The ABC Kite Fest, one of Austin’s most iconic traditions, announced details for its 92nd year. In accordance with local health and safety guidelines, the 2021 ABC Kite Fest will return March 27 and 28 as a city-wide celebration of Austin’s parks in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation.
Sponsored in part by KXAN and Texas Mutual, this year’s ABC Kite Fest encourages Austinites to get outside and fly a kite at their neighborhood park while wearing proper face coverings and maintaining safe social distance from others.
It’s not officially spring in Austin without the ABC Kite Fest, and we’re thrilled to return this year and keep one of the city’s most cherished and iconic traditions alive. While the event looks a bit different from years past, the festival’s fundamental mission to foster childhood creativity rings true and is as strong as ever before. Whether you’re flying a kite for the first time, hosting your own kite contest or discovering your new favorite local park or green space, this year’s event can’t be missed.
Highlights for the 92nd Annual Kite Fest Event
The Exchange Club Community Kite Contest, presented by CapMetro:
Festival organizers encourage families to host kite contests within their COVID-safe community groups. Learn how to host your own kite contest—and how to be featured on the ABC Kite Fest’s social media platforms—on the ABC Kite Fest website.
MossFest, honoring the joyful life of Moss Pieratt:
A children’s concert featuring a variety of playful and family-friendly artists. This year, MossFest will air as a virtual concert through the ABC Kite Fest and Moss Pieratt Foundation websites and will include appearances by Tiarra Girls, Terri Hendrix, Barton Hills Choir, Mr. Will and others.
Pet Zone, presented by H-E-B:
An off-leash pet playground pop-up in Zilker Park featuring dog-friendly activities including a three-ring jump and tunnel run.
The ABC Kite Fest is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, and we’re honored to be a part of it. This year presents the perfect opportunity for Austinites to explore the nearly 300 parks and green spaces our community has to offer as we extend the festival beyond Zilker Park. We can’t wait to see the entire city filled with kites and families enjoying this time-honored tradition at their local parks.
History of the ABC Kite Fest
Founded in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, the ABC Kite Fest 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. Proceeds from the ABC Kite Fest benefit Communities in Schools of Central Texas and the Moss Pieratt Foundation.
Social Distancing: Emphasis on the Social!
All participating kite fliers are encouraged to share photos and videos of their kite-flying experience with the ABC Kite Fest and Austin Parks Foundation by tagging the festival on social media. Be sure to check out these helpful tips for staying safe in parks and outdoor spaces before heading out to the parks on March 27 & 28.
We recommend the following parks and green spaces with ample open space for kite flying during this year’s ABC Kite Fest:
- Bartholomew District Park
- Dick Nichols District Park
- Northwest District Park
- More great parks can be found in our 8 Great Austin Parks to Fly a Kite Blog
Get to Your Favorite Park with Help from CapMetro
As an official sponsor of the ABC Kite Fest, CapMetro recommends using routes throughout the city to navigate to your neighborhood park. Not only is CapMetro sponsoring this year’s kite fest, they’re also sponsors of Austin Parks Foundation. Talk about dedication to our city’s parks and green spaces!
Download the CapMetro App to pay for tickets on the go, keep up-to-date on where your bus is and map your entire itinerary. As always, children ages 18 and younger ride free every day.
