Have you been to Kite Festival? Do you know, we do have Washington State International Kite Festival at Long Beach held every year? It is one of the largest kite festivals in North America.
Washington State International Kite Festival is a week long celebration event, with numbers of activities, competition that is held annually in month of August. Washington State International Kite Festival is organized by the World Kite Museum and the City of Long Beach, Washington. The Festival is free to the public. Entry fees are required to participate in various competitions.
When is International Kite Festival ?
August 19th to August 25th, 2019.
Where – Long Beach, Washington.
Long Beach is a small town on south coast of Washington and its three and half an hour drive from Seattle. It stretches 28 miles along Washington’s southwest coast starting close to where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
The Kite Festival takes place on the beach on the Pacific Ocean coastline few blocks away from downtown Long Beach, along the Bolstad beach approach. Festival is adjacent to a ½-mile long boardwalk which is an excellent viewing platform during the event.
Event has various activities like Contests, Kite Fighting, Kite Flying choreographed with music, Junior kite flying competition, Workshops to make your own kites and Fireworks in evening on August 23rd 2019 Friday only.
Many Professional Kite fliers come from all around the world to participate in the event with their own kites. It is not only for professional, Kite festival is open to all kite fliers be it a naive, kids, youngsters, teenagers, elders. In fact, it is a Family oriented festival with lot of out door activities on sandy beach of Pacific Ocean.
The sky is ablaze with varieties of kites in shape of fish, dogs, tigers, crabs, butterflies, colorful geometric shapes that spin around, superheroes , dragons, sharks, violin, octopus and many more. Kite flying activities include kite trains, Rokkaku kite battles, sport kites, lighted kites flying at night, freestyle competition and kite flying choreographed to music. Thousands of spectators enjoy the performances of expert kite fliers that come here from around the world.
Kites and Beach
Who doesn’t love to fly a kite? If you don’t like to fly a kite, don’t worry you won’t be bored either. One can sit and relax on sandy beach and watch sky filled with colorful and various design kites. You can enjoy strolling on Board walk.
Long Beach Board walk
Long Beach Board walk is almost half a mile that stretches along the beach with panoramic views of Long beach and distant view of North Head Lighthouse.
Kite festival is perfect getaway to spend quality time with family, friends and kids. Washington Beach Peninsula offers 28 miles of silver sand, delicious sea food, go- karts, bike rides, live music shows, hiking and many other outdoor activities. There are many Food booths, merchandise, ATM, kite vendors, portable toilets lined up at the Bolstad beach approach leading to Kite flying area along the beach adding to the festive atmosphere. You can buy kites from local shops on beach area.
Listen to Live Music
The Live Music shows in the evening add more charms to beauty of Long Beach and feel the atmosphere with liveliness. Visitors who are adults get to enjoy music with glass of cold beer. Music is free to all beach goers and passers by.
Beach driving. Driving on beach sand
Many people are attracted to Beach driving and take the opportunity to drive their vehicle on beach sand. Long Beach is an official Washington State highway with a 25-mph speed limit. A four-wheel drive vehicle is helpful but not required. But remember if the two wheel drive vehicle got stuck in sand, you will need wood logs or help from others to get out of it. Other option is getting towed away but who wants to spoil the fun with this. So, keep in mind the limitations.
Get an Eagle’s eye view
To get an eagle’s eye view of Long Beach with colorful kites, go to Bell’s View in Cape Disappointment State Park. It is a viewing platform constructed at the end of a quarter mile long paved trail along the top of North Head, which is the rocky headland that forms the southern boundary of Long Beach. if you are lucky enough then there are chances to see bald eagles that inhabit in the area.
Other Things to Do at Long Beach
Hiking or Biking Discovery trail
Lewis and Clarke Discovery trail is 8.2 miles one-way paved trail that allows biking and walking. The trail stretches between Long Beach in north and to Ilwaco in south. The trail provides an excellent way to see the beach, coastal forest and landmarks. On the trail, one can stop to visit at the gray whale skeleton, Basalt Monolith, Lewis and Clark carved tree.
