Things to Do

The Historic 89th ABC Kite Festival is Flying High Into Zilker Park

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Tony Maples Photography

 

One of the most cherished and long-standing traditions, the ABC Kite Festival, is set to fly high over Zilker Park in Austin, Texas for its 89th annual event on March 4, 2018. This historic festival is now “…the longest-running festival of its kind, underwritten by ABC Home & Commercial Services and produced by the Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a 501(c)3 nonprofit,” shares its website.

Soaring over the skies of Austin with thousands of kites flying high over this family-friendly tradition, it creates a picturesque frame of colorful and decorative kites lining the skies of Zilker Park. One of the cities greatest family-friendly traditions, the ABC Kite Fest traditionally marks the beginning of the spring season in both Austin, as well as the Texas Hill Country

Shared by AndyRoo & the AndyRooniverse on Facebook, this video captures the essence of the event. “Whether you are an expert kite flyer or a novice, the kite festival provides you with the runway to show off your most colorful kites,” shares the festival. There’s plenty to see and do with a few new added attractions for a “…free all-day entertainment for the entire family.”

With over 35,000 in attendance annually, you don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to create new and exciting memories. Below are some of the highlights you can expect at this year’s festival:

  • The Anteater Fun Run: The 2.1-mile run will kick off the festival at 9:30 a.m. The trail begins at the Zilker moontower and ends at the ABC Kite Fest near the MossFest stage.
  • MossFest, presented by Texas Mutual: MossFest, a children’s concert held in honor of John “Moss” Pieratt Jr., takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside the festival and features artists Andyrooniverse, Big Don, Hey Lolly and Trout Fishing in America.
  • The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest, presented by H-E-B: With categories including the 50-yard dash and “most unusual kite” as well as expert flyers performing with professional-grade kites, the classic showcase and contest is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free to compete with handmade kites only. For more details on categories and registration, visit the ABC Kite Fest website.
  • The Kids Club, presented by St. David’s Children’s Hospital: Featuring bounce houses, face painting and more, the Kids Club is a day-long activity center for children of all ages.
  • High Flyer Club: For attendees interested in VIP parking, all-day food options and more, the High Flyer Club offers designated parking spots and catered eats from Central Market. Tickets are available on the festival website.

Mark your calendars for this free family event on March 4, 2018, at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. so grab the kids, your kites, pack a scrumptious picnic for added delight, and even your four-legged friends can join in the fun. Proceeds from this event will benefit Communities in Schools of Central Texas as well as the Moss Pieratt Foundation.

For updates and more information on the festival, tickets, sponsorship or vendor opportunities, visit www.abckitefestival.org, follow the ABC Kite Fest on Instagram, or like the festival on Facebook.