Zilker Park Kite Festival
Austin, Texas

Where: Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road

When: early March

Spirits soar as high as the kites that fly over the capital city's 351-acre park during this family-friendly fete, which has been celebrated annually since 1929, making the event the longest-running kite festival in the U.S. A gentle zephyr which blows across Zilker Park lifts hundreds of homemade creations ranging from the tried and true diamond shape to elaborate inventions, all of which can compete for awards in a variety of contests, including largest and smallest kite and the most unique kite.

Kids ages 7 - 12 can line up with their self-made concoctions for the 50-yard dash, while children of all ages can release their inner artist at a kite-making workshop.

A free shuttle bus runs from State Garage R at 17th and San Jacinto to the park for a play day complete with face painting, rock wall climbing and stunt kite performances.

As evening approaches, the cheerful rainbow colors of both handmade and store bought kites seem to announce that spring is just around the corner as attendees participate in a mass flight.

For more information:

• visit http://www.zilkerkitefestival.com/