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. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNgcpp5Mn8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNgcpp5Mn8</a>
World-Class Kite Performances
This year’s event features an impressive lineup of talented flyers:
<ul>
 <li>The Fabulous Windjammers, the world-renowned precision kite-flying team from Detroit, will perform three times daily — marking their 15th appearance in Milwaukee. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29dFQNve7Dw&amp;t=32s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29dFQNve7Dw&amp;t=32s</a></li>
 <li>The Chicago Fire Kite Team returns for the 25th straight year, with all six members performing their signature synchronized routines. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5J5X2dKmr0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5J5X2dKmr0</a></li>
 <li>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. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPTMP30BPM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPTMP30BPM</a></li>
 <li>Local favorites include Milwaukee’s own Mike Delfar, Paul Koepke, and Wow Pro-Style.</li>
 <li>Jean Lemire from Montreal will attempt the challenging feat of flying three dual-line stunt kites simultaneously.</li>
 <li>James Almas from Vancouver, the only person in the world known to fly four stunt kites at once, will showcase his incredible skill.</li>
</ul>
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:
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.giftofwings.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.giftofwings.com</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GiftofWings" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.facebook.com/GiftofWings</a></li>
</ul>
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 &amp; coming soon Gurnee, IL

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Please click on the link below to fill out the application form and vendor agreement packet:
https://forms.gle/zyBrLReEf6Fi88RU8
Turn your Taste of Bolingbrook experience into a full weekend getaway! Book a Stay &amp; Play Package at a participating hotel below and enjoy $50 in Chamber Bucks to spend at the event!
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Country Inn &amp; Suites Bolingbrook/Romeoville: <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/XT73S3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/XT73S3</a>
Residence Inn Chicago Bolingbrook: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1774544033609&amp;key=CORP&amp;app=resvlink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Book your discounted rate for the Taste of Bolingbrook</a>
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2-4pm – Brad Jackson &amp; Shades Of Country&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?btwMlZI3XORLpUVihFPhrFTaRNFTzK0lDruqoF6E9j3Lmhcs5mtuwUKeAtU055iZ20oXy2T6bzqLAh7DkehsA3jcpry9tp4dUEJ23oAh56RCS-ssEVZdCecgFcqfOpYQRC2YY_VblDbai9ntmnl5VMaadbI88TCkt8gmB62_Zmus~" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/p/Brad-Jackson-Shades-of-Country-100058185223780/</a>
4:30-6:30pm – Eddie V &amp; The Culprits&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?bjzbF8m0WIQBOnTRO2OFg93jwz7oyl0YY9yXm4KSGz0p7hFGf3czi8G-vchHFRm2LU0cGDfPWR6SXzzmDOPL3Qg~~" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eddievband.com/</a>
7-9pm – Anthem &nbsp;<a href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?bzqbGxci016Tv5jTkRJz9U_rLBSMJF7VNs_DJOF_58yW5kP-h6vvd5NbU3TIxYnfn4P_xwz12rlIE85xdv6HzMg~~" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://anthembandchicago.com</a>
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3-4:30pm – Simply Billy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?bVRyi2DAhJVtCceX254kBQ_XP5iyfzlj0zqz_7QyWRCbDqTaA-FAH8GZ9Om4OgQhbq6Rrc5on5IoXCxqrimy4og~~" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.simplyelton.com/simply-billy</a>
5-7pm – Simply Elton&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?bVRyi2DAhJVtCceX254kBQ9zflWUiV0OFVXzpSDpE-exDTY-8jRJdr3v0GqI6lC0WXmW-K8BTDtOK-ziAoVRvVQ~~" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.simplyelton.com/</a>

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