The Midwest’s Biggest Kite Festival is Happening in Iowa This Month

Get ready for one of Iowa's best and biggest winter festivals! The annual Color the Wind Kite Festival is on the way this month!

When/Where is It?

The 2026 Color the Wind Kite Festival is set for Saturday, February 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Clear Lake, Iowa. The festival is literally held ON Clear Lake, so the ice conditions will be monitored leading up to the event. The city of Clear Lake's website reads:

"If ice conditions are not safe, the event will be canceled. There is no back-up location."

Where Do I Park?

It's important to note that you CANNOT drive/park your car on the ice in the designated festival area, and there are several road closures to be aware of, too. Check out the map below for more information:

As to where you CAN park, there is free parking available at Clear Lake High School and Industrial Park – Pritchard Companies. Both lots will offer shuttle rides to and from the festival for $1 per person. Shuttle service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and end with the last pick up in Downtown Clear Lake at 4 p.m. You can get more information on the two bus routes HERE.

Does it Cost Money to Get In?

The festival is free to attend, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per person. You can make your donation via donation buckets during the event, or send your donation on Venmo to @clearlakeareachamber.

What is There to Do at the Festival?

The main draw of the Color the Wind Kite Festival is... the kites, of course! According to the website, the event features "an awe-inspiring collection of gigantic inflatable kites, flown by dedicated kite enthusiasts from all over the United States." Some of them are even synchronized to music!

In addition to "a visual journey that will leave you breathless," there are a few other activities to enjoy at the festival, both indoors and outdoors. That includes Music Experience Center tours at the legendary Surf Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a hands-on art project for all ages at the Clear Lakes Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and crafts, games, and a hot chocolate bar at the Clear Lake Public Library from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you get hungry, there will be several food trucks parked along 3rd Ave by City Park, and local restaurants in the area will be open, too.

Can I Bring My Own Kite?

Yes! If you want to fly your own kite at the festival, all the city asks is that you stay out of the way of the larger kites. You can also buy a kite while you're there. They will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Park inside the Lakeview Room.

What Should I Bring?

The city of Clear Lake says that, in addition to your winter gear, you should also bring sunglasses with you, since you'll spend a lot of your time looking up at the sky.

If you'd prefer not to get out of your vehicle at all, you also have the option to see the kites by driving by the festival. Clear Lake's website reads:

"You may drive along N Lakeview Drive to view the kites without getting out of your car, however you must keep traffic moving – no stopping."

For the latest updates about the Color the Wind Kite Festival, you can follow the Clear Lake, Iowa Facebook page HERE.

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READ MORE: A Giant List of February 2026 Events Across Eastern Iowa