Published on
March 10, 2026
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Austin, Texas, is excited about welcoming back one of the city’s favorite events, the ABC Kite Fest. This year, the festival will celebrate its 98th anniversary. This year, the festival will be at Zilker Park on April 11, 2026. This event is an Austin tradition for the entire family. There will be many other activities and entertainment for everyone. This festival is free! It will be a great day for everyone, both local and out-of-town attendees.
The ABC Kite Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a lot of kite flying, fun competitions, and entertainment for people of all ages. Austin is a special place, and the ABC Kite Fest is a perfect showcase of the creativity and community spirit of the city.
What to Expect at the 98th ABC Kite Fest
Kite Contests and Showcases
The Exchange Club Kite Contest & Showcase, presented by H-E-B and sponsored by KXAN, is expected to be one of the most exciting parts of the day. Kite flyers of all ages are invited to participate in one of the Kite Fest’s oldest traditions. Creativity will be flowing in the contest, as participants compete in the “Most Unusual Kite” and “Highest Angle Kite” categories. Contest participants will be at the Great Lawn from 1 to 5 p.m. Registration opens at 11.
As if that section of the contest wasn’t exciting enough, some of the world’s best kite flyers will be displaying and flying some of the biggest kites, which will be showcased all across the Great Lawn. Attendees will be able to see and enjoy the kites, which is exciting.
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MossFest Children’s Concert
Younger festival-goers can enjoy MossFest, a children’s music concert. MossFest is a live music concert that honors John “Moss” Pieratt Jr., who loved music and had a vivacious spirit. Concert attendees will enjoy live performances by Barton Hills Choir, Tio Toto, The Reen, and Mr. Will. The concert will span 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The concert is a way to honor Moss Pieratt and is also meant to provide a great musical experience to families.
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The Kids Club and Pet Zone
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Kids Club, sponsored by Dell Children’s, will feature many fun activities for children of all ages. Visitors will enjoy free bounce houses, face painting, and many other fun activities. Off of the Kids Club, the Pet Zone, sponsored by Austin Subaru, will feature an off-leash pet playground and pet caricatures. There will also be pet-related food and novelties.
If you want to check out more booths, the Mini Market will be open and features women-owned businesses and local artisans, including clothing, home goods, and more. During the day, a variety of local food trucks will be onsite including Amy’s Ice Creams, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and La Ola Pops.
VIP Experience and Transportation
For those looking to have a fancier festival experience, the High Flyer Club, presented by Texas Mutual, will have VIP experiences. These include early entrance to the festival, special prepaid parking, special food options, and private a/c restrooms. VIP passes are $100 and provide a more elevated experience.
For transportation, prepaid parking and shuttle bus passes can be purchased through the ABC Kite Fest’s new and improved website. This will be your best option to get to the fest quickly. The new site includes more detailed information regarding parking, rideshare options, and other transportation alternatives.
The Legacy of ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest is also a celebration of the resilience of the community spirit in Austin. In the last nearly 100 years, many generations have come together to create wonderful memories and traditions. The festival is a true testament to the spirit of the city with all of its growth and change.
Bobby Jenkin’s ABC Home & Commercial Services has been a title sponsor since 2014. Jenkin hopes that the ABC Kite Fest continues to inspire future generations the same way it has with all of the former generations. Jenkin hopes to see, one day, his grandchildren’s grandchildren at the festival in a vibrant sea of kites, the way it has been for 100 years.
Festival attendees at Zilker Park are able to take part in the community and enjoy the Texas skies filled with colorful kites. The festival is a celebration of community, festival-goers, and the Texas skies filled with colorful kites.
Conclusion
The ABC Kite Fest has been showcasing Austin’s spirit and creativity for 98 years, and with the festival returning in 2026 for another year, the Austin kite festival tradition will continue. Each year, the ABC Kite Fest brings in hundreds of participants and spectators, and the festival has become a tradition for many families who look forward to this free activity at Zilker Park! Pets can join in on the fun, along with various kid-friendly activities, and Austin’s live music will be a fun addition to the festival. ABC Kite Fest will be a great spring day with lasting memories!
