7 Best Kite Gatherings for Enthusiasts
Kites are the oldest flying machines humans ever built. For thousands of years they weren’t just toys — people used them to send messages, honor gods, scare enemies in battle, and even forecast the weather.
The first ones appeared in China about 3,000 years ago, made from silk, bamboo, and strong ropes. Over time they spread across Asia, taking on many roles: fishing tools in Malaysia, good-luck charms for newborns in Korea, and rain-season offerings in Thailand. By the 7th century, Buddhist monks had carried them into Japan, where they became part of local legends and shows.
Today, they are mostly about fun, sport, and tradition. Every year on August 16, the world celebrates World Kite Day. It’s great if you get the chance to visit one of the gatherings. But if you can’t make it on that exact date, no worries — you can always plan a trip later, since these shows take place at different times in different countries. Below, we take a look at the top 7 international kite festivals around the world.
#1 Weifang, China
This is one of those events that feels bigger than life. Held every year since 1984, it takes place in Weifang, a city often called their “capital”. Starting on the third Saturday in April, the skies over Weifang fill with thousands of kites in every shape and style you can imagine. The event lasts about two weeks, and while most activities are free to join, there’s usually a ticketed opening ceremony that costs around CNY 100–300. Beyond just watching, visitors can step into the Weifang World Kite Museum to learn the history, or even try their hand at making their own one in the village of Yangjiabu. The gathering is set in the Binhai Economic and Technological Development Zone.
#2 Gujarat, India
The festival in Gujarat, India — often called Uttarayan — begins on January 14 every year. Its origins trace back hundreds of years, but the modern celebration was popularized in the 1920s in Ahmedabad, often attributed to kite-flying traditions linked to Makar Sankranti. Each year, thousands of flyers — both locals and international visitors — pack rooftops in Ahmedabad, especially in areas like Ellis Bridge and Ashram Road, to fly and compete under the clear winter skies. The gathering includes kite-cutting competitions, massive displays, night flying events (Charkhi) with glowing paper lanterns, and traditional food stalls offering local Gujarati fare. The highest-attended editions draw hundreds of thousands of spectators, making it one of the world’s largest annual gatherings of the kind.
#3 Hamamatsu, Japan
Known as Hamamatsu Matsuri, it takes place every year on May 3–5 in Hamamatsu, Japan, and has been celebrated for more than 450 years. It began in the 16th century, when a local lord first flew a large kite to celebrate the birth of his son, and since then it has grown into a major event. Today, teams from across Japan gather at the Nakatajima Sand Dunes, where over 100 giant kites are flown in the sky, each decorated with bold designs and the names of newborn children. A highlight is their battles, where teams try to cut each other’s strings in dramatic mid-air clashes. At night, the show continues with colorful street parades, floats, and traditional music, drawing over a million visitors across three days.
#4 Bangkok, Thailand
The event is held annually in March at Suan Luang Rama IX Park, Bangkok. It began in 1989 to promote the activity as a cultural tradition and now attracts teams from around the globe, including professionals and hobbyists. Visitors can enjoy giant kites, stunt performances, and competitions in categories like traditional Thai, sport, and artistic designs kites. The gatherings draw tens of thousands of spectators.
#5 Berck, France
The celebration takes place every April on the beaches of Berck-sur-Mer in northern France. Founded in 1986, it has become Europe’s largest kite gathering. The event features synchronized shows. Competitions are held in multiple categories, from sport to inflatable figures.
#6 Bali, Indonesia
It is held every July at Padang Galak, Sanur Beach and is both a religious celebration and an international competition. Villages in Denpasar send teams of 70–80 people, complete with Gamelan bands, flag bearers, and flyers, to compete in flying traditional giant kites like Bebean (fish-shaped), Janggan (bird-shaped), and Pecukan (leaf-shaped). These ones can reach up to 10 meters in length, with the Janggan’s tail stretching over 100 meters. Each type has its own competition, where teams compete for the longest flight and best launch, sometimes chasing kites across rice paddies to rescue them. There’s also a “New Creation” category for modern, three-dimensional designs, often representing Hindu gods or sponsors. The event coincides with Bali’s dry season, when steady winds make flying conditions perfect, and music from the Gamelan orchestra fills the air.
#7 Washington State, USA
The event takes place every August in Long Beach, Washington, and began in 1980. It is one of the celebrations of the kind in North America. It includes competitions, stunt performances, dual-line and four-line kite events. Visitors also enjoy workshops, night kite flying, and a festival village with local vendors and activities.