Newport Kite Festival Celebrates 40 Years

For forty years, families have gathered at Brenton Point, tilted their heads back, and watched the wind turn fabric and string into a sky full of color. That same familiar scene returns July 11-12 as the Newport Kite Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary with two days of motion, coastal views, and simple summer fun at one of Newport’s most dramatic overlooks. Set against the ocean at Brenton Point State Park, the free event brings together expert kite flyers, curious kids, longtime fans, and anyone who likes their summer plans with a little lift.

This year’s milestone adds something extra to the weekend. What started in 1986 as a simple gathering has grown into one of Newport’s most beloved free events, while still keeping its easy, come-as-you-are spirit. Here’s what to know before heading down Ocean Drive.

The festival celebrates four decades in the sky this year, and Newport is treating the anniversary like the local tradition it is. Mayor Charlie Holder issued an official proclamation honoring the milestone, while Newport Public Library is hosting a cultural exhibition tied to kite history and tradition. A children’s kite-making workshop and a documentary project also help preserve the story behind the festival, giving this year’s celebration more than just pretty views.

The main event is still the sky. Visitors can watch sport kite demonstrations, team performances, and colorful displays that make the park feel like an outdoor gallery with better wind. Guests can also bring their own kites and join in, which is half the fun. Artisan vendors and food trucks add to the relaxed festival feel, so it’s easy to make an afternoon of it.

The appeal is refreshingly simple. It’s free. It’s family-friendly. It gets people outside and off their phones, at least long enough to watch something swoop, dip, and climb above the water. In a summer packed with plans, the Newport Kite Festival offers something low-pressure and very Rhode Island: a beautiful view, a shared tradition, and a reason to look up together.

Kite demonstrations run from 12-4 PM each day, with festival grounds, vendors, kite sales, and activities open before and after those hours. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Visit newportkitefestival.com for the full schedule, updates, and more information.