The IKEA Family Kite Festival Soars Back for Its 39th Year at Veterans Park

Milwaukee, WI — Gift of Wings is thrilled to announce that the IKEA Family Kite Festival is returning to Milwaukee’s lakefront for the 39th consecutive year. Spring is finally here — it’s time to GO FLY A KITE!

On Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 2026, join us at beautiful Veterans Park (1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive) for two days of spectacular kite flying, family fun, and breathtaking aerial displays. The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The highlight of each day is the Grand Launch at noon, when more than 600 kites will fill the sky in a colorful spectacle you won’t want to miss. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNgcpp5Mn8

World-Class Kite Performances

This year’s event features an impressive lineup of talented flyers:

The Fabulous Windjammers, the world-renowned precision kite-flying team from Detroit, will perform three times daily — marking their 15th appearance in Milwaukee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29dFQNve7Dw&t=32s
The Chicago Fire Kite Team returns for the 25th straight year, with all six members performing their signature synchronized routines. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5J5X2dKmr0
The Fabulous Wind Wolves will wow the crowd with their two massive Super Giant Whale kites, their brand-new 120-foot Trilobite kite, and the all-new IKEA Shark kite — an exclusive debut for the Family Kite Festival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPTMP30BPM
Local favorites include Milwaukee’s own Mike Delfar, Paul Koepke, and Wow Pro-Style.
Jean Lemire from Montreal will attempt the challenging feat of flying three dual-line stunt kites simultaneously.
James Almas from Vancouver, the only person in the world known to fly four stunt kites at once, will showcase his incredible skill.

Free kite-flying lessons will be available throughout the weekend from the Kite Whisperers, including Jim Cosca.

Fun for the Kids

Kids won’t want to miss the Kids Mad Dash! The first 100 children to sign up and participate will receive a free kite, followed by the exciting sight of 100 kites launching into the sky at once.

Gift of Wings will have a wide selection of kites for sale, along with food and refreshments on site.

Event Details

The IKEA Family Kite Festival — Celebrating America and presented by IKEA — is completely FREE to attend, with plenty of free parking available.

The event is hosted by Gift of Wings in partnership with the Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois.

For more information, visit:

www.giftofwings.com
www.facebook.com/GiftofWings

Media inquiries, including interviews and additional details: Scott Fisher Gift of Wings 414-305-3145

IKEA locations serving the area: Oak Creek, WI • Bolingbrook, IL • Schaumburg, IL & coming soon Gurnee, IL

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

CCW Children's Resale

CCW Children's Resale

CCW Children's Resale

CCW Children's Resale

CCW Children's Resale Registration

CCW Children's Resale Registration

Kinetic Dance Company's Winter Show

Kinetic Dance Company's Winter Show

Kinetic Dance Company Winter Show

Kinetic Dance Company Winter Show

Park District's Danceforce Stages Performance

Park District's Danceforce Stages Performance

Award winning Author to Speak/Book Signing

Award winning Author to Speak/Book Signing

Black History Month at the Fountaindale Library

Black History Month at the Fountaindale Library

Learn about Chicago's civil rights history during Black History Month at SXU

Learn about Chicago's civil rights history during Black History Month at SXU

Vino van Gogh - Paint drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint drink & be merry

Valentine's Dinner & Show at BBGC with ROCKY LaPORTE & PATTI VASQUEZ

Valentine's Dinner & Show at BBGC with ROCKY LaPORTE & PATTI VASQUEZ

Vino van Gogh - Paint drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint drink & be merry

Fox Valley Philharmonic Children's Concert

Fox Valley Philharmonic Children's Concert

Vino van Gogh - Paint, drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint, drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint, drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint, drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint drink & be merry

Vino van Gogh - Paint drink & be merry

First Rehearsal-Bolingbrook Community Chorus

First Rehearsal-Bolingbrook Community Chorus

Tupperware Open House

Tupperware Open House

Tupperware Open House

Tupperware Open House

St. Mary Immaculate Shrove (Fat) Tuesday, Family Pizza Night

St. Mary Immaculate Shrove (Fat) Tuesday, Family Pizza Night

1-2-3 Explore with Me!

1-2-3 Explore with Me!

Boo! Ha! Ha! Club

Boo! Ha! Ha! Club

Teen Tech Week Technology Petting Zoo

Teen Tech Week Technology Petting Zoo

"Just for Teens" Makeup Application, Fragrance & Fashion

"Just for Teens" Makeup Application, Fragrance & Fashion

Teen Movie Friday

Teen Movie Friday

Teen Advisory Board

Teen Advisory Board

Saturday Special: Drop-in Storytime

Saturday Special: Drop-in Storytime

Beginning Genealogy Drop-In Class & Research Assistance

Beginning Genealogy Drop-In Class & Research Assistance

Teen Art Mural

Teen Art Mural

Young Writers' Club

Young Writers' Club

Arts & Fables

Arts & Fables

X Meets Y Book Club

X Meets Y Book Club

Movies about Love, Actually

Movies about Love, Actually

Leap Day!

Leap Day!

Movies about Love, Actually

Movies about Love, Actually

Happy Valentine's Day Movie

Happy Valentine's Day Movie

Meet Comic Book Author and Illustrator Josh Elder

Meet Comic Book Author and Illustrator Josh Elder

1-2-3 Explore with Me!

1-2-3 Explore with Me!

Super Science Lab (SSL)