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Join us at the Washington Monument Grounds with soaring activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome.
The Blossom Kite Festival is one of the most vibrant and unique celebrations on the Mall, with family-friendly kitemaking activities, musical performances, and more. Pack a picnic, and launch your kite among thousands of other participants. Check the schedule below for details.
In addition, you can:
- Participate in National Park Service educational activities.
- Engage in kitemaking activities presented by Amazon with customizable kite kits.
- Explore youth craft activities, including origami and paper art (sponsored by M&T Bank), watercolor sessions, friendship bracelet making, face painting and more.
- Experience fun and educational activities from community partners, including the National Children’s Museum, Girl Scouts, Museum of Illusions, DC Public Library and LEGO Discovery Center.
The event also features Sakura Taiko Fest, produced by Washington, DC-based Japanese drumming group, Miyako Taiko. An incredible lineup of Taiko drummers from across the country will take the stage at the Sylvan Theatre from Noon–5 PM for a high-energy, rousing celebration of sound.
2026 BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE*
COMPETITION & DEMONSTRATION FIELD
FAMILY FIELD STAGE PERFORMERS
10:00 AM Welcome Remarks
10:05 – 10:20 AM National Anthem & Patriotic Kite Fly
10:20 – 10:25 AM Master Toki Memorial Fly
10: 30 – 11:00 AM Featured Fliers Demo #1
11:05 – 11:35 AM Hot Tricks Showdown
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM Mass Professional Ascension
12:30 – 1:00 PM Featured Fliers Demo #2
1:00 – 2:00 PM Adult Kite Makers Competition
2:30 – 3:30 PM Rokkaku Battle
3:30 – 4:00 PM Featured Fliers Demo #3
4:00 – 4:30 PM Awards and Kite Arch
10:15 – 10:45 AM Practice Fly for Youth Kite Makers
11 AM – Noon Youth Kite Makers Competition
12:15 – 12:45 PM Youth Kite Makers Awards
1 – 1:45 PM Bol Races
2 – 4:30 PM Bol Races
Featured Fliers
- Quantum Kite Team (Seattle, WA Area))
- James Almas: One Man Kite Team (Vancouver CD)
- Ben Huggett
- Phil Broder
- Flaming Emus
- Team Four-ce
- The WindJammers (Detroit)
- Wings Over Washington
COMPETITION REGISTRATION INFORMATION
10:15 AM – Noon Adult Kitemakers Competition Registration
10:15 – 11:30 AM Youth Kitemakers Competition Registration
To fly a kite in the Adult Kitemakers Competition or Youth Kitemakers Competition, competitors must register either online in advance by Thursday, March 26 at 8 PM or at the Registration Tent on the day of the event.
This year’s kitemaker theme is “Red, White and Bloom,” in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
NOTE: the Youth Registration tent is located next to the Family Field Stage on the day of the event.
To compete in Hot Tricks Showdown or Rokkaku Battle, kite fliers must register at Kite Registration tent located next to the Demonstration Field.
Registration for all competitions will remain open until spaces are filled, or the competition begins.
Categories:
- People’s Choice
- Best in Show
- Greatest Visual Appeal
- Most Impressive Flight
- Most Original Design
- Best Craftsmanship
- Special Recognition
- People’s Choice
Winners of each category will receive a prize!
REGISTER HERE
COMPETITION RULES & DETAILS
Kite Flying
Become a kite expert with kite flying workshopshttps://youtu.be/JMUTRMMacH8?si=HTiPtgXa8QhbPXJj
How to Fly a Kite
Learn the tips and tricks for flying a kite from an expert kite flier and member of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Kite Advisory Committee, Val Deale. https://youtu.be/7bL22DZO3-o?si=sfQHrNGy33Iuv2WA
Blossom Kite Festival – Art, Beauty, and Sport of Kite Flying
Watch and learn about the art, beauty, and sport of kite flying demonstrated through team flying of synchronized quad-line sport kites. Narrated by Paul Dugard, a member of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Kite Advisory Committee. https://youtu.be/ux6QM1ES_ts?si=cq9zwRnCHbq_ZmLg
Blossom Kite Festival – How to Make a Diamond Kite
Learn how to make a diamond kite from scratch with kite building expert, Val Deale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPK6xNzP48c&t=5s
Blossom Kite Festival – Flying Traditional Japanese Kites
Watch the splendor of a variety of Japanese kites including the Edo, Suruga, Rokkaku, and Yakko take to the skies. Kites were flown by the Wings Over Washington Kite Club, and the traditional Japanese kites were generously loaned by the Embassy of Japan’s JICC (Japan Information & Culture Center). Make sure to watch the “History of Japanese Kites” video in the section above to learn more about these magnificent kites. https://youtu.be/Yx63UfGcNvI?si=VBac02m_nmgNwrAD
Blossom Kite Festival – Spirit of Kite Flying
Learn fun facts, tips, and tricks about kite flying from local kite enthusiasts and members of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Kite Advisory Committee, Jim Cosca and Paul Dugard. https://youtu.be/m8XB7h5vjs8?si=Hth0onqa4bHLUx-O
Blossom Kite Festival – Kite Kit Tutorial
Avid kite flyer Val shows viewers how to assemble Blossom Kite Festival Kite Kits.
2026 Presenting Sponsor
2025 SUPPORTING SPONSORS
2026 SPONSORS
RavenHook Bakehouse
2026 media sponsors
special thANKS
National Park Service
Embassy of Japan
The Japan Foundation
Government of the District of Columbia
Mobility Access
This event is wheelchair-accessible.
Communication Access
ASL interpretation will be provided.
Service Animals
Service animals are always allowed.
Sensory Considerations
This event typically draws large crowds and can be noisy. If someone in your group has sensory sensitivities, you may wish to bring headphones or earplugs.
seating
Accessible seating is available. If you or a member of your party requires specific seating arrangements, please contact rsvp@ncbfdc.org in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Additional Accommodations
For any other accessibility needs, please reach out to ncbf@ncbf.org so we can help ensure a positive experience
Event Summary
Blossom Kite Festival
March 28
@
10:00 AM
–
4:00 PM
DC
20006
United States
Categories:
Outdoor Activity, Signature Event
- Neighborhood
- National Mall
- Event Setting
- Outdoor
- Audience
- Family-Friendly|Pet-Friendly|All Ages
- Cost
- Free
- Expected Audience
- 50,000–100,000
