Every year, kite enthusiasts from far and wide come to Treasure Island to participate in the Treasure Island Kite Festival. The festival features a weekend full of colorful aerial displays with music, competition and more. With the area’s stunning winter sunsets, it’s a hit with tourists and locals alike, year after year.
Usually held in mid-January when the cool Gulf breeze is at its best, the event is the largest kite festival in the state of Florida. Sanctioned by the Eastern League Sport Kite Association, the event also serves as host to the Treasure Island Sport Kite Championship, featuring kite fliers from across the U.S. The winners of the competition win a bid to compete in the Grand Nationals.
Even if you are not participating in the competition or are a novice kite flyer, you can still bring your kite and participate in kite flying. Admission is also free, making it something the whole family can enjoy together. It’s also something kite enthusiasts can savor. There is a certain amount of camaraderie when kite fliers meet and can share their passion with each other. Many of the kite fliers speak of returning years later to maintain some of the lasting friendships they made on their initial journey.
It really is a giant and colorful spectacle. You’ll see everything from octopus kites to scary one-eyed monster kites to bird and centipede kites. Young children in particular love it when kites have “character”. With a stunning sunset as the backdrop, it’s truly beautiful to witness, especially for those looking to escape the blizzard weather and come to sunny Florida, where temperatures average around 65 degrees for the event.
The Treasure Island Kite Festival takes place outside of the Thunderbird Beach Resort, directly on the beach, though many kite fliers choose to stay at Treasure Island Rentals and St. Pete Beach Condo Rentals just down the street. Many times it’s because staying in a condo instead of a hotel is cheaper, there are no hidden fees, and they come with fully furnished kitchens, which seem to work better for families traveling to the area. Whether you choose to stay at the Thunderbird, the event’s official hotel, or opt for a rental, is entirely up to you. Just make sure you hit the beach and make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses for all those hours you spend staring at the sun!