A Sky Full of Wonder
From Monday to Sunday, the beach at Long Beach becomes a living canvas of color, movement, and creativity. Kites of every shape and size—from giant octopuses and dragons to delicate handmade works of art—fill the air above the Pacific Ocean. Choreographed stunt kite routines, enormous inflatable designs, and handmade traditional kites take turns captivating the crowds. What makes WSIKF so special is its inclusivity. Whether you're a master kite flier or a first-timer, there’s room in the sky for everyone. Open flying fields are available to the public, and plenty of workshops, demonstrations, and vendors make it easy to join in the fun—no matter your experience level.
A Festival with Roots
The origins of WSIKF reflect the spirit of the community it calls home. The festival was originally founded by the City of Long Beach, envisioned as a way to bring people together and celebrate the town’s natural beauty and breezy coastline. Later, the Long Beach Merchants Association took the reins, expanding the event and deepening its role as a tourism driver and cultural celebration. Today, the festival is proudly run by the World Kite Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the art and history of kiting around the globe.
Competitions and Creativity
While much of the fun is free-flowing and informal, WSIKF is also home to serious kite competition. Professional and amateur fliers compete in sport kite battles, synchronized team events, kite fighting, and precision flying challenges. There are also kite-making contests where artistry, craftsmanship, and flight performance are judged. Visitors are often amazed at the skill, creativity, and control that go into kite flying at this level. World-class kite fliers from countries like Japan, Germany, and Australia travel to Long Beach to perform and compete—making WSIKF a true global gathering.
Family Fun and Coastal Charm
WSIKF is a festival for everyone. Families can enjoy children’s activities like kite-making workshops, face painting, and hands-on flying experiences. Food vendors offer coastal favorites and sweet treats, while local shops and artists provide plenty of opportunities for browsing and souvenir hunting.
The charming town of Long Beach and its scenic peninsula also offer more to explore—from sand dunes and boardwalks to the historic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. And don’t miss the World Kite Museum, the only one of its kind in the U.S., with exhibits highlighting kite traditions from around the world.
A Celebration of Wind and Wonder
The Washington State International Kite Festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the joy of watching something take flight. Whether you're cheering on a competition, launching your own kite, or simply soaking in the spectacle, WSIKF promises moments of pure delight and wonder.
The Washington State International Kite Festival
Every August, the quiet coastal town of Long Beach, Washington is transformed into a sky-high spectacle during the Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF). Held annually during the third full week of August, this beloved week-long celebration draws kite fliers, artists, families, and fans from all over the world. What began as a local event has grown into one of the most renowned kite festivals in North America—offering an unforgettable mix of visual art, sport, and community fun.
