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

PTA Fundraiser at Potbelly

PTA Fundraiser at Potbelly

Live Music

Live Music

Valentine's Dance

Valentine's Dance

Special: Couples' Menu for Romantic Dining

Special: Couples' Menu for Romantic Dining

Warm-up Wednesdays: Free Coffee at Panera Bread

Warm-up Wednesdays: Free Coffee at Panera Bread

Scotch Dinner at Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar

Scotch Dinner at Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar

Austin BBQ Celebrates One-Year Anniversary in Downtown Wheaton

Austin BBQ Celebrates One-Year Anniversary in Downtown Wheaton

Mixology 101: Super Bowl Treats at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Mixology 101: Super Bowl Treats at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Arrowhead Restaurant Lucky Lunchbox Giveaway

Arrowhead Restaurant Lucky Lunchbox Giveaway

Chili Cook-off with Jorgio's and Drew Estate

Chili Cook-off with Jorgio's and Drew Estate

Craft Beers and Good Smokes

Craft Beers and Good Smokes

Wine and Cigars

Wine and Cigars

Coffee Social

Coffee Social

Health Starts Here Passport Fair

Health Starts Here Passport Fair

Cookie & Craft Sale

Cookie & Craft Sale

Santa Takes a Break for Lunch on Sunday, December 11 at The Bank Restaurant in Downtown Wheaton

Santa Takes a Break for Lunch on Sunday, December 11 at The Bank Restaurant in Downtown Wheaton

Sunday Brunch with Santa

Sunday Brunch with Santa

Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar New Year’s Eve Thank You Party! 20 -12%

Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar New Year’s Eve Thank You Party! 20 -12%

The Bleu Olive in Downtown Wheaton Adds Artisan Chocolate to Gourmet Offering

The Bleu Olive in Downtown Wheaton Adds Artisan Chocolate to Gourmet Offering

Ugly Sweater Contest at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Ugly Sweater Contest at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Free Gift Wrapping!

Free Gift Wrapping!

Live Music at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Live Music at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Live Music at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Live Music at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Rock the House ll

Rock the House ll

Downtown Wheaton Heats Up with Chili Cook-Off

Downtown Wheaton Heats Up with Chili Cook-Off

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Pumpkin Carving at Ivy

Pumpkin Carving at Ivy

American Legion Pancake Breakfast

American Legion Pancake Breakfast

Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights

Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights

No Trick, Only Treats: Wine, Beer & Chocolate Tasting

No Trick, Only Treats: Wine, Beer & Chocolate Tasting

Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk

Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk

Oktoberfest at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Oktoberfest at Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

Applefest

Applefest

Fall Beer Sampling event with Live Music

Fall Beer Sampling event with Live Music

JEWEL-OSCO's "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" Food Drive

JEWEL-OSCO's "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" Food Drive

New Wheaton Chick-fil-A Supports Living Water International

New Wheaton Chick-fil-A Supports Living Water International

Party On The Patio

Party On The Patio

DIF DuPage Presents Summer Networking Social

DIF DuPage Presents Summer Networking Social

Tailgate Party