ABC Kite Fest To Celebrate 98th Year on Saturday, April 11 at Zilker Park

ABC Kite Fest, the largest and longest-running festival of its kind, returns to Zilker Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free festival will celebrate its 98th year in 2026 with familiar activities such as the Exchange Club Kite Contest & Showcase and MossFest children’s concert.

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Free, fun and 98 years strong—ABC Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park on Saturday, April 11!

“There aren't many things in Austin that have been going strong for nearly a century, and that's what makes this festival so special,” said Bobby Jenkins, owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services, the event’s title sponsor since 2014. “I want my grandkids to bring their grandkids to Zilker Park someday and see that same sky full of kites. That's what it's always been about—giving people a reason to get outside, be together and make memories they'll carry with them forever.”

Parking, Shuttles and More: How to get 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 festival’s VIP experience—the High Flyer Club, presented by Texas Mutual—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.

What else will you find at the 98th ABC Kite Fest?

• 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, DiscoTex 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 (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 (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.
• Food and drink (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): Onsite food trucks and concession stands will serve local favorites throughout the day, including Amy’s Ice Creams, La Ola Pop, Wetzel’s, Heros Gyros and The Corndog Company.

Additional media sponsors for the festival include Univision and iHeart Radio with telecommunications support provided by Verizon. 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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