Smithsonian Kite Festival

Imagine hundreds of kites in every color, shape and size soaring skyward around the Washington Monument and you will begin to appreciate the Smithsonian Kite Festival. Kite fliers of all ages from across the United States and the world gather to fly handmade kites and compete for prizes during this colorful event on the last Saturday in March.

Travel Information

Smithsonian Kite Festival

Washington, DC

Hours: 10 am - 4 pm. Competitions are held from 10:30 am - noon and 1 - 2 pm.

Admission: Free

Parking: Street parking near the Washington Monument is very limited. General visitor parking is available along Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials.

Metrorail: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle on the Orange and Blue lines.

Nearby Attractions

Washington Monument

Smithsonian Museums

National Mall

The Kite Festival features a handmade kite competition for children (ages 11 and under, and 12-15) and adults, with awards given in categories such as most artistic, most humorous and most patriotic. Other highlights include a Hot Tricks kite flying competition and the popular Rokkaku Kite battle, in which Japanese-style kites battle each other for sole command of the sky.

Also featured are lots of family-friendly exhibits, hands-on activities and a free kite giveaway for children. The Smithsonian Kite Festival sponsored by the Smithsonian Associates and the National Air and Space Museum. It was founded in 1967 by aviation pioneer Paul E. Garber (1899-1992).