Every spring, the skies above Jockey's Ridge State Park are filled with creative, colorful kites for one of the brightest events of the season. The Fly Into Spring Kite Festival is hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites every year. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the arrival of warmer weather on the Outer Banks and the start of National Kite Month. Come each year to enjoy spectacular kite displays, family activities, and lots of sunshine and ocean air.
If you're planning to attend this year, here's everything you need to know before hitting the sand.
Event Overview: Fly Into Spring Kite Festival
Dates: April 3 - 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Jockey's Ridge State Park
Admission: Free and open to the public
The festival celebrates the beginning of spring on the Outer Banks with giant display kites ranging from 30 to 100 feet long soaring above the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast.
Visitors can:
- Watch professional kite flyers perform aerial demonstrations
- Fly their own kite on the dunes
- Take photos of massive display kites
- Participate in family-friendly activities
- Enjoy springtime weather and ocean breezes
The event is designed for all ages and experience levels, meaning this is the perfect place to bring the kiddos for the day, make an afternoon of it as a family, or simply make a day trip to celebrate the winds and colorful history that make the Outer Banks so special.
Festival Highlights and Main Events
Giant Show Kites Over the Dunes
You're going to love the main event of the Fly Into Spring Kite Festival - the massive 30-to-100 foot kites that are gonna be flying high over Jockey's Ridge State Park. These massive kites will take to the sky and include a wide variety of creatures, from ocean and land animals to abstract designs that you'll be able to see from the road. But trust us, the view is even better up close on the dunes.
Stunt Kite Demonstrations
While you're hanging out on the dunes, be prepared to see amateur and experienced kite pilots performing stunts and showing off their kite choreography.
Family Kit Flying
Bring your own kite and don't miss out on the fun. With the plentiful dunes and open space, you'll find the prime wind conditions for an incredible kite-flying experience for everyone, from beginner to experienced. Bring your own from home or pick one up at Kitty Hawk Kites before walking over.
Kids Activities & Easter Fun
While you're hanging out, stick around the Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday. This event takes place across the street from the dunes outside Kitty Hawk Kites on Saturday to take your picture with the Easter Bunny, and let your kids join in the fun during our annual Jockey’s Ridge Crossing Easter Egg Hunt! Kitty Hawk Kites will be hosting small-scale Easter Egg Hunts! You can invite your friends and family to participate with special prizes included!
Where to Park for the Festival
You'll find parking in two primary locations near the festival:
- Jockey's Ridge State Park parking lot (300 W. Carolista Dr., Nags Head, NC 27959)
- Kitty Hawk Kites (3933 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC 27959)
You'll find that both lots offer a 10-minute walk through the dunes to reach the prime festival viewing area.
Parking Tips
- Arrive earlier in the day to secure parking
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand, like tennis shoes or beach shoes, in case the sand is hot
- Stick to all pedestrian crossings on Highway 158 if parking at Kitty Hawk Kites.
What to Bring With You to the Festival
The festival is free and open to the public, but a little forethought and planning will ensure that you and your family have the best time out in the sun. Don't forget to bring:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A hat or umbrella
- Water bottles/drinks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A blanket and/or beach chairs
- Your own kite to fly
- Camera/phone for photos
The sand can warm up quickly on a sunny day, and the winds are usually pretty steady, so plan for lightweight layers and expect things to get a little sandy.
Pet Policy
Dogs are welcome at the festival. However, it's important to follow all local and state rules, including:
- Pets must remain leashed at all times
- Owners should bring water for their pets
- Follow all NC State Park regulations while on the property
Consider bringing shade, protective gear, or booties for your dog as the open dune environment can get hot quickly on sunny days.
Best Places to Eat After the Kite Festival
After spending the day exploring the dunes, watching and flying kites, and soaking up that irreplaceable Outer Banks sunshine in the sand, your whole family will probably be ready for something delicious. Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy while you're there, then head out to one of several amazing Outer Banks restaurants that are just a short drive away for dinner.
