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Kite Festival FAQs
   
  • Admission
    • Who can participate at the festival?
      Do I have to fly a kite to come to this event?
      • This is a day for everyone to fly their kites.

        You don't have to fly a kite to come to the event. A lot of folks make this a day in the park to have time together and see this incredible sight. However, after seeing all the kites you might want to try one. World Wind Kites will be there in case the notion strikes you. There will also be a kite making workshop (open 11-4) where a kite is made in less than 10 minutes and guaranteed to fly.
    • Is there a cost to get in?
      • The kite festival is FREE, there is no admission. Everyone is welcome. You might want to bring a few bucks for concessions or a T-Shirt. There will be an array of delicious food offered. A percentage of every purchase at the Kite Festival supports local non-profits working to prevent child abuse.
  • Facilitator & beneficiary
    • Who puts this event on and who benefits?
      • The Zilker Park Kite Festival is sponsored by The Exchange Club of Austin and the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The 'Kite Tournament' was created by The Exchange Club of Austin in 1929 with a mission to encourage creativity in children. Exchange Club President Ed St. John came up with the idea to give kids a constructive activity the community could participate in. The Exchange Club uses revenue from Concessions, Kite and T-Shirt sales to help local kids who are in abusive situations and to prevent child abuse. Scholarships are given to high school seniors who have overcome challenges to enable them to attend college. So help the kids by buying a drink, hot dog, kid's activity, t-shirt, or kite. We thank you for it!
  • Festival Location and Parking
    • Where is the Kite Festival held?
    • Is there parking at Zilker?
      • Yes, there will be some parking on the west (Mopac) side of the park - it's limited and usually fills up early. However, FREE parking is available at the state garage at 17th St. and Colorado (1604 Colorado St. across from the News 8 building). FREE shuttle ride to the park starting at 10:00am. Last shuttle leaves for the park at 4:00pm. Last shuttle leaves the park to the garage at 5:30pm. Shuttles stop right at the contest field, Bring your picnic gear, kites and the family. Dogs on a leash are welcome on the shuttles.

        FYI-Reaaally big coolers won't fit on the shuttle busses and will be turned away by Festival staff.
        Another FYI - If the event is postponed to the rain date, parking in Zilker Park will be $3.00 per car.
    • Will there be special needs parking?
      • Yes! City of Austin Parks and Recreation facilities are fully ADA compliant and special needs parking is available at the Park. Also there will be Shuttles with special needs capability.
  • Schedule & changes
    • What time does it start?
      • Booths open at 10am, Registration for the kite contest starts at 11am and kite contest events start at 1:00pm. The Festival closes at 5:00pm.
    • Are there other kids activities besides kite flying?
      • Yes! Moon walks, face painting, go fish - a lot of fun activities are offered for kids of all ages.
    • What if it rains?
      • Bad weather does happen. We have a rain date of one week later, March 9, same place, same time, same schedule. It takes a LOT of bad weather to get us to post-pone the event. If it's cloudy we will still have the event. You can call the Kite Festival hotline at 512-448-KITE (5483) for an update. The decision will be posted by 9am Kite Day morning.

        FYI- If the event is held on the rain date and you choose to drive into the park, there is a fee to park at Zilker. If you use the shuttles - your parking and ride is still FREE! Just thought you might like to know.
    • Can we get a Kite there?
      • Please bring your own kites. We also offer a Kite Festival workshop where you can learn how to built your own.
  • Rules
    • Kite Festival Safety Rules
      • -Be kind and courteous.
        -No cutting strings. Anyone cutting kite lines will be ejected from the event.
        -Don't bring anything to the Festival that puts others in danger.
        -Don't cross flying lines.
        -Don't fly your kites over the contest field while the contest is being done.
        -Be mindful of the people around you. Fly safely!
    • Can I bring my dog?
      • Yes! The Kite Festival is famous for being canine friendly. Please bring your pet on a leash to insure the safety of everyone. Break out your dog's favorite t-shirt, this is the place for well dressed dogs.
    • Can I Bring a Picnic?
      • Yes! No glass containers please. We encourage you to create a picnic by purchasing the delicious foods offered at the event. A percentage of each sale goes to help children in Central Texas.
    • Austin Park and Recreation - Park Rules
  • Contest
    • Who can enter the Kite Contest?
      • Anybody with a homemade kite. The kite contest is open to everyone and there is no cost to compete. Competition Kites must be home made - no mass-produced manufactured stuff. The Kite Festival wants to inspire your creativity. There are separate adult and youth categories. For kite contest events click here click here and for rules click here.
    • Can I register in the contest ahead of time?
      • No, there's no advance registration. Bring your kite on the day of the event - Registration tables open at 11am.
    • Do I have to compete in the contest to fly a kite at the event?
      • Do I have to compete in the contest to fly a kite at the event? Absolutely not! Kite Day is for flying kites. Bring your kite, no matter what kind it is, and fly it. Let's see how many we can paint the sky with.

        FYI- During the kite contest, we only allow contestants on the field roped off for the contest. You can fly anywhere else - well maybe not near a kite eating tree. There are a few of those in the Park.
  • Volunteers & Vendors
    • Do you need volunteers?
      • Yes! It takes between 200 and 400 folks to make the Festival work. We start signing folks up in January to volunteer. Volunteers work in shifts to give them time to enjoy the event. Click here for more information on volunteering.
    • How can I become a vendor at the Kite Festival?
      • We do accept vendors up tp 30 days before the event date. Kite Festival vendors are chosen by several criteria. Click here for information on vending operations at the Kite Festival. Gotta question about the Zilker Kite Festival not answered? Click here.
   


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