REDCLIFFE KITEFEST

Soar into a Sky-High Weekend at Redcliffe KiteFest

Step into a world where the sky literally swirls with colour. Welcome to Redcliffe KiteFest, a weekend-long celebration that is one of Australia’s premier kite festivals, held annually on the scenic shores of Moreton Bay. With the theme of “Brisbane’s Biggest Birthday Party”, the Redcliffe KiteFest promises an unforgettable experience, from the dynamic display of kites to the exhilarating amusement rides and engaging live performances. Bringing joy and excitement to visitors of all ages this sensory-rich festival is sure to create cherished family memories.

As soon as visitors step into the festival ground, they are greeted by an explosion of colour, with our entrance marked by a giant rainbow arch, setting the stage for a day filled with wonder. Towering letters spell out “KiteFest”, inviting guests to capture the arrival with a perfect selfie. The first sensory delight is a visual feast - the sky adorned with kites of every conceivable shape and size. The swooping kites soar above the crowds in a graceful, multihued dance that can’t help but evoke joy and wonder.

But Redcliffe KiteFest is not just about the spectacle. As you head deeper into the festival grounds, the energy intensifies. Local musicians fill the air with a festive soundtrack, while performers captivate their audiences with a variety of acts, drawing laughter and applause. This vibrant atmosphere is further enriched by the delightful aromas from the food court – the enticing smells of wood-fired pizza, hot chips and freshly brewed coffee waft through the air, making mouths water and adding to the festival spirit.

The Vibe 

The main attraction, the Kite-Flying Arena, is a kaleidoscope of colours, with kites of every imaginable shape and size swirling and sweeping across the sky, while ground kites seem to float along the arena’s edge. This visual spectacle generates a palpable energy in the crowd, with kite enthusiasts, their families, friends and festival-goers all sharing in the fun and excitement.

Local musicians draw small crowds and compose an acoustic soundscape that lifts the spirits. Children’s performers captivate their young audiences with playful acts and engaging shows, drawing smiles, laughter and applause from kids of all ages. Closer to the main stage the excitement becomes infectious because the main stage is a hive of activity, where the buzz of entertainment never ceases.

The Kids Karnival zone is alive with the sounds of amusement rides, with shrieks and laughter filling the air as visitors of all ages relive childhood thrills on classic rides. Meanwhile, the Kids Zone buzzes with activity as children join in various craft activities and workshops, their chatter adding to the lively atmosphere. These activities are sure to engage young minds and bodies, and round out a fun-filled experience for the entire family.

What’s On at Redcliffe KiteFest

Redcliffe KiteFest has dozens of activities and programs for the whole family. The main attraction is the spectacular kite-flying displays, where kites of all shapes, sizes and colours soar and swoop across the sky. The Kite Flying Arena is where to head to watch the awe-inspiring professional kite flyers as they showcase their incredible skills.

Live entertainment is a cornerstone of the festival. The air buzzes with excitement as young kids crowd eagerly around the Redcliffe KiteFest Main Stage, their cheerful chatter and laughter mixing with the soft hum of distant music and the whoosh of kites soaring above, as they wait in anticipation for the headline children’s show to begin. A diverse line-up of local artists and entertainers keep the vibe alive across multiple stages. From music to magic shows, there’s always something to delight audiences of all ages.

For families, the Big Fun Zone offers plenty of free and low-cost activities and games. Children can choose from a range of craft activities in the Kids Zone, including kite-making workshops that promise hands-on fun to indulge kids’ creativity. The KiteFest Karnival adds another layer of excitement with its classic amusement rides, while the Food Court tempts your taste buds with a wide selection of mouth-watering treats. Browse the markets for arts and crafts, clothing and accessories, and games and toys, enjoy free face painting or fly your own kite in the Public Kite-Flying Zone.

A stunning daily aerobatic display is one of the festival’s must-sees: look up in awe as classic aircraft effortlessly loop, dip and zoom through the skies.

