Let your imagination soar during the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival, a Kure Beach fall tradition occurring the first weekend of November. Whether you light up the night sky or watch a daytime display of colorful kites, you’ll find this free, three-day festival sets the scene for reconnecting with friends and family while enjoying high-flying fun on the naturally beautiful beach.
"Sneak Peak" at the Kites
Kick off your festival experience on Friday at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier and get a taste of what is to come over the next two days. Watch a smaller kite display fly in the sky and enjoy an interactive North Carolina Aquarium booth from noon to 2 p.m. at the pier with a special appearance from one of the Aquarium mascots.
Illuminate the Night
Friday evening, view the spectacular Carolina Beach Aglow. Grab your glow sticks and gather at the beachfront to enjoy lighted ground displays like inflatable bouncing crabs, glowing jellyfish and huge bubble waves. Enjoy a Sand Glow Disco neon dance party and see kite flyers dressed in whimsical LED costumes. Then cap the night off with a spectacular drone show over the ocean at 8 pm, which can be seen from the Hampton Inn down to Hurricane Alley's. As a reminder, Carolina Beach will have free parking beginning November 1, but if you are staying local to the area consider a bike rental for the show!
Pro Tip: Arrive early, around 6 pm, and park along Lake Park Ave to catch an early bite before the festivities. The Boardwalk is only a short walk away. For the best view of the drone show, head to Hurricane Alley's rooftop. If that is too crowded, try The Tropical, Sand Dollar or Sunny Daze Smokehouse for excellent family-friendly dining and views.
Sky Art, Local Vendors and Live Music
Following Carolina Beach Aglow, the festival continues Saturday and Sunday for two more days of celebration at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch serious kite flyers from across the country exhibit sky art of all shapes, sizes, styles and colors as giant and sport kites catch the wind. As the final event of the professional kite-flying season, Kure Beach’s soaring parade promises a truly grand finale.
The Cape Fear Kite Festival’s family-friendly entertainment goes beyond just kite-watching. Venture to various on-site food trucks and stands to get a taste of local cuisine and refreshing beverages from the area’s breweries. Throughout the event, enjoy music from live bands. Little ones can unleash their creativity at the face painting station and kite-decorating tent.
Free festival parking is available at the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area both days, with a shuttle traveling back and forth between the festival grounds. Event signage and volunteers will direct attendees to proper parking spots in designated areas. There will also be an ADA shuttle for those who need it, but the parking lot at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is reserved for those with handicap placards. The festival has also partnered with Ocean Cure to provide several beach wheelchairs and beach walkers for free.
Pro Tip: Arrive early at 11 a.m. for easy transport to the festival before traffic builds. The wind will also be at its peak during the day, which means maximum kite views. Traffic will be heavy, so plan ahead for the ultimate festival experience!
Dine and Unwind
Be sure to fuel up for action-packed festival days. Start your morning at Ocean View Restaurant with delicious options like the sweet and savory Breakfast Charcuterie and the special Kure Benedict, a handmade biscuit topped with country ham, fried eggs, hollandaise sauce and crab meat. Stop by Happy Hippies Java Hut for the signature coffee potion by the ocean, Mermaid Magic, featuring espresso and hazelnut.
When the festivities wind down, visit one of Kure Beach’s restaurants for dinner. Savor Caribbean-inspired fare at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. If you're craving authentic Italian cuisine, head to Freddie’s Restaurant for a delightful selection of pasta dishes, pork chops and other mainstays paired with featured wines – and save room for tiramisu or cannoli.
Take your pick from a variety of accommodations, from vintage inns to oceanfront vacation rentals, conveniently located near the festival and all this charming beach town offers.
Satisfy your curious side with a Kure Beach getaway during the annual, all-ages Cape Fear Kite Festival. Whether you're a kite enthusiast or a family with young children, this event promises to spark a sense of childlike wonder and create lasting vacation memories.
