When summer comes around once again, and travelers find themselves longing to enjoy a vacation destination with plenty of sun, sand, and surf included, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is always a top choice. Boasting over 200 miles of scenic shorelines, these barrier islands provide a scenic retreat from the daily routine that has many visitors coming back year after year with good reason. Filled with natural beauty and hosting a collection of charming seaside villages, the Outer Banks is rich in history and packed with options for customized fun. From horseback riding on the sand to sunbathing, swimming, and boating, the opportunities to round out an itinerary here seem limitless. If you happen to be heading this way in June, there’s even more to look forward to. In 2024, the 42nd annual Rogallo Kite Festival will come to the Outer Banks much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. When you’re looking to pair your scenic stay with colorful family-friendly fun, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Turn Your Eyes to the Skies

This year, the 42nd annual Rogallo Kite Festival will be held June 14 and June 15 at Jockeys Ridge State Park which is found at 300 W. Carolista Drive in Nags Head. The event is organized by Kitty Hawk Kites which is headquartered at 3933 S Croatan Highway and will provide convenient parking options for the event as well. Kitty Hawk Kites is a local recreational outfitter in the Outer Banks that offers kiteboarding, hang gliding, kayak tours, parasailing adventures, and dolphin tours just to name a few of many! When it comes to outdoor thrills, nobody does it better than Kitty Hawk Kites, and the annual Rogallo Kite Festival is a testament to their passion for time in nature. There’s no cost for guests to attend the Rogallo Kite Festival in 2024 and the planned activities and experiences are suitable for attendees of all ages.

Festival History

The Rogallo Kite Festival is a family-friendly experience that’s loved by locals and visitors alike that honors NASA scientist Francis Rogallo who is credited as the investor of the flexible wing. His invention ultimately lent itself to the creation of extreme sports like hang gliding and today, his designs continue to influence everything from power kites and innovative hang gliders to stunt kites as well. The lasting legacy of his accomplishments is put on full display at the annual Rogallo Kite Festival in the Outer Banks as participants turn their eyes to the sky in wonder at the colorful display of aerial innovation overhead.

What to Expect at the Kite Festival

Those who plan to attend the Rogallo Kite Festival this year will want to make their way to Jockeys Ridge State Park between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm both days of the festival. Once you arrive, you’ll be treated to breathtaking kite displays showcasing kites that range from 30 to 100 feet in length! There are opportunities to simply stand back and observe as these impressive kites are flown or participate in free stunt kite lessons too. There are also kitemaking sessions hosted on-site for kids who are excited to put their own creative skill set to work. There will be kites on-site available to purchase as well if you don’t have your own to fly or you’re looking to add to a collection you’ve started. This is a fun, inspiring, and welcoming experience that might just be the highlight of your summer Outer Banks adventure this summer.

Plan Your Visit

In a typical year, mid-June in Nags Head can be counted on to be hot, windy, and sunny. While this makes for ideal kite flying conditions, those who attend the 42nd annual Rogallo Kite Festival will want to be sure to plan accordingly. Kitty Hawk Kites recommends all participants pack plenty of sunscreen and water for their day of kite flying and spectating. You’ll want sunglasses so you can enjoy the viewing experience at its best and packing chairs, umbrellas and the right footwear is important to protect yourself from the sun and heat throughout the day. The Rogallo Kite Festival is a pet-friendly event on the Outer Banks, but guests are encouraged to pack similarly for their four-legged friends to make sure everyone remains safe, healthy, and has fun from start to finish.

Book Your Outer Banks Journey Today

Whether you’re heading to the Outer Banks for Rogallo Kite Festival fun or you’re looking to enjoy a journey this way another time of year, Shoreline OBX is happy to handle your accommodation details so you can focus on the adventure ahead! Our collection of beautiful, spacious, and luxurious vacation rentals is designed to keep our guests close to the places and experiences they can’t wait to discover while pairing it all with top-of-the-line amenities, features, and furnishings too. When you book with us, you’ll feel right at home, and we wouldn’t have it any other way for our valued guests. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next trip!