There's no place with a stronger heritage of flight than the Outer Banks! Kitty Hawk Kites is a kite company born out of a love for flight. Each year, the company organizes a range of events that encourage community and promote an appreciation for flight. The 2022 calendar is out, and the events are looking quite exciting! Here are the events that have been planned so far.
Flying into Spring and the Easter EGGstravaganza
Friday, April 15th & Saturday, April 16th, 2022
Join Kitty Hawk Kites in celebrating the start of spring and National Kite Month! The sight of 30-to-100 foot kites soaring over Jockey's Ridge State Park will take your breath away. The kids will love getting to meet the Easter Bunny, who will be in attendance, and participating in the annual Jockey's Ridge Crossing Easter Egg Hunt.
Hang Gliding Spectacular
Thursday, May 19th — Sunday, May 22nd, 2022
Kitty Hawk Kites will celebrate the 50th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular competition, which takes place at the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC and at Jockey Ridge State Park. There will be lots to see and do at this free event. While there, you'll see a vintage glider display and fly-in; a historic film, photo, and T-shirt display; a film festival; the Woody Jones Street Dance; and more.
40th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival
Friday, June 17th — Sunday, June 19th, 2022
This annual festival celebrates Francis Rogallo, a NASA scientist and inventor of the flexible wing. Guests from all over are invited to come fly a kite in his honor, creating a stunning tribute to his legacy. You can also enjoy a giant kite display, free stunt kite lessons, and kite making.
44th Annual Wright Kite Festival
Saturday, July 16th & Sunday, July 17th, 2022
Celebrate the Wright Brothers first flight with Kitty Hawk Kites. Take a walk through the Wright Brothers National Memorial grounds, enjoy kite displays, and more. You are also welcome to fly kites of your own, take free stunt and power kite flying lesson, and bring the kids to the kite making station.
16th Annual Watermelon Festival
Thursday, August 4th, 2022
To celebrate the summer, join Kitty Hawk Kites in supporting the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. There will be games, food, face painting, tie-dye shirt making, arts and crafts activities, and general watermelon fun, including seed spitting and watermelon ice cream eating competitions.
Outer Banks Pirate Festival
Wednesday, August 10th & Thursday, August 11th, 2022
Have a blast at the Outer Banks Pirate Festival, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites! Pirates of Blackbeard’s Crew and mates will be camped out at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head. Guests are invited to come by to learn about the history of the Outer Banks' pirates. Kids can participate in Scallywag School to see if they have what it takes to be a part of Blackbeard’s crew.
Outer Banks Kite Festival
Friday, September 9th — Sunday, September 11th, 2022
Come watch the nation's best stunt kite pilots and dazzling massive kite displays at this fun regional kite festival. There will be world-class displays of artistry and skill with kite flying set to music, synchronized performances, and more.
Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament
Friday, September 16th — Sunday, September 18th, 2022
The Annual Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament is a beloved event hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites. The best kayak anglers on the Outer Banks compete for fantastic prizes at this terrific tournament. This slam style tournament targets drum, flounder, and trout!
Outer Banks Brewtag
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Outer Banks Brewtag is a celebration of flight and beer, hosted by the Rogallo Foundation. At this unique event, Brewtag teams from all over the east coast compete to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the farthest using innovative homemade contraptions. Watch the competition and enjoy local and regional food and beer.
Hanging with Santa
Friday, November 25th — Saturday, November 26th, 2022
Kitty Hawk Kites will spread the holiday cheer at this great event. Kids can come enjoy free visits and pictures with Santa. There will be plenty of cocoa and baked goods available!
Kites with Lights
Saturday, November 26th, 2022
This event will feature a light display unlike anything you've seen before. Come see 19-to-30 foot kites decked out in twinkling holiday lights. You can also check out the Jockey's Ridge State Park Solar Christmas tree on the dunes across from Jockey's Ridge Crossing.
For more information on these events, keep an eye on social media.
Which event are you most looking forward to? Tell us in the comments!
