover’s paradise. Known for its large display of unique and artistic kites, this festival also features kite battles, lessons, and family activities.
This July event at the Berkeley Marina offers stunning displays of giant kites, kite fighting, and Rokkaku battles. It’s a family-friendly event with kids’ activities, food vendors, and live music.
SkyFest is a springtime tradition in Billings, Montana, usually held in April. The festival features impressive kite flying exhibitions, kite-making workshops, and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
Iowa’s largest winter kite festival, held in February, transforms the frozen lake into a vibrant canvas. With giant kites, kite-flying lessons, and a cozy indoor area for warming up, it’s a unique cold-weather event.
This Labor Day weekend festival draws kite enthusiasts to Neshotah Beach for a stunning display of colorful kites, night flies, and live music. It’s a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for kids.
Every March, kite flyers gather at Huntington Beach for this informal, fun-filled event. The festival features spectacular stunt kite performances and is a great place for kite enthusiasts to meet and share their passion.
Part of the larger Blossom Time Festival in May, this kite festival offers a picturesque setting along the Cuyahoga River. Expect beautiful kite displays, kids’ activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
Held in May, this festival transforms Rockaway Beach into a colorful spectacle. The event features kite flying competitions, lessons, and a stunning night fly with illuminated kites.
This unique indoor kite festival takes place in January, showcasing the artistry and skill of indoor kite flying. Participants fly kites in a gymnasium, choreographed to music, creating a mesmerizing experience.
This festival, held in June, features breathtaking kite displays over the majestic Niagara Falls. Visitors enjoy kite-making workshops, stunt kite demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
Held twice a year, in May and October, this festival at the East Coast’s tallest natural sand dune offers a perfect backdrop for kite flying. It includes competitions, workshops, and a variety of kites soaring over the dunes.
This free, family-friendly festival held in April features kite flying competitions, lessons, and spectacular displays along the beautiful Morro Bay coastline.
Taking place over Memorial Day weekend, this festival fills the skies over Cape May’s beaches with colorful kites. It includes competitions, workshops, and plenty of family activities.
Held over Memorial Day weekend, this is one of the largest kite festivals on the East Coast. It features kite workshops, stunt kite demonstrations, and a spectacular night fly.
Every February, this festival brings kite enthusiasts to the warm shores of South Padre Island. The event features large kite displays, demonstrations, and workshops.
This June festival, located in one of the premier kiteboarding destinations in the world, combines traditional kite flying with thrilling kiteboarding demonstrations, making it a unique event for kite enthusiasts.
Each of these festivals offers a unique experience, celebrating the art and joy of kite flying. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or just starting, these events provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy this timeless activity. Mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed by the colorful, high-flying fun that awaits!
