Cape Fear Kite Festival 2026: November 6 to 8
The 20th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival, presented by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, brings more than 80 professional kite flyers to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach, just south of Carolina Beach. Kite festival weekend runs November 6 to 8, 2026, with a Friday kickoff at the Kure Beach Pier and CB Aglow on the Carolina Beach oceanfront Friday night.
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Last updated October 31, 2026. Times are Eastern Time.
Key details
- Dates: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Friday kickoff: Kite sneak peek at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, noon to 2 PM Eastern Time
- Friday night: CB Aglow on the Carolina Beach beachfront at the Boardwalk, 7 to 9 PM, with lighted displays, the Sand Glow Disco and a drone show at dusk
- Main festival: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, 11 AM to 4 PM, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach
- Cost: Free admission
- Parking: Free parking and free shuttles from Blakeslee Air Force Base Recreation Area on Saturday and Sunday
- Organizer: Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
What to expect
More than 80 professional flyers launch kites of all shapes and sizes over the dunes at historic Fort Fisher, visible down toward the NC Aquarium. Saturday and Sunday also bring music, local food trucks, craft beer and locally distilled rum tastings, and kids' activities. The festival is handicap accessible with support from Ocean Cure. Kite displays vary from year to year.
Parking and getting there
On Saturday and Sunday, park free at Blakeslee Air Force Base Recreation Area and ride the free shuttle to Fort Fisher. For Friday night's CB Aglow, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk area fills up early.
Listings on Whats Up CB
- 20th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival · Fri, Nov 6 · Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
- CB Drone Show (America 250) · Fri, Nov 6 · Carolina Beach beachfront
Video from past years
Video from past festivals will be added when an embeddable official clip is found.
Questions and answers
When is the Cape Fear Kite Festival 2026?
Kite festival weekend is November 6 to 8, 2026. The main festival at Fort Fisher is Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, 11 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time.
Where is the kite festival?
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC, a short drive south of Carolina Beach. Friday's kickoff is at the Kure Beach Pier and Friday night's CB Aglow is on the Carolina Beach beachfront.
Does the kite festival cost anything?
No. Admission is free, and parking and shuttles from Blakeslee Air Force Base Recreation Area are free on Saturday and Sunday.
Where should people park?
At Blakeslee Air Force Base Recreation Area, with free shuttles to Fort Fisher on Saturday and Sunday.
Is there a drone show?
Yes. CB Aglow on Friday, November 6, 7 to 9 PM at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, includes a drone show at dusk.
Where are updates posted?
The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce posts updates on its Cape Fear Kite Festival page and the festival's social media.
Eat, drink and plan the night
Official information
Details can change; confirm with the organizer before you go.