LBI FLY International Kite Festival - Outdoor Kite Flying Event on Long Beach Island

✨ Event Description The LBI FLY International Kite Festival is a free, family-friendly outdoor event happening on October 9-10, 2026, along the beachfront from about 18th to 27th Streets in Ship Bottom, NJ. You can catch kite flying lessons, watch sports kite demonstrations, and see individual and team flying competitions. There’s also a night fly extravaganza with illuminated kites at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beach on Sunday evening. Plus, kids can get hands-on with mini-butterfly and sled kite making sessions. Notable kite performers include Canadian multi-disciplinary team QI 4.2, Dennis Smith, a National Champion from the American Kitefliers Association, and master-level sports kite pilot Lisa Willoughby.

🔍 What to Expect

• 🎏 Kite flying lessons: Learn the ropes from experienced flyers right on the beach.
• 🪁 Sports kite demos: Watch skilled pilots like Lisa Willoughby show off their moves.
• 🏁 Bol kite races: Cheer on competitors racing their kites across the sky.
• 🧒 Kids’ workshops: Mini-butterfly and sled kite making sessions to keep the little ones busy.
• 🌙 Night fly extravaganza: Illuminated kites light up the sky Sunday night at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beach.
• 🚍 Free shuttle: Service runs Friday through Sunday to help you get around.
• 🏫 Indoor fly event: On Friday evening, an indoor kite flying session happens at LBI Grade School.
• 🐕 Pet friendly: Leashed pets are welcome to join in the fun on the beach.

ℹ️ Good to Know The festival runs Friday 12 PM–5 PM and Saturday 10 AM–4 PM. It’s held right on the beach in Ship Bottom, NJ, and admission is free. ADA accessibility isn’t confirmed, and there are no age restrictions.