This year’s event adds customized shopping experience, returns family and pet-friendly activities to the nation’s longest-running kite festival

AUSTIN, Texas, April 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ABC Kite Fest, the largest and longest-running festival of its kind, today announced final details for the 96th iteration of the Austin festival staple, which takes place every year in Zilker Park. Taking place on April 14, this year’s event will blend old favorites like the Pet Zone, Kids Club and MossFest with new activities—ensuring this year’s festival will continue to provide fun for the whole family.

For the first time, ABC Kite Fest is partnering with Mini Market to bring a curated shopping experience to this year’s event. A pop-up market featuring women-owned small businesses, Mini Market will showcase 10 unique local businesses alongside a special activation by woom, the children’s bicycle company. ABC Kite Fest is also pleased to announce the return of "GO BIG or GO HOME," a professional kite flying group known for its intricately designed, large-format kites, as part of the all-day kite showcase taking place on Zilker Park’s Great Lawn.

"ABC has had the opportunity to maintain this Austin tradition for nearly a decade, offering Austinites of all ages the opportunity to enjoy family-friendly activities while we fill the skyline with colorful kites. The last 10 years have demonstrated, time and again, that the ABC Kite Fest is an irreplaceable part of Austin’s culture," said Bobby Jenkins, CEO and owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services. "I can’t wait to spend the day basking in the sunshine and flying kites with my children and grandchildren. I encourage every Austinite reading this message to come out and join us in beautiful Zilker Park!"

Media partners for the 2024 event include KXAN and Univision. Returning activations include:

• The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest, presented by H-E-B (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The free-to-enter 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., and participants may enter contest events, which take place from 1 to 4 p.m., with handmade or store-bought kites. ABC Kite Fest’s showcase, which features some of the world’s premier kite flyers showing off their skills, will run alongside the contest throughout the festival.

• The High Flyer Club, presented by Texas Mutual (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The High Flyer Club is a VIP experience for those who want to attend the kite fest in style. VIP passes include early entry into the festival, access to reserved parking, specialty food options and a private air-conditioned restroom. Passes for the High Flyer Club are on sale today.

• MossFest, a children’s concert presented by PNC Bank (10 a.m. - 1 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 MossFest will feature beloved artists like Barton Hills Choir, Justin Roberts, DiscoTex and Mr. Will from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center of the Kids Club. Following the concert, family-friendly programming will continue on the MossFest stage.

• The Kids Club, presented by Texas Children’s (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): Built for children of all ages, the Kids Club features free bounce houses and activities to keep kids engaged throughout the festival, including a special obstacle course from YMCA Camp Moody.

• Pet Zone, presented by Austin Subaru (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): Pet Zone features an off-leash pet playground pop-up within the festival that offers fun activities (and a little exercise) for your furry friends—including a three-ring jump and tunnel run. Rock climbing walls are also available for (human) recreation.

• 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, JP’s Pancake Company and Chi’Lantro BBQ.

Pre-paid parking and shuttle bus passes are available on the ABC Kite Fest website here.

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. For more information, visit www.abckitefest.org.

ABC Kite Fest photos and graphics are available on request.

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Contacts

Zach Price
Red Fan Communications
abckitefest@redfancommunications.com
512-551-9253