Spend the Weekend at Redcliffe

Redcliffe is situated on the land of the Gubbi Gubbi people, but after first being visited by Matthew Flinders in 1799, it later became Queensland’s first colony in 1824. Redcliffe has actually been a seaside resort town since the 1880s and has since blossomed into a popular beach holiday destination without losing its local identity. One of the town’s main claims to fame is that the Gibb family called it home for a time and the Bee Gees staged their first ever public performance at the Redcliffe Speedway in 1959. Indeed, as Barry Gibb wrote, “We met Brisbane's leading DJ and racing car driver Bill Gates, who suggested we call ourselves the BGs and even played our songs on his radio show…. hence Redcliffe became the birthplace of the Bee Gees.” You can find a bronze statue of the band at the end of Bee Gees Way.

Perfect for family holidays, Redcliffe offers safe beaches and accommodation options to suit every budget. The area’s sun-drenched beaches and dog-friendly foreshore parklands provide plenty of opportunities to either relax or get active, with trails including the Moreton Bay Cycleway, which is part of 150 kilometres of connected cycle paths. Key swimming spots include Scarborough Beach, Queens Beach, Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe Beach, Suttons Beach and Margate Beach. Each offers a unique experience, from calm waters ideal for families to scenic trails perfect for a leisurely walk or a workout. The laid-back atmosphere of Redcliffe makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and fun.

Fishers can throw in a line off historic Redcliffe Jetty, Hornibrook Bridge or Scarborough Marina, but if you want to get out onto the water you can hire a paddle board or kayak to explore Moreton Bay. And, if you visit during migration season, which runs from June through October, you can even go whale watching. If art is your thing, Redcliffe Art Gallery hosts regularly changing exhibitions and artist-led workshops.

Indulge yourself in trendy sidewalk cafes and restaurants along the picturesque beachfront esplanades, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal with beautiful ocean views. The local retail scene features a mix of unique and locally operated stores offering everything from fashion to souvenirs. For entertainment, Redcliffe boasts a bustling events calendar, thriving nightlife, and popular Sunday markets, ensuring there’s always something exciting to explore no matter what your taste.

Accessibility

Redcliffe KiteFest is committed to inclusivity and has implemented several strategies to support visitors with varying needs, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the festivities. The event offers free shuttle buses that are wheelchair- and pram-friendly, providing convenient transport from the Redcliffe Showgrounds and Kippa-Ring train station to the festival site. Limited accessible parking is available near the main entry gate along Hornibrook Esplanade for permit holders at Pelican Park. There’s also a safe designated drop-off zone.

Wheelchair-friendly ramps and pedestrian paths are installed throughout the event site, enhancing accessibility. Spaces are reserved near the stage entertainment area for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Accessible toilets are located at key points, including near the boat ramp at Pelican Park, on Hornibrook Esplanade side, and at the KiteFest Karnival/Amusement Rides Zone near the playground at Pelican Park.

The event welcomes guide and service dogs, with ample grassy areas throughout the KiteFest and Pelican Park for their toileting needs. A dedicated Quiet Zone in the Kids Zone provides a safe space for patrons experiencing sensory overload, offering a calm and quiet environment to relax.

AUSLAN interpreting services are available for some stage shows, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the performances. The full programme of events lists shows which are interpreted. Parents can make use of the dedicated parent rooms in the Kidz Zone, equipped with change tables, a microwave, and private areas for breastfeeding.

The grounds at Pelican Park for Redcliffe KiteFest are a mix of gravel, grass, and bitumen. However, we have ensured all areas of the festival can be accessed by patrons in wheelchairs. While Redcliffe KiteFest is committed to inclusivity for all attendees, some amusement rides may not be accessible to everyone. Certain food trucks may also have limited accessibility due to their vehicle height.

A large, 1.5-metre-wide map of the festival site can be found located next to the Information tent as you enter Redcliffe KiteFest. A digital version of this map is also available on the Redcliffe KiteFest website. Throughout the festival grounds, additional signage directs guests to amenities such as toilets and ATMs.

A digital program outlining the full program of entertainment can be viewed by scanning the QR code at the Information/Ticketing booths and can also be found on the Redcliffe KiteFest website.