News

ABC Kite Fest Flies In To It’s 90th Year

Published by
Hayden Walker
Share

The ABC Kite Fest has announced details for its 90th year, returning to Zilker Park on Sunday, March 31.  The festival typically welcomes 35,000 attendees each year to watch as thousands of colorful kites soar over Zilker Park and to enjoy local eats and drinks, a kite showcase and contest, a children’s concert, a fun run, an all-new pet zone and more.

The Kite Fest was founded in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin as a kite contest encouraging creativity in children, the ABC Kite Fest is now the longest-running festival of its kind, underwritten by ABC Home & Commercial Services and produced by the Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

 

Highlights for the 90th event include:

  • The Anteater Fun Run, presented by ABC Home & Commercial Services: The 2.1-mile run will kick off the festival at 9:30 a.m. The trail begins at the Zilker moontower and ends inside the ABC Kite Fest near the MossFest stage.
  • MossFest, presented by Texas Mutual: MossFest, a children’s concert held in honor of John “Moss” Pieratt Jr., takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside the festival and features artists including the Barton Hills Choir, Que Pastas, Mr. Will and GRAMMY award-winner Dan Zanes with Claudia Eliaza.
  • The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest, supported by Cap Metro. With categories including the 50-yard dash and “most unusual kite” as well as expert flyers performing with professional-grade kites, the classic showcase and contest is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free to compete with handmade kites only. For more details on categories and registration, visit the ABC Kite Fest website.
  • The Kids Club, presented by St. David’s Children’s Hospital: Featuring bounce houses, face painting and more, the Kids Club is a day-long activity center for children of all ages.
  • High Flyer Club: For attendees interested in VIP parking, all-day food options and more, the High Flyer Club offers designated parking spots and catered eats from Central Market. Tickets are available on the festival website.
  • Pet Zone, presented by H-E-B: New this year, the H-E-B Pet Zone offers owners and their furry friends a special place within the park to enjoy the festival together, complete with dog-friendly activities including a swimming pool and sunning deck, agility ramp, three-ring jump, tunnel run and an enclosed puppy playground.

Proceeds from the ABC Kite Fest benefit Communities in Schools of Central Texas and the Moss Pieratt Foundation. Cap Metro will also be offering free transit passes to Austinites to get to and from the festival.

For updates and more information on the festival, tickets, sponsorship or vendor opportunities, visit www.abckitefest.org, follow the ABC Kite Fest on Instagram, like the festival on Facebook or download the new ABC Kite Fest app, coming soon to the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Hayden Walker

Hayden Walker is the Editor in Chief and Director of Operations for Austin Food Magazine

Recent Posts

Pursuit Farms is Elevating the Art of Wagyu Beef

Pursuit Farms has become a beacon for discerning palates seeking the finest Wagyu beef available…

6 days ago

Caesars Entertainment Unveils Stunning Transformation with the Grand Opening of Caesars New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…

2 weeks ago

Best Halloween Cocktail Bars and Parties in Austin

Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Parties & Themed Bars in Austin Looking for spooky fun…

2 weeks ago

Austin Food & Wine Festival Unveils 2024 Schedule

With just weeks until the much-anticipated event, the Austin Food & Wine Festival is gearing…

4 weeks ago

ACL Fest 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Your Way through ACL Eats

ACL Fest 2024 brings not only an incredible music lineup but also a wide range…

1 month ago

Aburi Oshi Sushi Brings Flame-Seared Sushi to Austin

Austin’s sushi lovers have a new destination to explore, as Aburi Oshi Sushi makes its…

1 month ago