Restaurants Near Jockey's Ridge
Tortuga's Lie
This longtime OBX favorite spot is ideal for enjoying Caribbean-inspired seafood, sushi, burgers, and beachy cocktails in a classically Outer Banks atmosphere. They've got some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have.
- 3014 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
- 252-441-7299
Shaka's Beach Bar & Grill
This fun, surf-themed restaurant boasts a lively atmosphere, great seafood, burgers, and beachy drinks all just a few minutes' drive from Jockey's Ridge.
- 405 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC 27959
- 252-715-0537
Mulligan's Grille
Known around the beach for having some of the best seafood around, Mulligan's is located just across the street from Jockey's Ridge and offers rooftop dining with an ocean view, delicious seafood and beer pairings, and a fantastic atmosphere that the whole family will love.
- 4005 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC 27959
- 252-480-2000
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Blue Moon is a staple on the Outer Banks, offering creative Southern food alongside delicious local seafood, drink specials, and more. With a little something for everyone, you can't go wrong with a trip to Blue Moon Beach Grill after your day on the dunes.
- 102 E. Dove St., Nags Head, NC 27959
- 252-261-2583
Sam & Omie's
An iconic OBX restaurant with decades of history steeped in local fishing lore, Sam & Omie's boasts fantastic seafood dinners and hearty Southern-style breakfasts that are sure to leave the whole family satisfied.
- 7228 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
- 252-441-7366
Surfin' Spoon (Perfect for Dessert!)
After you've grabbed a hearty dinner, make sure to stop by Surfin' Spoon for dessert! This popular frozen yogurt bar offers rotating flavors, tons of toppings, and incredible ice cream sandwiches that are the ideal treat after a warm spring day on the dunes.
- 3408 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
- 252-441-7873
Why is Jockey's Ridge State Park the Perfect Place to Fly a Kite?
Jockey's Ridge State Park is almost impossible to miss as you're driving down Highway 158 in Nags Head. This massive natural sand dune stands 100 feet tall and extends across more than 420 acres of state-protected land. This height and proximity to the ocean offer the ideal wind conditions for flying a kite during the festival or any time that the park is open. With so much wide, open space, both professionals and families will be able to safely launch and fly their kites in the breeze, while there's also plenty of space to put a blanket down on the dunes and watch the spectacle in the sky.
These are the same winds that powered the Wright Brothers' experiments with flight, making it one of the best spots in the world for kite flying, hang gliding, and more.
Make It a Weekend: Other Things to Do
The festival falls on Easter Weekend this year (2026), meaning there are plenty of other amazing ways to spend Easter on the Outer Banks! Take advantage of the fun things to do in April on the Outer Banks and be sure to:
- Take the kids to the Eggstravaganza
- Visit Eastertide in the Gardens
- Enjoy the mild temperatures
- Spend time at the beach with fewer crowds
- Take in a sunset over the sound
- See the sights while wait times are shorter
Fly Into Spring Kite Festival FAQ
When is the Fly Into Spring Kite Festival?
The festival takes place April 3 - 4, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head.
Is the festival free?
Yes. Admission is completely free and open to the public.
Can visitors fly their own kites?
Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring their own kites and join the fun on the dunes.
Where should I park for the festival?
Parking is available at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the nearby Kitty Hawk Kites shopping area, both about a 10-minute walk to the dunes.
Is the event good for kids?
Definitely. The festival is family-friendly and includes kite flying, demonstrations, and activities designed for all ages.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash while on state park property.
What happens if the wind is low?
Even if winds vary, visitors can still enjoy demonstrations, family activities, and exploring the dunes.
Book Your Spring Stay Today!
Once you've attended the Fly into Spring Kite Festival once, you're going to want to come back year after year to usher in the spring and celebrate the best of aerial sports on the Outer Banks. Whether you're coming into town for the weekend or you've got a whole week to enjoy the surf, sand, and sun, the Fly into Spring Kite Festival is the perfect addition to your spring OBX vacation.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
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