When: July 11th & 12th, 2026 12-4PM Where: Brenton Point State Park, Newport RI
Contact Us: 401-594-3443
Contact Us: 401-594-3443
The Newport Kite Festival
481 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI
The Newport Kite Festival
481 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI
40 Years of our Dreams Taking Flight (1986-2026)
About the Newport Kite Festival
The Newport Kite Festival is an annual, family-friendly event held at Brenton Point State Park in Newport, RI. Since the 1980s, it has drawn kite enthusiasts from around the country to celebrate the joy of kite flying, community, and creative expression. Our mission is to create a free, inclusive, and inspiring space where people of all ages can experience the magic of kites dancing in the coastal sky.
Volunteer-Powered • Community-Driven • 40 Years Strong Help us keep this grassroots tradition free for all families!
The Newport Kite Festival is organized by a dedicated crew of volunteers, including kite enthusiasts, community members, and people who simply love this tradition who donate countless hours to make this weekend happen.
What Makes Year 40 Special?
We're not throwing 'just another festival weekend.' The 40th anniversary celebration brings new experiences honoring four decades of community, creativity, and coastal wind!
- Official Proclamation: Mayor Charlie Holder has proclaimed July 11-12 as Newport Kite Festival Days, recognizing 40 years of free family celebration.
- '40 Years of Flight' Exhibition: A month-long cultural kite exhibition at Newport Public Library (July 1-31) featuring kites from around the world with educational displays exploring the global history and cultural significance of kite flying.
- Children's Kite-Making Workshop: Saturday, June 27 at 10 AM, Newport Public Library. Kids build their own kite and take it home to fly at the festival! Registration opens May 26. Space limited to 30 children.
- 40th Anniversary Documentary: A film chronicling the festival's journey from 1986 to today, featuring the founders, longtime attendees, and the volunteers who keep this tradition alive.
- Commemorative Booklet & Coffee Table Book: Preserving 40 years of festival memories, community voices, and the story of Brenton Point.
HELP KEEP THE FESTIVAL FLYING
🪁 Help Us Celebrate 40 Years of Dreams Taking Flight! 🪁
In 2026, the Newport Kite Festival proudly marks its 40th anniversary — four incredible decades of filling the skies with color, wonder, and community spirit. Since 1986, we've brought families together for the simple joy of watching kites dance against Newport's stunning coastline.
Can you spare $40 for our 40th milestone?
Your donation will go directly toward making our 40th Anniversary Celebration (July 11-12, 2026) extraordinary. For 40 years, enthusiastic volunteers have kept this alive. Help us make it to 50.