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

You're a Grand Old Flag

You're a Grand Old Flag

The Making of Downton Abbey: Setting the Scene

The Making of Downton Abbey: Setting the Scene

Coffee Talk: Building the Canal to Save Chicago

Coffee Talk: Building the Canal to Save Chicago

Improv-able Cause! Long Form Improv Show!

Improv-able Cause! Long Form Improv Show!

Chew & View: How to Eat Friend Worms

Chew & View: How to Eat Friend Worms

If you Give a Cat a Cupcake

If you Give a Cat a Cupcake

Cajun, Zydeco & Louisiana Blues Music

Cajun, Zydeco & Louisiana Blues Music

Piano Concert

Piano Concert

Friday Night Films

Friday Night Films

Sunday Afternoon Movies

Sunday Afternoon Movies

Communication Techniques for the Savvy Designer

Communication Techniques for the Savvy Designer

Whose Line, Naughty Show? Live Improv!

Whose Line, Naughty Show? Live Improv!

Whose Line? Improv Show!

Whose Line? Improv Show!

The Laughing Chameleon’s Hot Summer Schedule, plus New BOGO, Buy One/Get One Free Ticket Offer and Win Tickets!

The Laughing Chameleon’s Hot Summer Schedule, plus New BOGO, Buy One/Get One Free Ticket Offer and Win Tickets!

Des Plaines History Center Annual Meeting

Des Plaines History Center Annual Meeting

Everyday Kitchen Helpers & Gadgets

Everyday Kitchen Helpers & Gadgets

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY AT RIVERS CASINO

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY AT RIVERS CASINO

Intonations Concert

Intonations Concert

Intonations Concert

Intonations Concert

FAMILY DENTAL CARE PARK RIDGE OPEN HOUSE

FAMILY DENTAL CARE PARK RIDGE OPEN HOUSE

Galina Dance Studio presents "Mystery Dance Theater"

Galina Dance Studio presents "Mystery Dance Theater"

Des Plaines School of Dance Recital

Des Plaines School of Dance Recital

Footlighters Theatre Company Presents The King and I

Footlighters Theatre Company Presents The King and I

Footlighters Theatre Company Presents The King and I

Footlighters Theatre Company Presents The King and I

Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band Performance

Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band Performance

How to Make Balloon Animals

How to Make Balloon Animals

Free Movies in the Park

Free Movies in the Park

Fall Fest Family Festival Presented by AT&T U-verse TV

Fall Fest Family Festival Presented by AT&T U-verse TV

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

Live at the Lake Free Entertainment Series

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO WITH A FIESTA AT RIVERS

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO WITH A FIESTA AT RIVERS

Coffee Talk: Cemetery Walk Art of the Chicagoland Cemetery with Lori Barrett

Coffee Talk: Cemetery Walk Art of the Chicagoland Cemetery with Lori Barrett

Mini Low Vision Fair

Mini Low Vision Fair

Tuesday Morning Book Group