The festival’s 98th year kicks off at 10 a.m. on April 11 in Zilker Park, featuring beloved family events and new sponsors

ABC Kite Fest, the largest and longest-running festival of its kind, announced final details for the event taking place in Zilker Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to cornerstone activities such as the free Exchange Club Kite Contest & Showcase and MossFest children’s concert, attendees can enjoy the Kids Club, Pet Zone and Mini Market thanks to the festival’s generous community sponsors.

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The skies over Zilker are calling—see you this Saturday, April 11!

“ABC Kite Fest has been bringing families together since before Zilker Park even had a bike trail. We're just two years away from the centennial, and I want every family in Austin to come out, fly a kite and be part of this event’s history,” said Bobby Jenkins, owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services, the event’s title sponsor since 2014. “Join me on April 11. Bring your family, your neighbors and, of course, a kite. Let's keep this tradition going together.”

What to expect at the 2026 event:

• The Exchange Club Kite Contest & Showcase, presented by H-E-B, with support from KXAN (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The free-to-enter, historic 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., with events taking place from 1 to 5 p.m. on the Great Lawn of Zilker Park. Participants may compete with handmade or store-bought kites and will be guided through the contest by the beloved KXAN weather team. On the other side of the Great Lawn, find some of the world’s premier kite flyers showcasing large kites and other handmade masterpieces.
• MossFest, a children’s concert presented by PNC Bank, with support from Austin PBS (10 a.m. - 5 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 concert kicks off with Barton Hills Choir, followed by Tio Toto, The Reen, Mr. Will, The Ollie & Sara Show, Disco Tex and Saul Paul at the center of the Kids Club. Following the concert, family-friendly programming will continue on the MossFest stage.
• The Kids Club, presented by Dell Children's, part of Ascension Seton, with support from the YMCA of Greater Austin (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The Kids Club features FREE bounce houses along with face painting and dozens more activities for children of all ages.
• Pet Zone, presented by Austin Subaru, with support from Kinetic Blueprint (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The Pet Zone returns with its off-leash pet playground, pet caricatures and vendors offering pet- and human-friendly food and novelties. Rock climbing walls are also available for (human) recreation.
• Mini Market (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): This pop-up market showcases women-owned small businesses, local artisans and vendors, offering a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, home decor and beauty products.
• The High Flyer Club, presented by Texas Mutual (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The festival’s VIP experience includes early entry into the festival, exclusive access to reserved, prepaid parking, specialty food options and private air-conditioned restrooms. Passes for the High Flyer Club are on sale today for $100.
• Additional media sponsors for the festival include Univision and iHeart Radio, with telecommunications support provided by Verizon.

Getting to the ABC Kite Fest

Prepaid parking and shuttle bus passes are available on the new and improved ABC Kite Fest website, where you can also learn about rideshare, biking and other bus options. Attendees interested in parking at Zilker Park must purchase prepaid parking passes.

The ABC Kite Fest collaborates closely with Texas Disposal Systems to keep Zilker Park clean and well cared for throughout the event. As the festival approaches its centennial, that partnership reflects a shared dedication to protecting the green space that has made this tradition possible for nearly 100 years, so Austin families can continue to enjoy it for generations to come.

If your company is interested in learning more about how to sponsor or exhibit, please contact the ABC Kite Fest team. For more information about ABC Kite Fest, visit www.abckitefest.org or follow the festival on Instagram and Facebook.

About ABC Kite Fest

Held each year in the spring, ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most beloved, family-friendly traditions. The festival boasts day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite contest and showcase, a kids club, pet zone and MossFest, a children’s music concert. Soar into spring and join thousands of Austinites for a free, all-day event filled with kite making, flying and gazing. Founded in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, ABC Kite Fest is underwritten by ABC Home & Commercial Services and produced by the Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information, visit www.abckitefest.org.

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