When: July 12 & 13, 2025 Where: Brenton Point State Park, Newport RI
Contact Us: 401-594-3443
Contact Us: 401-594-3443
History of the newport kite festival
A LOCAL RHODY TRADITION
Southern Rhode Island, particularly Newport, is known worldwide for its sailing history. As the former site of the prestigious America’s Cup regatta, Newport’s geographic location at the mouth of Narragansett Bay provides ideal wind conditions from the Atlantic Ocean, making it a natural haven for both sailing and kite flying.
The Newport Kite Festival takes place on the southern tip of Newport at Brenton Point State Park. Opened to the public in 1976, the park offers a spectacular, wide-open view bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Narragansett Bay to the west. Nearly surrounded by water, the grassy fields of “The Point,” as locals affectionately call it, have become a beloved and premier destination for kite flying.
The festival has changed hands over the years. In 1986, the American Kitefliers Association (AKA) held its annual convention at Brenton Point with the support of local kite enthusiasts.
From 1992 to 2005, High Flyers Flight Co., led by Sue Moskowitz and Steve Santos, nurtured the festival into a rich local tradition. They showcased every aspect of kiting, from competitive events to world-renowned kite makers and featured flyers, drawing participants from across the globe.
In 2006, the festival lacked official organization and was considered a “non-event.” Still, many kite flyers came out on the traditional second weekend in July, keeping the spirit alive.
In 2007, Kyle Lemieux of Jamestown Kites organized a vibrant gathering, but by 2008, the festival once again lacked formal planning. Despite this, the skies above Brenton Point were filled with colorful fabric as flyers and spectators continued the tradition informally.
In 2009, Ron Kitt of Kitt Kites stepped in to revive the festival in its full glory. He reestablished it as a free, public event celebrating all aspects of kiting and rekindled the longstanding tradition at The Point.
Today, the Newport Kite Festival continues to bring joy and wonder to all who attend. Kite clubs such as New York Kite Enthusiasts (NYKE), ConnectiKiterS, and Kites Over New England (KONE) regularly join the festivities, filling the sky with their magical creations.
HELP KEEP THE FESTIVAL FLYING
Help Us Celebrate 39 Years of the Newport Kite Festival!
In 2025, the Newport Kite Festival proudly marks its 39th year — nearly four decades of filling the skies with color, wonder, and community spirit. And it’s all been possible thanks to supporters like you.
To honor this milestone, we’re asking:
Can you spare $39 for our 39th birthday?
Your donation will go directly toward bringing world-class kite artists to Newport, supporting free children’s programming at the festival, and funding kite outreach workshops throughout Rhode Island.
🎈 Every dollar helps us keep the festival free and the sk