Every spring, the skies above Zilker Park in Austin are the focus of the beloved ABC Kite Fest. This event, founded in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, is the nation's longest-running kite festival. Initially designed to inspire creativity among children, it has evolved into a cherished tradition with an estimated 50,000 attendees of all ages each year. Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, this free, family-friendly kite fest in Austin invites everyone to bring their kites, kids, and picnic blankets for a timeless day out.
When and Where is the ABC Kite Festival Held?
The ABC Kite Fest takes place on April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Zilker Park. Centrally located in the heart of Downtown Austin, the park is an oasis in the busy city, with water features like Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake within easy reach.
Courtesy ABC Kite Fest.
Best Things to Do at the Kite Festival
The ABC Kite Festival has plenty of activities designed to entertain all ages. The Exchange Club Community Kite Contest & Showcase allows kite-fliers to demonstrate their kite-flying skills and win prizes for different categories like the steadiest kite, highest angle kite and more.
For children, the festival features a 50-Yard Dash, where the dash to the finish requires keeping their kites aloft. The Kids Club includes face painting and free bounce houses that guarantee hours of fun. The Pet Zone, featuring an off-leash area and fun obstacle courses, is perfect for keeping your furry friends entertained. Shopping is available at the Mini-Market, which features women-owned small businesses from the Austin area.
How to Enter the Kite Contest?
Entering the kite contest at the Austin Kite Festival is straightforward and free for all ages. Participants are invited to register between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm on April 11, with the contest kicking off at 1:00 pm. Remember, handmade and store-bought kites can be entered into the kite contest. The competition features various categories, focusing on everything from structural integrity to funky designs, including the Steadiest Kite, Highest Angle Kite, and Most Unusual Kite.
Courtesy of ABC Kite Fest.
Kite Fest Parking
This year, several parking options are available to festival goers, including parking in the various lots surrounding Zilker Park. It is highly encouraged to purchase parking ahead of time to ensure you have a spot on the day of the event. Off-site parking with a shuttle to the festival will also be available at Toney Burger Activity Center and Stadium.
If you want to avoid the hassle of driving, you can always take the CapMetro public transportation system, which has several routes that service Zilker Park. Also, the Butler Hike & Bike Trail passes directly by the park and spans 10 miles around Lady Bird Lake, so you'll have plenty of options for getting there and taking in the festivities!
Looking for more spring events? Check out our calendar to start planning your trip.
