The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) also known as Long Beach Kite Festival is a week-long kite celebration taking place annually in late August, namely its 3rd week. From Monday to Sunday, this wonderful event on the beach fills the sky with colour and action. The festival attracts the best kite fliers from all around the globe. Over 10,000 attendees gather here, not only to observe but also have their kite flying adventures.
Entertainment Program
This free, family-friendly event features multiple fun competitions for the best kites in the sky, including Kite Trains & Arches, Sport Kite Stacks, Individual and Team Rokkaku Battles, Top Kid on the Beach & Super Senior, and others. With multiple DIY workshops, most adults and children can fly their own kites and compete or just enjoy their time at the festival. During the evening, attendees will have a chance to witness mesmerizing kite performances, which light up with LED lights. Local vendors will be at the venue, offering delicious food and beverages.
Kites
The major attraction of the Long Beach Kite Festival is giant inflatable kites due to their impressive size and the sheer scale of their flying. However, the WSIKF offers many other types of kites to observe, including single-line and multi-line kites. These two categories can be divided into other subtypes, such as Rokkaku kites with six corners, figure kites of all shapes imaginable, train kites, and many others.
Schedule & Admission
The festival operates from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, from 10 am to 7 pm Friday and Saturday, and from 10 am to 3 pm Sunday. Evening kite spectacles take place at dusk on Friday and Saturday. Admission to the festival is completely free, and you don't need a ticket to enter.
Location
Washington State International Kite Festival takes place at the Bolstad Beach Approach, a local destination known as a prime spot for fishing and community activities. It's located right by several resorts and hotels, which makes it convenient to book your accommodation.
World Kite Museum
The festival is organized by the World Kite Museum, the only museum in the U.S. focusing on the history of kites, kitemaking, and well-known kite fliers. At the museum's Hall of Fame, you can learn about the art, science, sport, and history of kites. The facility occupies 10,350 square feet (961 square meters) on two floors and is indeed a unique landmark of the Washington coast.
Other Long Beach Landmarks
The World Kite Museum is the most well-known landmark of Long Beach, a coastal town with a large beach and boardwalk on the Long Beach Peninsula. In addition to kite-launching, there is plenty of hiking in the area. Consider checking out the Discovery Trail, wetlands of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Columbia River, Cape Disappointment, and North Head lighthouses.
