Regardless of your age, background or interests, flying a kite is a universal activity. Throughout the world, kite festivals showcase how sailing a kite through the sky is one of life’s most simple pleasures. Among the world’s kite festivals, ranging from Festival of the Winds in Australia to the International Kite Festival in India to the Hamamatsu Festival in Japan, is Austin’s very own ABC Kite Fest.
An iconic tradition of 93 years, the Zilker Park-located kite festival is one of the most celebrated events in Austin. What was once a simple kite contest has now become a sponsored event facilitated by Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a local nonprofit organization, with proceeds gifted to two community groups in Austin – Communities in Schools of Central Texas and the Moss Pieratt Foundation. Representing the start of spring, the kite festival is an opportunity for community members to gather and enjoy the idyllic sight of thousands of kites flooding the Austin sky.
After a few years of weather woes, then a covid-inflicted pause on the annual event in 2020 and a modified version in 2021, more than 40,000 people showed up for the kite festival’s long-awaited return on April 3. This year’s attendees were welcomed back with kid and pet-friendly activities, a community kite contest and incredible displays such as a life-size astronaut kite flying above the skyline.
Here at Red Fan, we are thankful to have worked with the ABC Kite Fest as our client since 2018. While our team is a mix of kite festival veterans and some newbies, it was something that we collectively enjoyed and will look forward to for years of partnership to come. Read about our highlights from a day of beautiful weather, magnificent kite flying and memories we will continue to cherish below.
Q&A with Red Fan Attendees
Question: How many years have you attended the festival?
Two, including 2022. –Dawn Weston, Vice President of Client Success
The ABC Kite Fest was one of the first major events I ever attended as an Austinite. Back when I was a student at the University of Texas, my roommate and I ventured to the park, crossed the Barton Creek Pedestrian Bridge and emerged from the treeline to a sky filled with kites. It was a spectacle I remember as clear as day. Since then, I’ve attended with and without Red Fan more than six times. Emma Chase, Client Success Manager
2022 was my first year attending the ABC Kite Fest in person at Zilker Park. It was wonderful to be back and experience the event in full force with the Austin community. – Pam Olszewski, Senior Associate
After seven years of living in Austin, this was my first time to attend the ABC Kite Fest. – Mikaela Cannizzo, Associate
This was my first year attending the festival! – Grace Kottak, Fellow
Question: What was your overall impression of this year’s festival?
This year’s festival was full of energy and excitement. Music, kiddos, pups, kites, barbecue – that is Austin all rolled up into one day at Zilker Park. – Dawn
I don’t use this word lightly—it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. I might be a little crispy from sunburn, but I couldn’t stop smiling and staring at the thousands of people and kites filling up the park. The ABC Kite Fest is pure magic. – Emma
It was magical! Everyone was so happy to be there and watching the kites fill the sky was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The festival did an amazing job with the VIP area, kite contest and children’s activities. There was truly something for everyone! – Pam
My overall impression of the festival was that people are just excited to be outside and enjoying one another’s company. After a two year hiatus, it was evident that people missed the event. – Mikaela
Upon entering Zilker Park, I felt like a kid again. The atmosphere was whimsical and the collective joy undeniable. – Grace
Question: What was your highlight(s) of the day?
I loved seeing my two-year-old daughter marvel at all the people and kites in the sky. Since she was born an Austinite, it’s like a right of passage to go to the Kite Fest. Right up there with South by Southwest, Austin City Limits and Eeyore’s Birthday Party! – Dawn
My highlights from the day included seeing MossFest and the Kids Club fill up and stay full all day, watching the 50-yard dash at the Kite Contest and Showcase, spotting Kaxan at the KXAN booth, listening to Bobby Jenkins tell KXAN, CBS Austin and FOX why the ABC Kite Fest is the best event in Austin, but most of all, I enjoyed spending a day with my Red Fan family laughing, working hard and enjoying one of the most rewarding client experiences ever! – Emma
My highlight was that the weather was absolutely perfect. I loved walking around and seeing families enjoying the day and flying kites together. The music from MossFest carried through the air and made it such a fun atmosphere. – Pam
My particular highlight of the day was simply looking up and seeing so many kites in the air. I’ve never seen anything like this and I just felt thankful to be there, taking it all in. I heard recently that flying a kite is like “magic” and that sentiment was reflected during the kite fest for me. Flying my own kite for only the second time was the cherry on top! – Mikaela
Sitting down and just looking up at the constellation of kites was a highlight. I’d never seen anything like it. I also pet a lot of smiley dogs, which is always a happy experience. – Grace
Question: Why would you recommend others to attend next year’s festival?
It’s truly a fun-filled day of play. Life gets so serious; getting out and enjoying some fresh air and celebrating with your community is good for your soul. – Dawn
I frequently hear people say, “I haven’t flown a kite in years!” Flying a kite is one of life’s simple joys. Basking in the sun with a kite in the air surrounded by tens of thousands of Austinites is truly unforgettable. – Emma
The ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most iconic events and a perfect way to spend a Sunday outdoors with friends. There’s something special about not only flying your own kite, but also seeing thousands of people enjoying the same activity alongside you. – Pam
I’d recommend others attend this event next year because it is a great way to step back from the busyness of everyday life and enjoy the company of your family members, friends and other locals you may not even know in a refreshing and unique environment. – Mikaela
I’d recommend the kite festival to anyone. One of my only regrets is that I didn’t bring more people with me. That, and not bringing my own kite to fly. – Grace
