SEPTEMBER 11-12
Outer Banks Kite Festival Returns to Jockey’s Ridge September 11–12

By on August 31, 2026

Outer Banks Kite Festival
Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park | Nags Head, NC
Free

The skies over Jockey’s Ridge State Park will fill with color, movement, and some seriously big kites during the 2026 Outer Banks Kite Festival, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The free, family-friendly festival brings some of the nation’s best stunt kite pilots to the Outer Banks for two days of impressive aerial displays, professional demonstrations, hands-on lessons, and kite-flying fun.

Festivalgoers can look to the skies for massive display kites, including a 100-foot octopus, an 80-foot panda, and a 50-foot fish, flying high above the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge. Throughout the weekend, professional kite pilots will showcase incredible artistry and skill through synchronized routines, kite flying set to music, stunt demonstrations, and more.

Visitors who want to get in on the action can also participate in free stunt and power kite lessons taught by experienced kite professionals. Whether guests are longtime kite enthusiasts or picking up the lines for the first time, the festival offers opportunities for all ages and experience levels to enjoy the sport.

On Saturday, younger kite fliers can join the fun during the annual Speedy Sprout Sprint at 11:00 a.m. Children will race to see who can get their kite the highest, with prizes from Kitty Hawk Kites awarded to the top three sprinters.

Set against the iconic landscape of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the Outer Banks Kite Festival celebrates the area’s longstanding connection to flight while offering a unique outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike.

Activities include:

  • Massive display kites, including a 100-foot octopus, 80-foot panda, and 50-foot fish
  • World-class stunt kite demonstrations
  • Synchronized kite performances set to music
  • Free stunt kite lessons
  • Free power kite lessons
  • Speedy Sprout Sprint — Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
  • Family-friendly kite flying throughout the weekend

Festival activities and demonstrations are dependent on wind and weather conditions.

About Kitty Hawk Kites

Founded on the Outer Banks in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has spent more than 50 years sharing the excitement of flight and outdoor adventure with visitors and locals alike. From kite flying and hang gliding to watersports, recreation, retail, and family-friendly festivals, Kitty Hawk Kites continues its mission to Teach the World to Fly.

For more information about the Outer Banks Kite Festival and other Kitty Hawk Kites events, visit KittyHawk.com.

 

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