When: July 11th & 12th, 2026 12-4PM Where: Brenton Point State Park, Newport RI
Contact Us: 401-594-3443
Contact Us: 401-594-3443
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at hello@newportkitefestival.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Newport Kite Festival 40th Anniversary takes place on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Brenton Point State Park, Newport, RI.
What are the festival hours?
The festival grounds, including vendors, kite sales, and activities, are open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Kite flying demonstrations and performances take place from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day, when the coastal winds at Brenton Point are at their best.
The Newport Kite Festival takes place rain or shine! In fact, overcast days often make for spectacular kite flying. In the event of severe weather (lightning or sustained winds above 30 mph), we will make a go/no-go decision by 7:00 AM each morning and announce it on our social media channels. We recommend following us on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates.
Tip: Even on warm days, Brenton Point can be breezy and cool. Bring a light layer just in case.
The festival takes place on the open fields at Brenton Point State Park, with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.
Is there parking on site?
Limited parking is available. Parking fills quickly. We strongly encourage carpooling, ridesharing, or arriving early.
Can I bike to the festival?
Absolutely and we encourage it! The Newport Kite Festival is a featured destination on the Bike Newport / Get There By Bike network. Secure bike parking is available on site. Check bikenewport.org for maps, routes, and tips for getting to Brenton Point by bike.
What’s there to do?
- Watch world-class kite artists fly spectacular show kites of all shapes and sizes
- Try flying a kite yourself! Kites are available to purchase on site
- Kids’ activities including kite-making, crafts, and the always-beloved Candy Drop
- Browse vendor and artisan booths
- Enjoy kite-flying performances set to music
- Explore our International Kite Cultural Exhibition on display at Newport Public Library throughout July
When is the Candy Drop?
The Candy Drop is one of our most beloved traditions, a crowd-pleasing shower of candy from a giant kite. This year’s schedule:
- Saturday, July 11: 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM
- Sunday, July 12: 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM
Tip: Stake out your spot near the field a few minutes early. It goes fast!
Yes! We have a lineup of local food vendors serving a variety of options. Expect ice cream, BBQ, fresh juice, sweet treats, and more. Specific vendor announcements will be posted on our social media as the festival approaches.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring a picnic. Outside alcohol is not permitted at Brenton Point State Park.
Are there ATMs on site?
There are no ATMs at Brenton Point. We recommend bringing cash or confirming that your preferred vendors accept cards before you arrive. Most of our food vendors accept both.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Brenton Point State Park and at the festival. Please be a responsible pet owner: clean up after your dog, keep them on a leash at all times, and be mindful of crowded areas and young children. With 20,000 attendees looking up at the sky, we’re counting on you to watch what’s happening at ground level.
Please note: the kite flying field and show kite performance areas can be stressful environments for dogs due to noise and fast-moving overhead objects. Use your judgment about whether the festival environment is right for your pet.
Safety is our top priority. We have trained volunteers stationed throughout the grounds, including dedicated field safety stewards. The show kite performance area is clearly marked and monitored. Please follow all signage and volunteer instructions and never enter the performance field.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 911 immediately. First aid is available on site. Our volunteers can direct you to the nearest first aid station.
What if I get separated from my group?
Designate a meeting spot before you arrive. The Volunteer Tent near the main entrance is a reliable landmark. You can also ask any festival volunteer for assistance.
- Sunscreen — the field is fully exposed and sun is intense on the water
- A hat and sunglasses
- Water or purchase it from one of our onsite vendors
- A blanket or low-back chair for watching kite performances
- Layers — Brenton Point is famously breezy and can feel cool even in July
- Cash and/or a card for vendors and kite purchases
- Your own kite if you’d like to fly!
- A sense of wonder
What should I NOT bring?
- Outside alcohol (not permitted at Brenton Point State Park)
- Drones or personal aircraft — airspace is managed by kite artists and festival staff
- Tents or large structures that would block sightlines for other attendees unless setup in an area away from kite flying
The Newport Kite Festival
481 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI
Copyright © 2026 The Newport Kite Festival - All Rights Reserved.
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HELP KEEP THE FESTIVAL FLYING
🪁 Help Us Celebrate 40 Years of Dreams Taking Flight! 🪁
In 2026, the Newport Kite Festival proudly marks its 40th anniversary — four incredible decades of filling the skies with color, wonder, and community spirit. Since 1986, we've brought families together for the simple joy of watching kites dance against Newport's stunning coastline.
Can you spare $40 for our 40th milestone?
Your donation will go directly toward making our 40th Anniversary Celebration (July 11-12, 2026) extraordinary. For 40 years, enthusiastic volunteers have kept this alive. Help us make it to 50.