Kite fliers of all ages from across the United States and the world gather to fly handmade kites and compete for prizes during this colorful event.
See the creativity of kite makers and skill of kite fliers from across the US and internationally through competitions and demonstrations. Events include the popular Hot Tricks Showdown and the Rokkaku Battle!
Open kite flying is welcome on the Public Field. Bring your own kite, or children can make a kite to fly at an activity station (while supplies last).
We have two fields. One for everyone to try their hand at kite flying and the other for the professionals. Watch both as kites take to the sky.
"The sight of so many kites flying on the Mall from the Monument to the Capitol is one of the best sights in DC during the beginning of spring and the start of the Cherry Blossom Festival"
-Washington Post,
May 2014
"This event will certainly bring out the kid in you no matter how old you are!"
-Yelp,
May 2014
"The highlight of my spring! It's amazing to see the kites fly right around our nation's capital. A unique experience you can't get anywhere else. This is how I know that the summer is near!"
-Bloomberg News,
May 2014
The festival was founded by aviation pioneer Paul E. Garber, also founder of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM).
The Smithsonian Associates, the cultural, educational, and membership division of the Smithsonian Institution first organized and sponsored the festival.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., began producing the festival and renamed the event to the "Blossom Kite Festival".
The festival continues every year and continues to grow as publicity and word of mouth spread the news of the wonder of the kite festival.