This week, if someone tells you to “go fly a kite” don’t be offended. It’s probably an invitation to the 86th annual Zilker Kite Festival. This Sunday, March 2nd, thousands of Austinites will make their way to Zilker Park’s great lawn for the family-friendly event.
The Zilker Kite Festival, always held on the first Sunday of March, is the longest continuously running kite festival in the United States. For many, the festival is a tradition and marks the start of spring in Austin. It’s free and fun for all ages.
During the festival the lawn fills with kites of all shape, size, color and style. It’s truly a spectacular site. The atmosphere is laid back and festive, with vendors selling food, drinks, t-shirts and of course, kites. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to bring a kite to fly, but of course you don’t have to. It’s also enjoyable to just hang around and watch the sky fill with beautiful colors.
There are kite contests with different categories, such as “steadiest kite” or “most unusual kite,” as well as awards for the oldest and youngest kite fliers and more. Even if you don’t enter it’s entertaining to watch and cheer for your favorite.
What I like about the Zilker Kite Festival is that after all these years it still manages to feel like a true community event. Despite the size it has a local feel, with people of all types coming together. It’s yet another one of those unique events that makes Austin Austin. And it’s free.
This year’s Zilker Kite Festival is on Sunday, March 2nd from 10am to 5pm. Registration for the kite contest starts at 11am and the contest events start at 1pm. For more information on the contests, directions or parking click here.