Two Functioning Light Houses
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco
- North Head Lighthouse, Ilwaco
The North Head Light house is only two miles north of Cape Disappointment Light house. The lights from lighthouse needed distinct signatures. A fixed-white characteristic was chosen for North Head, while Cape Disappointment light house displayed alternating red and white flashes. North Head Lighthouse is open for tour to visitors. It is free for children under age 7 -17. For age 18 and older, its $2.50. Children must be 7 years old to climb the lighthouse tower. Light house visit is a must to explore the history and functioning of Light house.
The Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach Peninsula, Columbia River and the northern Oregon Coast.
Museums
- World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame
- Marsh’s Free Museum
- Cranberry Museum
Bumper Car Amusement in Downtown Long Beach
State Parks
For the families that loves adventures in nature, Then there are options of State Parks near Long Beach and IIwaco.
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Pacific Pines State Park
- Leadbetter Point State Park
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center Ilwaco
- Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
- Velella, the By-the-Wind Sailor
For kite flying lovers and beach lovers It is perfect getaway destination to relax on breezy beach with family and kids, enjoy the kite flying, biking or walking on Discovery trail, strolling on boardwalk parallel to beach, enjoy the view of distant light houses, waves crashing the beach, beautiful colorful sunsets, music concerts and fireworks.
Where to Stay at Long Beach?
Due to the popularity of International Kite Festival , tourists and Kite Lovers come from world wide. Also along with Kites there are many fun filled outdoor activities and the perfect location on the beach makes the near by Hotels and accommodations get booked before the Summer vacations.
High End/ Luxury Hotel –Best Western Long Beach Inn . The best Long Beach has to offer. Perfect for Pet Owners or for a weekend splurge.
Mid Range/ Couple Stay – Inn at the Sea Lovely and at a great Location.
Budget Hotel – Campbell House at Klipsan Beach Little away from Long Beach, this place has a social atmosphere and a good breakfast.
Do check nearby Hotels and Lodging if you cannot get booking , as it fills up quickly, so it is best to make advance reservations starting from Spring or Summer vacations.
Booking.com
Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula is all about exploration—whether it’s 28 miles of sandy beach, world-class cuisine, Fresh sea food, two functioning light houses, Panoramic views of Pacific Ocean, Pacific Northwest history.
Mark your Calendar so that you can plan for your Summer holidays. Plan your visit to Washington state International Kite Festival. It is at perfect timing when kids have school vacation and lovely climate weather. It is fun for all ages. You can check the Kite Festival Program Schedule. If you have been to Kite festival, share your comments about what was your experience and most interesting part of it.
Stay Healthy, Happy Traveling….
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Looks absolutely wonderful, I would really have enjoyed the whole thing!
Yes Ma’am, Starting from Kite Festival, Beach, Seafood, Historic places, Pacific ocean, shopping. It is a bundle of fun activities with family and friends. Thank you very much for stopping by to give a read.
I didn’t know Washington had a kite festival. I love watching kites fly, so I will have to go and see this one year!
You will surely enjoy, Thank you for stopping by.
Great post 😁
Thank you for stopping by.
No problem 🙂 check out my blog when you get the chance 😁
Wow I didn’t even know this festival existed!! It seems like so much fun (and so colourful). What a beautiful way to discover a new part of the world (for tourists) and to enjoy your home (for locals). Thank you for sharing! 🙂
I was surprised too to find this festival in the state one year back. Me and my family love the location and kite flying. so we will planning for our upcoming trip during Kite Festival. Thank you Annick for stopping by to give a read.
That looks SO FUN! My dad and I used to fly kites when I was a kid.
Glad to know that you have memories with kite flying. Thank you for stopping by.
I have been wanting to travel to Washington state for so long now. I’m adding this to my “must do” list for when I finally get there❤️
Warm days are coming soon, do plan your trip to Washington. Thank you Jessica for stopping by.
I love kites. It’s a great way for families to have fun outdoors and bond at the same time. I love the structure of this post. You spoke about the kite festival but also other things a tourist can do there. I would have loved this festival. Something about watching a kite soar in the sky that makes you feel happier.
