Whenever you’re planning a trip, one of the best tips to make it more memorable is to schedule it around fun events and festivals. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and have a blast beyond the usual tourist attractions. If you’re headed to Oregon, there’s no better time to visit than during the Lincoln City Kite Festival!
What is the Lincoln City Kite Festival?
The Lincoln City Kite Festival is a bi-yearly event held in Lincoln City on the beautiful Central Oregon Coast. It attracts thousands of people, including locals, tourists, and both amateur and professional kite fliers. The festival takes place twice a year, during the summer in June and the fall in October.
During this two-day family-friendly festival, the sky comes alive with colorful kites of various shapes, sizes, and designs. From enormous whales and stingrays to octopuses and other unique creations, you’ll be amazed at the breathtaking display. The festival takes place right by the beach, offering a perfect setting to enjoy the sunny skies, white sand, the sound of the waves, and the overall festive atmosphere.
While this year’s Lincoln City Kite Festival was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19, preparations are already underway for its return in 2022.
What You Can Expect from the Lincoln City Kite Festival
Next year, the Summer and Fall Lincoln City Kite Festival will be held at the D River Recreation Site. The anticipated dates for the festival are late June and early October.
So, what can you expect from this fantastic event?
As mentioned earlier, the festival features kite flying demonstrations by professionals and other kite enthusiasts. There are also various activities suitable for both kids and adults, including kite-making workshops, a parade, and more. Children have the opportunity to collect autographs from featured fliers and win exciting prizes.
And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food stalls! You can indulge in delicious grilled meats like hotdogs and hamburgers, as well as enjoy refreshing beverages. With everything you need to enjoy a perfect weekend by the beach, the Lincoln City Kite Festival is truly an experience like no other.
To get a taste of what the festival is like, here’s an overview of the previous event schedule:
Friday:
- 11 AM to 4 PM: Children’s Kite Making in Lincoln City Outlets, where everyone can build their own kites.
- 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Kite Flier’s Reception in Lincoln City Outlets, a great opportunity to meet the fliers and take selfies.
Saturday and Sunday:
- 10 AM: Opening Announcements
- 10 AM to 12:30 PM: Featured Fliers’ Performances
- 11 AM to 11:15 AM: The Kite Flier Memorial
- 12:30 PM to 1 PM: Running of Bols, a thrilling race on the sand while strapped to parachute kites.
- 10 AM to 2 PM: Free kite-making workshop for children, where they can make their own paper kites.
- 1 PM to 4 PM: Featured Fliers’ Performances
- 2 PM to 2:30 PM: Kits and Kites Parade by the beach
- 4 PM: Festival closes, and you can continue enjoying the beach. You can even hire fishing charters to take you out to the open waters to enjoy the kites or catch some fish.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to uncontrollable circumstances such as the weather. These times are approximate and may also change for next year’s festival.
Parking is available at the Lincoln City Community Center or Lincoln City Outlets. Shuttle services will run continuously from 10 AM to 4 PM throughout the weekend. Public transportation options are also available, such as the Lincoln County Transit.
Here are some tips we recommend following when attending the Lincoln City Kite Festival:
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can also enjoy the delicious food and refreshments available, so consider bringing some cash or snacks of your own.
- Keep a close eye on your children to ensure they don’t get lost in the crowd. The festival attracts hundreds of people, and it can be easy for excited kids to wander off.
- Be mindful not to get too close to the kites or disrupt the fliers’ performances, as it can affect the movement of their kites.
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Prepare for the weekend as you would for any beach trip, with plenty of sunscreen, water, beach towels, extra clothes, and a positive attitude.
While the festival ends relatively early, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in Lincoln City and the surrounding area. Whether you want to go fishing, relax on the beach and watch the sunset, or explore the local attractions and restaurants, there’s always something to do.
In conclusion, the Lincoln City Kite Festival offers an incredible experience that will leave you in awe. Oregon is a state full of wonders, and attending this festival is just one way to appreciate its beauty. Just make sure to plan ahead, as the festival attracts crowds and many tourists. Get your accommodation early and create an itinerary that includes the best activities Oregon has to offer. Have fun traveling to Oregon—you won’t regret it!