Looking to get out of town for the day? Lincoln City’s Fall Kite Festival runs this weekend from Saturday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 24th, at the D River State Recreation Site. The event boasts kite-flying performances, kite-making workshops, and food available thanks to Kristi’s Food Truck.
“The really fun thing about the fall festival is that it was the original festival,” says Stephanie Hull, Event & Outreach Coordinator for Explore Lincoln City. Indeed, the original Fall Kite Festival was started in 1979 by Steve Lamb. Since then, it has become a much-anticipated event on the Oregon Coast.
Families can expect performances throughout the day from featured fliers, giving kids the chance to witness the event’s awe-inspiring sights. “It’s incredible to see the artistry,” says Stephanie, describing the talent and unique skill required to fly 50 to 100 ft. long kites in the Coast’s unpredictable winds.
If your kids are inspired by the day’s events, they’ll also have the opportunity to make their own kites at a kite-making workshop. Workshops will be held on both days of the festival. Though they will be free to the public, any donations will go towards Lincoln City nonprofit Family Promise of Lincoln County. Kids will also have the opportunity to participate in Pixie Fest Carnival Games, with carnival ticket fees going toward the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City.
When asked what makes the festival so special, Stephanie Hull describes the extraordinary sight of the kites floating above the ocean. “There’s something magical about it,” she says. “Where else do you get to see whales flying in the sky?”
If you would like a chance to see something spectacular this weekend, the Fall Kite Festival may just be the perfect opportunity. A full schedule of events can be found on the event website, along with a parking guide. Parking will be available at both the Lincoln City Community Center and Lincoln City Outlets, with a free shuttle service running from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at both locations.
Cover Image Credit -Timothy Reed, Explore Lincoln City
Madeleine Criglow is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She writes about music, cartoons, and all things pop culture. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, playing guitar, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. Reach her at mcriglow@gmail.com.