The Kite Festival Returns to Zilker Park Today

Austin, TX · April 11, 2026

Happy Saturday—the sky over Zilker is about to be filled with color for the 98th year, and if you’re heading west, the bluebonnets along Highway 290 are officially at peak bloom.

The Lead

The ABC Kite Festival takes over Zilker Park today, marking one of the city's oldest and most beloved traditions. Founded in 1929 as a way to encourage creativity in children, it has evolved into a massive community gathering that signals the true start of spring. Expect thousands of kites—from simple paper diamonds to elaborate, multi-segment dragons—to catch the breeze starting around 10:00 AM. Beyond the flying, the "Kite Contest" remains the heart of the event, where hobbyists compete for titles like "Most Unusual Kite" and "Highest Angle Kite." If you aren't participating, it's still one of the best days of the year for people-watching. Pro tip: skip the parking nightmare and use the shuttle from the Long Center; the hike-and-bike trail will be packed, so give yourself extra time if you're cycling in.

Local Pulse

I-35 Deck Park Designs Finalized The city has released final renderings for the "caps" over I-35 downtown. These plazas will eventually connect East and West Austin with green space and playgrounds, aiming to heal the divide created by the original highway construction.
New Trail Safety Lighting Pilot The Parks Department is testing new, shielded LED lighting along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The goal is to improve visibility for evening runners while minimizing light pollution for the local bat colony and other wildlife.
Rainey Street Historic District Expansion City Council is reviewing a proposal to designate three more structures on the edge of Rainey Street as historic landmarks. This move seeks to preserve the neighborhood's original residential character amidst the rapid high-rise development nearby.

Today's Outlook

High 83°F · Low 62°F A classic spring day with plenty of sunshine and a light breeze—perfect for the kites. Pollen counts are high, so keep the allergy meds handy if you're heading to the park.

What's On Around Town

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Native Plant Sale 4801 La Crosse Ave 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Grab some drought-resistant beauties for your garden. Experts are on-site to help you pick the right species for our specific soil and sun conditions.
ABC Kite Festival Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM The oldest kite festival in the country features contests, food vendors, and a massive "show kite" display. It is free to attend and very dog-friendly.
Round Rock: PopUp Art Show Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM A quick drive north for a juried art show featuring regional artists, live music, and interactive booths for kids to try their hand at painting.
East Austin: Spring Artisan Market Central Machine Works, 4824 E Cesar Chavez St 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Shop local makers while enjoying a lager in the beer hall. A great spot to find unique jewelry and ceramics without the downtown crowds.
The Continental Club: James McMurtry 1315 S Congress Ave 10:00 PM Catch a local songwriting legend in the city's most iconic intimate venue. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s exactly what a Saturday night on South Congress should feel like.

Spotlight & Story

Laguna Gloria Nestled on the shores of Lake Austin, this fourteen-acre site is a Mediterranean-style escape. The Driscoll Villa, built in 1916, was once the home of Clara Driscoll, known as the "Savior of the Alamo" for her efforts to preserve the mission. Today, it serves as the Contemporary Austin’s outdoor sculpture park. Look for the "Looking Up" sculpture—a 33-foot tall silver figure—which has become a permanent sentinel overlooking the water and a favorite for local photographers.

Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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