Fly High And Have A Ball At The Great American Kite Festival In Kansas

There are plenty of amazing festivals in Kansas, but if you live in the state's more rural western half, it can sometimes feel like you're missing out. Many of the biggest and best events in the Sunflower State are centered in our cities, which tend to be more toward the east. Today, we're featuring a festival that's in underappreciated western Kansas. The Great American Kite Festival is scheduled for Labor Day weekend 2023 at HorseThief Reservoir near Jetmore, Kansas. This is a family-friendly event filled with massive colorful kites like you've never seen before, and the HorseThief Reservoir is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the plains. This one definitely belongs on your calendar!

HorseThief Reservoir is surrounded by a wonderful park that offers camping, swimming, fishing, and more.

On Labor Day weekend, though, the most popular activity here is kite-watching!

The festival features a variety of high-flying kites that are scheduled to set sail on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

If the weather isn't cooperative (kites require wind, after all!), Sunday has been set aside as a makeup day.

Food trucks and other events are scheduled to be on-site.

This is, of course, a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but seeing all these bright kites will make you feel like a kid again.

For more information about the 2023 Great American Kite Festival, check out the Great American Kites & Events Facebook page or the HorseThief Reservoir Facebook page. Festival entry is free, but note that a $5 vehicle permit is required for entry.

I don't know about you, but I haven't flown a kite since I was a young kid. If seeing all these cool pictures has got you wanting to try it out again, check out the great selection of kites at REI.