Go Fly a Kite: Nation’s Longest Running Kite Fest March 5

Let spirits and kites soar at the upcoming ABC Kite Fest in Austin. The nation’s longest running kite festival takes flight on Sunday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the fields of Zilker Park. Presented and produced by local, family-owned company ABC Home & Commercial Services, ABC Kite Fest will host an estimated 20,000 local kite-loving fans picnicking and marveling at thousands of amateur and professional kite flyers, according to a press release. The event’s tagline is “Lifting spirits. Lifting lives. Since 1929” is a nod to the social good proceeds make possible – benefitting Communities In Schools and the Moss Pieratt Foundation.

Photo: Courtesy of Wyatt Brand/ABC Kite Festival

This year’s festival is expected to be better than ever, the release said, with a full lineup of expanded activities that are designed to build on the inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere. The 88th Annual Exchange Club Kite Contest for homemade kites is open to all ages with categories such as largest kite, steadiest kite, smallest kite, strongest pulling kite and most unusual kite.

The VIP Breakfast will start the day, with a catered breakfast provided by Gourdough’s Donuts, an exclusive swag bag as well as seating with a view. While the kite festival is a free event, the VIP Breakfast allows guests to enjoy extra perks in exchange for their $80 donation. The tickets (available ) also come with parking in Zilker Park.

Photo: Courtesy of Wyatt Brand/ABC Kite Festival

This year the festival will include its first “Anteater Fun Run.” The 2.1-mile course begins at the Zilker Tree and ends inside the ABC Kite Fest near the MossFest stage. Once complete, finishers will get to enjoy post race food and beverage and are encouraged to explore the entire footprint of the festival and enjoy a relaxing spring day of kite flying, fun family activities and live music. Registration details can be found .

Families will have a special new place to sit and play this year. The “MossFest Children’s Concert” will fill up Lou Neff Point with the Texas Mutual Stage, family-oriented musicians, and an array of children’s activities and vendors.

Photo: Courtesy of Wyatt Brand/ABC Kite Festival

The 2017 Kid Zone will serve as an epicenter for family fun and will include inflatables and face painting.

New elements for 2017 also include a Mini-Cupcake Decorating Station, a Braid and Bun Bar where kids can get their hair braided, put in a bun and colored (with non-permanent color) and The Doggie Den, a pet lounge, and shop where four-legged friends can rest and retreat from the sun and crowds.