There’s something timeless about flying a kite. The slow lift-off, the tug of the string, and that moment when your bright canvas finally catches the wind and dances across the sky. It’s simple, joyful, and quietly magical – and this summer, Adelaide families are invited to experience it all over again.
The Adelaide Kite Flying Festival is back for 2026, bringing a full day of colour, creativity and family-friendly fun to a new home in the city’s north. After previously lighting up beachside locations, the festival will now take place at L J Lewis Park, offering plenty of space to spread out, relax, and watch the sky come alive.
Held on Saturday 17 January, the festival runs from 10am to 6pm, making it the perfect way to soak up the final days of the school holidays. Whether you’re a seasoned kite flyer with a prized collection at home or someone who hasn’t held a string since childhood, this is an event designed for all ages.
One of the festival’s best-loved features is back again this year: every $3 general admission ticket includes a FREE kite, while kids under 12 enter free. That means you can arrive empty-handed and still be part of the action, or bring along your own favourite kite and show it off alongside hundreds of others soaring overhead.
Beyond the kite flying itself, the day is packed with entertainment to keep the whole family happy. Jumping castles and amusement rides will keep little legs busy, while face painting and henna artists add an extra splash of colour. A range of merchandise stalls will be on site, offering kites, threads and fun trinkets to take home, while DJs provide a lively soundtrack throughout the day.
Food lovers won’t be left wanting either, with a line-up of food and dessert trucks serving everything from savoury bites to sweet treats. With ample free parking, plenty of open space, and a relaxed, picnic-friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to make a full day of it – just pack a rug, grab some snacks, and settle in.
The Adelaide Kite Flying Festival is all about simple pleasures, shared moments and seeing the city sky transformed into a moving artwork. Gather your friends, bring the family, and head to Northfield this January to colour the sky together.
Event details
What: Adelaide Kite Flying Festival 2026
When: Saturday 17 January, 10am–6pm
Where: L J Lewis Park, Norton Street, Northfield SA 5085
Cost: $3 general admission (includes a free kite), kids under 12 free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/Kiteflyingfestivaladelaide
