ABC Kite Fest Returns to Zilker Park on Saturday, April 1

Annual festival moves to first-ever Saturday event for its 95th year, prepares for more than 50,000 Austinites taking their kites to the sky

ABC Kite Fest, the largest and longest-running festival of its kind, is returning to Zilker Park on Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now in its 95th year, the festival upholds an annual tradition of gathering the Austin community in celebration of spring. While kite flying remains the event’s main attraction, attendees can also enjoy an array of local food and drink vendors and participate in activities for all ages.

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ABC Kite Fest, the largest and longest-running festival of its kind, returns to Zilker Park on Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Photo: Business Wire)

“ABC Kite Fest is Austin’s quintessential family affair and represents so much of what makes this city unique,” said Bobby Jenkins, CEO and owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services, the event’s title sponsor since 2014. “Flying a kite transcends all ages and backgrounds and creates a beautiful backdrop to celebrate our community. We are thrilled to host the festival on a Saturday for the first time ever and hope to see you at Zilker Park!”

Founded in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, ABC Kite Fest is underwritten by ABC Home & Commercial Services and produced by the Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This year’s sponsors include Texas Mutual, PNC Bank, Texas Children’s, Wells Fargo, Austin Subaru, H-E-B, Cap Metro, KXAN and Univision. Proceeds from ABC Kite Fest benefit Communities in Schools of Central Texas, an organization empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life, and the Moss Pieratt Foundation, which honors the life of John “Moss” Pieratt, Jr. and raises funds and awareness to find a cause or cure for the sudden unexplained death in children over the age of 12 months (“SUDC”).

At the 95th ABC Kite Fest, attendees will find something for everyone and every pet:

• High Flyer Club, presented by Texas Mutual: Tickets to the High Flyer Club offer a VIP hospitality experience including designated parking, bounce houses, catered food options and more. Tickets for the exclusive space are limited and available for presale only until sold out. Don’t delay; purchase your tickets today!
• The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest presented by Wells Fargo, with support from KXAN and CapMetro (1 - 4 p.m.): The community contest, which is free to enter, includes categories such as “most unusual kite” and “highest-flying kite” and is open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Competing in the community contest is open to all and, for the first time ever, participants may enter contest events with handmade or store-bought kites. Registration for the contest begins at 11 a.m. The beloved kite showcase will take place adjacent to the contest all day and feature specialty kites piloted by some of the world’s premier flyers.
• The Kids Club, presented by Texas Children’s (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The day-long activity center features free bounce houses and more for children of all ages.
• MossFest, a children’s concert presented by PNC Bank (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): John “Moss” Pieratt, Jr. 's love for music and people were the defining qualities that drove the Pieratt and Jenkins families to stage a concert in honor of Moss’s joyful life. The concert takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center of the Kids Club. The 2023 lineup includes Barton Hills Choir, SaulPaul, Justin Roberts and Mr. Will.
• Pet Zone, presented by Subaru: An off-leash pet playground pop-up in Zilker Park features dog-friendly activities, including a three-ring jump and tunnel run. Rock climbing walls are also available for recreation.
• Food and Drink: Onsite food trucks and concessions including Amy’s Ice Creams, Garbo’s Lobster and Shawarma Point will have food and beverage available for purchase.

ABC Kite Fest is offering onsite parking via Pavemint on a prepaid basis. Tickets are projected to sell out fast. Attendees are encouraged to reserve an onsite parking spot through Pavemint in advance or use the city’s hike and bike trail, public transportation routes or rideshare services to reach the event. Alternative parking locations can also be reserved via Pavemint. Attendees can sign up for a free CapMetro digital Day Pass here until Wednesday, March 29th. CapMetro will provide up to 1,000 free passes on a first-come, first-serve basis. Children ages 18 and younger ride free every day and do not need to reserve a Day Pass. Additional route details will be announced soon.

For more information about ABC Kite Fest, visit www.abckitefest.org. Follow ABC Kite Fest on Instagram and Facebook for more information and updates.

Exhibitor opportunities at the event are still available. If your company is interested in learning more about how to exhibit, please contact the ABC Kite Fest team.

About ABC Kite Fest

Held each year in the spring, ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most beloved, family-friendly traditions. The festival boasts day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite contest and showcase, a kids club, pet zone and MossFest, a children’s music concert. Soar into spring and join thousands of Austinites for a free, all-day event filled with kite making, flying and gazing. For more information, visit www.abckitefest.org.

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