The IKEA Family Kite Festival Soars Back for Its 39th Year at Veterans Park...May 23 & May 24.

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

Swan's Watermelon Festival

Swan's Watermelon Festival

Art in the Garden

Art in the Garden

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band at Taste of Racine

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band at Taste of Racine

SIO & The Love Monkeys @ St. Rita's Festival

SIO & The Love Monkeys @ St. Rita's Festival

"Raise the Roof" Racine Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops Concert

"Raise the Roof" Racine Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops Concert

Moo-la-palooza – the world famous mooing contest at the Wisconsin State Fair!

Moo-la-palooza – the world famous mooing contest at the Wisconsin State Fair!

"Hairspray" musical presented by the North Star Summer Enrichment Academy

"Hairspray" musical presented by the North Star Summer Enrichment Academy

Jersey Boys

Jersey Boys

Racine Symphony Orchestra - Music for a Summer Evening

Racine Symphony Orchestra - Music for a Summer Evening

Church Basement Ladies

Church Basement Ladies

Kidz Days At the Center

Kidz Days At the Center

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band perform at Racine County Fair

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band perform at Racine County Fair

Animal Crackers Concert Series at Racine Zoo

Animal Crackers Concert Series at Racine Zoo

Racine Art Museum's Watercolor Classes with Beth Shadur

Racine Art Museum's Watercolor Classes with Beth Shadur

Racine Art Museum Free Drop In for Art "African Safari"

Racine Art Museum Free Drop In for Art "African Safari"

Copper Metal Clay Workshop at Racine Art Museum

Copper Metal Clay Workshop at Racine Art Museum

Novel Destination Movie Event at Burlington Library

Novel Destination Movie Event at Burlington Library

Gandhian Peace Movement & Kids

Gandhian Peace Movement & Kids

Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse - Art In The Yard

Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse - Art In The Yard

Lighthouse Brigade of Racine Band Championships

Lighthouse Brigade of Racine Band Championships

Sturtevant Fireworks Festival features Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band

Sturtevant Fireworks Festival features Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band perform at Freeman Friday Night Concert

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band perform at Freeman Friday Night Concert

Cheryl McCrary at Wisconsin State Fair - FREE Music & Business Festival/Expo

Cheryl McCrary at Wisconsin State Fair - FREE Music & Business Festival/Expo

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band perform at Waukesha Freeman Friday Concert

Cheryl McCrary & Heir-Born Band perform at Waukesha Freeman Friday Concert

Racine Symphony Orchestra - Summer Pops Concert "By Strauss"

Racine Symphony Orchestra - Summer Pops Concert "By Strauss"

Local Woman To Participate In Readings At Kenosha Coffee Shop

Local Woman To Participate In Readings At Kenosha Coffee Shop

'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Musical at the Racine Theatre Guild

'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Musical at the Racine Theatre Guild

Artist Open House

Artist Open House

Veterans Talent Show

Veterans Talent Show

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Racine Zoo Animal Crackers Concert

Good Friday

Good Friday

Maundy Thursday Service

Maundy Thursday Service

Easter Service

Easter Service

"Oklahoma!"

"Oklahoma!"

Ridgewood Care Center Family Easter Egg Hunt

Ridgewood Care Center Family Easter Egg Hunt

Michael Feldman to Host 'Whad Ya'Know?' in Kenosha