Kite Fest returned, bigger and brighter than ever!


An enormous shark kite flies over the top of the curved roof of the pavilion
Shark kite Pavillion
Crowds of families fly colourful kites on the grassy events terrace on a sunny day
Kite fest events pavilion
Colourful kites fly over happy crowds in front of the iconic aboretum visitors centre and grassy amphitheatre
Kite fest amphitheatre & VC
The sky is filled with all different shapes and colours of kites including a very large shark and dragon
Kite fest amphitheatre
Happy crowds fill the grassy lawn and amphitheatre infront of the Arboretum's visitors centre, to fly colourful kites on a sunny day
Kite Fest VC

Kite Fest Soars to New Heights!

The September school holidays started with an explosion of colour, as thousands of visitors flocked to the Kite Fest at the Arboretum. The annual festival returned bigger than ever this year, expanding across two days and offering even more opportunities for families and friends to enjoy one of the capital's favourite spring events.

From vibrant kites dancing on the breeze to live entertainment, hands-on activities and delicious food stalls, the Arboretum buzzed with energy as visitors made the most of a memorable weekend. While the second day brought cooler temperatures, overcast skies and a brisk breeze, it did little to dampen enthusiasm. In fact, the fresh conditions proved ideal for kite flying, with thousands of visitors still turning out to fill the lawns, launch their kites and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Families spread picnic rugs across the Events Terrace, children raced across the grass with newly launched kites, and crowds gathered to admire the kaleidoscope of colours floating above Canberra's iconic landscape.

A highlight for many was the popular kite-making workshops, where participants could design, decorate and build their own kites before taking them outside to test their creations. The festival also featured dedicated low-sensory workshops, helping ensure more families could enjoy the experience in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Kite Fest continues to be a celebration of simple outdoor fun, bringing people together to embrace creativity, connect with nature and make lasting memories. Whether visitors arrived with a treasured kite or simply came to enjoy the atmosphere, the event showcased the Arboretum at its best: a place where community, open spaces and shared experiences come together.

As the last kites drifted across the afternoon sky, then festival once again demonstrated why Kite Fest remains one of Canberra's most beloved family events. The National Arboretum Canberra thanks everyone who attended and helped make the weekend such a colourful and memorable success, and looks forward to welcoming visitors back again next year.