Cape Fear Kite Festival

Every fall, the skies above Kure Beach fill with color and movement. The Cape Fear Kite Festival, hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, brings top professional kite flyers from across the country for three days of excitement on the beach. The festival takes place the first full weekend of November and marks the last stop of the professional kite-flying season. This means you get to see the biggest, most creative, and most impressive kites as the season wraps up.

A Three-Day Celebration

The festival starts on Friday afternoon with a sneak peek at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. About 25 smaller kites fly just north of the pier from noon to 2 p.m. There is often an interactive booth from the North Carolina Aquarium, and sometimes a surprise mascot shows up for the kids.

On Friday night, the fun moves to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for “CB Aglow.” After dark, the beachfront comes alive with lighted displays, glowing jellyfish, inflatable crabs, bubble waves, and a neon “Sand Glow Disco” dance party.

On Saturday and Sunday, the main event happens at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Giant show kites, sport kites, and detailed handmade pieces of all shapes and sizes fill the sky above the dunes, with views that reach all the way back to the aquarium.

More Than Just Kites

The kites may be the main attraction, but there is a lot happening on the ground as well. Live bands perform all weekend, food trucks and local breweries are on-site, and kids can decorate kites or get their faces painted at the family activity tents.

The festival is free to attend, and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Keep in mind, this is one of the biggest events of the year in Kure Beach, so it attracts a large crowd.

Getting There & Parking

There are two ways to get to the festival on Saturday and Sunday. You can drive directly to the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, but be aware that the main parking lot fills up quickly and is reserved for visitors with handicap placards once the festival gets busy. When this happens, overflow parking is available along the road between the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, but you may have to walk a good distance back to the beach. The earlier you arrive, the closer you can park.

Another option is to park for free at the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area in Kure Beach and take one of the free shuttles that run to the festival grounds throughout the day. This is an easy way to avoid traffic and a long walk.

No matter which option you choose, expect heavy traffic on Saturday and Sunday. Give yourself extra time and plan ahead.

When to Go

Mark your calendar for the first full weekend in November. The weather along the Cape Fear coast is usually crisp and breezy, making it perfect for kite flying. Bring a jacket, a camera, and a beach chair, and get ready for one of the most memorable events of the Kure Beach season.

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Resources

Cape Fear Kite Festival Facebook

Kite Festival Website

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Social Media

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