International Kite Festival in Wildwood
The nation’s largest kite festival is held every year at the end of May in Wildwood. There are things to see and do both on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. The Wildwoods International Kite Festival is free to spectators; there is an entrance fee required for participants.
Everyone from novices to professionals will find something amazing at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, held over Memorial Day Weekend every year. Take part in workshops, soar in the fun fly, check out the kite art exhibit, cheer for your favorite competitors, and bring the kids to learn more about kite making.
Day One
The weekend starts with a Media Day Kite Show. This is not only the start of the Wildwoods International Kite Festival; it is also the traditional kickoff to summer! This is your first chance to register on-site for festival participation. All flyers must register and sign the waver form in order to participate. End the day with the Night Kite Show on the beach — bring your spotlights and night kites!
Day Two
Competition begins on day two of the Wildwoods International Kite Festival! The Annual East Coast Stunt Kite Championships is all part of the excitement. This event is sanctioned by the Eastern League and the American Kitefliers Association — both organizations you can learn more about during the weekend. Check out www.aka.kite.org for information on the competition rules and compulsory figures.
While the competition goes on outside, the Wildwoods Convention Center is home to kite exhibits and workshops. Workshops will be held for kids and adults; sign up for workshops when you register for the weekend.
Saturday night is your chance to participate in the WIKF Auction. The proceeds from both the Silent Auction and Loud Auction benefit the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, and donations are welcome during the auction.
Day Three
The Annual East Coast Stunt Kite Championships wrap up on day three of the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. The Wildwoods Convention Center will host the Awards Banquet in the evening. During the day, the Convention Center continues with workshops and exhibits. Outside on the beach, you can fly your giant kite, join the flight of homemade kites, and take part in Fighter Kite and Rokkaku challenges.
Day Four
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival wraps up with the Tricks Party competition. This combines traditional sport kite skills with hot kite tricks. Watch the compulsory segment for assigned tricks and the ballet segment for a choreographed performance set to music. Learn more about the Tricks Party at www.trickspartyusa.com
Memorial Day Weekend is considered the official start to summer at the Jersey shore; make it something special by attending the Wildwoods International Kite Festival! The action will surround you with five fields for competition, a public flying field, and the whole of the Wildwoods Convention Center dedicated to kite exhibitions and workshops. Lift your eyes to the sky and be dazzled by the colors of the kites and the skills of the fliers.
You can always take part in the festivities as a volunteer judge or member of the field staff. The Wildwood International Kite Festival also welcomes volunteer workshop staff, auction staff, and operations staff members.