5 Reasons Why The Lincoln City Oregon Kite Festival 2025 Is The Must-See Event Of The Oregon Coast
Get ready to mark your calendar, because the Lincoln City, Oregon Kite Festival is not just an event; it's a spectacular, bi-annual transformation of the Central Oregon Coast sky into a canvas of color and motion. As of the current date in late 2025, event organizers have released confirmed details for both the Summer and Fall festivals, promising a fresh, unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
This long-standing tradition is officially hosted on the beach at the iconic D River State Recreation Site, right in the heart of Lincoln City. Known as the "Kite Capital of the World," this coastal town leverages its reliably strong winds to host two of the largest and most vibrant kite-flying events in North America, featuring expert demonstrations, massive artistic kites, and activities for the whole family. The 2025 festivals are set to be bigger and better than ever, making them essential stops on any Oregon Coast itinerary.
The Essential 2025 Lincoln City Kite Festival Schedule & Venue
The Lincoln City Kite Festival is a unique celebration because it happens twice a year, offering two distinct chances to experience the magic. Both events are held at the same central location, the D River State Recreation Site, which is conveniently situated directly west of Highway 101.
- Summer Kite Festival 2025: The summer event typically focuses on celebrating the joy and warmth of the season. The confirmed dates are June 21–22, 2025. This timing perfectly coincides with the start of summer vacation, drawing large crowds to the sandy beaches.
- Fall Kite Festival 2025: Known for its slightly cooler weather and dramatic sunsets, the fall festival is scheduled for September 19–21, 2025. This event often features more dramatic kite displays and a famous night event.
The venue, the D River State Recreation Site, is noteworthy itself. It is the official home of the D River, which holds the distinction of being one of the world’s shortest rivers, running just 120 feet from Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean.
5 Must-See, Unique Features of The 2025 Kite Festivals
The Lincoln City festivals are far more than just people flying kites; they are highly choreographed, professional events featuring world-class kite fliers and massive, custom-made aerial art. Here are the five most unique aspects you absolutely cannot miss at the 2025 events.
1. The Dazzling Fall Night Fly Spectacle
The most anticipated event of the Fall Kite Festival is undoubtedly the "Night Fly." This spectacle transforms the dark Oregon sky into a glowing art installation. On the Friday evening of the Fall festival (September 19, 2025), the beach fills with LED-illuminated kites. These custom-built kites, often featuring intricate designs and vibrant light strips, perform choreographed dances against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The Night Fly typically runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, creating a truly magical and memorable experience that has become a signature of the Lincoln City event.
2. The Massive "Mega Fly" Group Performance
A major highlight on the Sunday schedule of both festivals is the thrilling "Mega Fly." This is a breathtaking group performance where all professional and featured fliers take to the field simultaneously. The sky is instantly filled with a staggering array of giant kites—think colossal octopuses, whales, dragons, and jellyfish—all soaring together in a coordinated display. The sheer scale of the Mega Fly, which usually takes place around 12:30 PM, is a powerful demonstration of the wind's strength and the fliers' skill, creating a visual feast that has earned the city its "Kite Capital" title.
3. FREE Kite Making Workshops for Families
The festival is intensely family-friendly, and a core component of its community spirit is the hands-on activities. Visitors can participate in free, DIY kite-making workshops. These workshops, often run in partnership with local organizations like Family Promise of Lincoln County, allow children and adults to construct and decorate their own paper kites, which they can then immediately take out to the beach and fly. This engagement with the craft provides a wonderful, low-cost activity and a perfect souvenir from the Oregon Coast.
4. The Wind Garden and Big Kite Field Tours
Beyond the main demonstrations, the festival area is filled with unique entities to explore. The "Wind Garden" is a beautiful, static display of smaller, artistic wind-powered sculptures and banners that flutter and dance in the coastal breeze. Additionally, visitors can take tours of the "Big Kite Field," where they can get up close to the massive, custom-designed kites before they are launched. Seeing these enormous pieces of fabric art on the ground gives you a true appreciation for the engineering and artistry involved in flying them.
5. The Famous Finders Keepers Glass Floats Connection
A key entity that enhances the topical authority of any Lincoln City visit is the famous "Finders Keepers" program. This unique, year-round event involves local "Float Fairies" hiding over 3,000 hand-blown glass floats along the city's seven miles of public beaches, from Roads End to Siletz Bay. While the Kite Festival is the main draw, the chance to hunt for a colorful, signed, and numbered glass float adds an extra layer of treasure-hunting excitement to your trip. Festival attendees are encouraged to search for these beautiful floats above the high tide line, making the entire beach a potential treasure ground.
Planning Your Trip: Logistics and Visitor Information
Attending the Lincoln City Kite Festival requires a bit of planning, but the D River State Recreation Site is well-equipped to handle the large crowds. Knowing the logistics for parking, access, and accommodation is crucial for a smooth visit.
Parking and Transportation
The D River State Recreation Site is one of the most accessible beaches on the Oregon Coast, offering paved parking and flush restrooms. However, due to the popularity of the festival, the main parking lot fills up very quickly. To alleviate congestion, the festival often provides free shuttle services from designated off-site parking areas in Lincoln City. Always check the official event website closer to the 2025 dates for the latest shuttle schedule and pickup locations to ensure a stress-free experience.
Accommodation and Local Entities
To fully enjoy the three-day Fall Festival or the two-day Summer Festival, booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended. Lincoln City offers a wide range of lodging, from oceanfront hotels to vacation rentals. Exploring nearby entities like Devils Lake, the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, and the local art galleries will further enrich your stay.
What to Bring
The Oregon Coast weather is famously unpredictable. Even in June and September, visitors should pack layers, including a windbreaker or light jacket, as the strong winds that power the kites can be chilly. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a blanket or beach chairs are also essential. Remember to bring your own kite if you want to participate in the general flying area, or simply enjoy the spectacle of the professional kite fliers and the awe-inspiring aerial displays.
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