The ABC Kite Fest is back! The largest and longest-running festival of its kind, the annual festival is happening Sunday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at Zilker Park.
Here’s Everything You Need To Know About ABC Kite Fest!
More than 50,000 kites take to the sky at the beloved festival each Spring in Austin. The family friendly festival boasts day-long activities for all ages. Soar into spring and join thousands of Austinites for a free, all-day event filled with a variety of fun, all-ages activities as well as food and drinks from beloved local vendors.
2024 Kite Fest festivities include:
- The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest, presented by H-E-B (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): The free-to-enter community contest is open to all and includes categories such as “most unusual kite” and “highest angle kite.” Registration for the contest begins at 11 a.m., and participants may enter contest events, which take place from 1 to 4 p.m., with handmade or store-bought kites. ABC Kite Fest’s showcase, which features some of the world’s premier kite flyers showing off their skills, will run alongside the contest throughout the festival.
- MossFest, a children’s concert presented by PNC Bank (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Hosted by the Moss Pieratt Foundation, MossFest celebrates the life of John “Moss” Pieratt, Jr., his love for music and people, and the joy he inspired in others. This year’s MossFest will feature beloved artists like Barton Hills Choir, Justin Roberts, DiscoTex and Mr. Will from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center of the Kids Club. Following the concert, family friendly programming will continue on the MossFest stage.
- The Kids Club, presented by Texas Children’s (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Built for children of all ages, the Kids Club features free bounce houses and activities to keep kids engaged throughout the festival.
- Pet Zone, presented by Austin Subaru (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Pet Zone features an off-leash pet playground pop-up within the festival that offers fun activities (and a little exercise) for your furry friends—including a three-ring jump and tunnel run. Rock climbing walls are also available for (human) recreation.
Food and drink options are available to all attendees. Onsite food trucks and concession stands will serve local favorites throughout the day, including Amy’s Ice Creams, JP’s Pancake Company, and Chi’Lantro BBQ.
VIP Ticket Option:
And if you’re looking for a more VIP experience, check out the High Flyer Club, presented by Texas Mutual. Tickets to the High Flyer Club offer a VIP hospitality experience including early entry into the festival, access to reserved parking, specialty food options, and a private air-conditioned restroom. Passes for the High Flyer Club are on sale for $100.
Kite Fest Parking Info:
- Pre-paid parking passes are available. ABC Kite Fest parking passes grant single-day parking access for one vehicle to the designated lot purchased, parking is limited, buy early to guarantee a spot.
- ABC Shuttle Bus Passes grant round-trip service to Zilker Park. Board at the South Austin or Downtown Austin locations and you’ll be dropped at Andrew Zilker Road just south of Barton Springs Road. When you’re finished kite-flying and gazing, hop back on for a return trip to the same spot. Shuttles will run on a continuous loop from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Plan your trip with capmetro.org. Zilker Park is served by Routes 3 & 803. MetroRapid 803 runs every 15 minutes during the event, this route takes riders to Barton Springs Station on South Lamar Boulevard. See the 803 Current Schedule here. MetroBus 3 runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week, this route takes riders to Barton Springs Station on South Lamar Boulevard. See the 003 Schedule here.
Founded as a simple kite contest in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, Austin’s annual kite festival was designed to foster creativity in children. Now it is the country’s longest running festival of its kind, underwritten by ABC Home and Commercial Services and produced by Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
For more information about ABC Kite Fest, visit www.abckitefest.org. Follow ABC Kite Fest on Instagram and Facebook for more information and updates.