Yes this is the most perfect outdoor trip that one can enjoy with family , kids and teens. It is so relaxing to enjoy the colorful skies with cool breeze from pacific ocean. Thank you Poovanesh for stopping by and giving a read.
Oh what fun! I did not know about kite festivals!!! I remember I used to fly kites when I was a kid with my brother and his friends… This post brought me so great memories… Will definitely keep this festival in mind for a future visit to Washington.
It is great festival and place to enjoy with family and friends. Thank you Cris for stopping by.
You find the most interesting and picturesque places to visit! I haven’t made it to Washington state yet, but when I do, this kite festival and the tulip festival are on my list to things to see.
The Kite Festival is so colorful and the beauty of Long Beach adds more charm and stars to the experience of enjoying this. It is great vacation trip with family and kids in summer. Thank you for stopping by.
I’ve never been, and never knew there was an event of that kind in Washington, but it looks like such a great time and such a beautiful setting as well to fly some kites!
Long Beach Peninsula is panoramic with beautiful views and the colorful kites in Sky make it more lovely. Thank you Dee for stopping by.
Wow, this looks so much fun. Wish I was could go along. My family would have loved it.
This is a great trip with family and kids. I am sure kid will love the most. Thank you for giving a read.
Wow! This festival looks and sounds amazing! Do much to see and do!
It is so much fun. Thank you Vonetta for giving a read.
Omg this looks like so much fun!!
This is an amazing festival! I’ve attended. Great coverage and overview here 🙂
I loved attending this festival and planning to again this year. Its so much fun for family and kids. Thank you Erin for stopping by.
So adding this to my bucket list! Growing up I went to a lot of air shows due to my father being a pilot, but never a kite festival. This looks like so much fun, I know my kids would absolutely love it!
Glad to know that. Kids would love this for sure and every year they will ask to visit it. Thank you Sarah for giving a read.
Some of them are really quite creative. I would enjoy this.
Thank you
Aw this looks so fun! I wish we had something like this where I lived. Now that I think of it, kite-making and flying aren’t as common any more. Glad to see it’s still being celebrated in Washington!
I was delighted to see the kite making and believe me kids were enjoying. And they had a unique happiness while flying their own hand made kite. Thank you for giving a read.
Didn’t know there was such thing as kite festival. Sounds so fun, reminds me of my childhood days when me and my neighbors would fly kites around our neighborhood after school. These days, kids no longer fly kites around our neighborhood since they are all occupied by the internet
Glad to know about your childhood days. Now a days, kids are busy with electronic gadgets. So visiting such a festival is a must for family to introduce outdoors love. Thank you Fae for giving a read.
I may be biased since I’m from Washington, but I’m loving all your posts about visiting Washington state! Great suggestions.
Glad to know that. Washington is such a beautiful state. I am loving it. Thank you Shauna for stopping by.
This looks like so much fun! My kids would love to go to a festival like this. I will have to see if they have any where I live. Thanks, Candice @littlestepsbighappy.com
Kids really like such festivals. Thank you for stopping by
How cool~never seen anything like that! Enjoy your travels, xo Jess
I love kites! They’re so beautiful!
Lauren
So many colors and shapes of kites, what a beautiful site to see. It has been quite some time since we visited Washington State, Long Beach looks like a great place to explore!
this post brings me back to childhood days with the lot of kite contest but not anymore.
This sounds like a lot of fun! I’m adding this to the calendar!
I would love to visit here! Everything sounds so fun and the photos are awesome
Love all of your attention grabbing images you put into the blog post. I have to say I’ve never been to a kite fest, but the scenery out there looks amazing. I live in Chicago and this upcoming weekend we have the air and water show that is going on, so I am planning to do that.
ah that is so cool! I haven’t flown a kite since I was little, this is just too adorable! thank you for sharing, I’ll have to make note to visit!
Amazing event! I am a big fan of outdoor activitites and this one looks absolutely wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
So much to do in just one place!! The variety of kites and everything you can do with them is kind of astounding!
Wow! I’ve never been to a kite festival. Never even knew one existed. The last time I flew a kite was when I was about 4 or 5. This brought back good memories. I love the beach, the places and the lighthouse, really beautiful. Nice post and pictures.