Kite Fest 2026


Crowds of families are picnicking and flying kites at the arboretum, with colourful 'kitefest' graphics overlaying the image
Kite Fest 2026_SL

Kite Fest returns bigger and brighter than ever, for two exciting days of fun!

Let your spirits soar with a day of colour, creativity and community at Kite Fest.

Enjoy a sky full of kites, delicious food stalls, hands-on kite-making workshops*, family fun, live music, and so much more.

Bring a kite, bring a picnic, bring your friends and family for this popular community event.

Activities & Workshops

Kite Flying

From 10am

Bring, purchase or make your own kite at a workshop, and soar the day away.

Kite Making Workshops

Coming soon!

Get hands on and let your imagination take flight as your decorate your very own kite.
Bookings essential!

Low Sensory Workshops

Coming soon!

Create, decorate and keep your own kite in a calm, supportive space designed for low sensory needs.
Bookings essential!

Kite Purchases

The Curatoreum | 9am - 4pm

Choose from a beautiful selection of kites to join the kite flying festivities or select the perfect gift for a fellow kite lover.

Café at the Arboretum

9am - 4pm

Take a break inside the Visitors Centre with barista-made coffee, fresh snacks and seasonal meals, all served with sweeping views.

Pop Up Food Stalls

10am - 3pm

Bring a picnic mat and treat your self to a range of delicious festival favourites from local food stalls.

Live DJ

10am - 3pm

Live music bringing energy and vibrancy to the family friendly atmosphere.

Plan your visit

Parking: Designated parking spaces will be reserved nearest to the Visitors Centre in the main carpark for those with Disability Parking Permits and limited mobility. Please approach the traffic marshals on site for access and directions.

Workshops: Kite making workshops are held in the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion (MWP), accessed via a sealed, level path from the main carpark (there is no access to the MWP carpark during Kite Fest). The activities are designed to be inclusive of varying abilities, carers and companions are not required to purchase a ticket.

Our low sensory kite making workshops are an option for families who may prefer a quieter, calmer experience.

Events and activities: Roaming activities and kite-flying on the grassed events terrace are adjacent to wide, sealed, level paths.

Facilities: Accessible bathroom facilities are available in the POD Playground, the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, the Events Terrace and the main Visitors Centre. Please follow the signs or approach a staff member for directions.

The National Arboretum is dedicated to making our site and events a memorable experience for all our guests. If we can assist in planning your day at Kite Fest, please call 02 6207 8484, email arboretum@act.gov.au or visit our accessibility webpage HERE.

Traffic management: A traffic management plan will be in place with traffic marshals on site to assist with directing the flow of traffic and parking.

  • Accessible parking is available for those with Disability Parking Permits and limited mobility.

Additional overflow parking:

  • Once parking allocation in the main carpark is full, overflow and additional overflow parking will be opened.
  • Follow signage to enjoy a scenic walk to the Events Terrace.

We are here to help, please ask a staff member if you need assistance.

Information is available via the Welcome Desk inside the Visitors Centre.

Accessible Toilets are provided in the Visitors Centre, The POD Playground and the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion.

Additional temporary toilets are available near the Events Terrace. Follow signage.

Free water refill stations are available near the Discovery Gardens, and near the POD Playground. We encourage visitors to bring refillable drink bottles.

First Aid is available in the Visitors Centre, please contact the nearest staff member if you need assistance.

🚫No drones allowed on site without prior permissions. There will be an official authorised drone in operation during this event.

CROWD PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE NOTICE

The ACT Government have photographers on site at the event today taking photographs of performances, activities, workshops, exhibits and the crowd. By entering this area, you consenting to being included in any photography taken at this event and used without permission or compensation by the ACT Government. Images may be used in communications and promotional materials such as newsletters, websites, social media, videos, and other materials, including use by ACT Government portfolio ministers. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify a member of staff.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT
The ACT government photographer/s may also request to take photographs of small groups and individuals. If you are approached to have your photograph taken and agree to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form releasing the image to the ACT Government and used in the same way as listed above.

The National Arboretum Canberra strictly prohibits the erection of marquees, tents, sun shelters, or any temporary structures without prior written approval from Arboretum management.

Additionally, the use of pegs, stakes, or any item that penetrates the lawns or grounds is not permitted under any circumstances. This includes but is not limited to tent pegs, umbrella spikes, signage supports, or similar implements.

For more information, please refer to our Public Use Policy here.

Date

26 & 27 September

Time

Kite Fest 10am - 3pm

Where

Kite Fest events on the amphitheatre | Workshops in the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion | Low-sensory workshops in the Visitors Centre

Age

All ages welcome

Price

Free to enter | Tickets required for workshops & activities

Accessibility

Accessible parking at main carpark. Accessible bathroom facilities and events in Margaret Whitlam Pavilion & Visitors Centre. Events terrace has paved level paths, adjacent to grassed areas.

Contacts