Austin's ABC Kite Fest returns in April: Dates, tickets, schedule, parking, VIP info

Austin's skies are about to get a whole lot more colorful. The ABC Kite Fest is back on April 5 and it's bringing all the free whimsy and wind-powered wonder you can handle.

Zilker Park, usually a haven for joggers and picnickers, is transformed into an extravaganza of kites. That includes everything from classic diamonds to unusual kites that'll have you scratching your head.

Fly high, race fast, get weird with the kite contests

This isn't just your average "let's fly a kite" kind of shindig. The festival also has several competitions. There’s the 50-Yard Dash, where kids aged 7 to 12 race their kites to the finish line. Think of it as the Kentucky Derby, but with more nylon and fewer horses.

Then there's the Highest Angle Kite, where adults and kids alike try to defy gravity and get their kites as close to straight up as possible. And for those who prefer a more serene approach, the Steadiest Kite contest is all about keeping your kite chill. 

There’s also the Most Unusual Kite category. We're talking kites shaped like everything from giant tacos to someone's grandma. Basically, if you can dream it, someone's probably made it into a kite.

Is there food at Kite Fest?

Feeling peckish? You can bring your own picnic, just remember to leave the glass and styrofoam at home. Or treat yourself to some of Austin's finest food from onsite vendors. 

What if I don't have a kite?

If you show up without a kite, don't worry. Kite sellers will be there to hook you up, or you can join one of the kite-making workshops to build your own masterpiece.

How to attend

Everyone can attend Kite Fest free of charge. No tickets are required.

However, if you're looking to elevate your Kite Fest experience, you might want to check out the High Flyer Club. You get early access to Zilker Park at 9 a.m., a whole hour before the general public. You'll also enjoy banquet seating under a private, open-air tent, and an extended "front yard" lounge area. You'll also get catered refreshments, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks as well as climate-controlled executive restrooms, face painting, balloon twisters, bounce houses, and a live DJ.

Tickets for the High Flyer Club are $100 for individuals aged 9 and up. Kids 8 and under get in free with a ticketed adult (limit two kids per adult). And if you're driving, you can snag a VIP parking pass for an additional $25, but remember, you'll need a VIP ticket to purchase it.

Times, parking and traffic for Kite Fest

The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. with registration, and the contests starting at 1 p.m. If you're not feeling competitive, no worries! There are kite-making workshops, food vendors galore and even a Doggie Den for your furry friends. Just remember, no grills and no smoking.

Parking's going to be tight, so festival organizers suggest shuttles, rideshares, or even biking. If you do end up bringing your car, you can get a single-day parking pass on EventBrite to the designated lot purchased.Additional parking options include:

• One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Rd.)
• Rollingwood @ Bee Caves (3500 Bee Cave Rd.)
• Republic Square Park (422 Guadalupe St.)
• Westgate Transit Center (2027 W Ben White Blvd.)
• City Hall Garage (163 Lavaca St.)
• Austin Convention Center (201 E Second St.)

And if you're thinking of parking in the surrounding neighborhoods or the Mopac median, think again. The Austin PD and Rollingwood PD are ready to tow. Drivers should also expect some road closures around Zilker Park. A map of these closures can be found at abckitefest.org/get-here.

So, grab your kite. The ABC Kite Fest is calling, and it's promising a day of pure kite-flying joy.

This story has been updated to add more photos.