Kite Contest
The Exchange Club Contest and Showcase is presented by H-E-B
The Exchange Club Contest & Showcase
Ready to take your kite flying skills to new heights? Join Austin’s oldest and greatest kite tradition—open to all ages, all kinds of kites and free to enter, the annual kite contest has been bringing families together since 1929. Whether you’re 7 or 70 this contest celebrates the pure joy of flight in all its forms. Want to make your own kite?
Click here to download instructions on how to build Mr. Happy Kite!
Learn more about the Kite Contest
Contest Rules
- Homemade and pre-built kites are accepted. Dual-line, motorized or “drone” kites are not accepted for competition.
- Youth competitions are open to contestants age 16 and under. Adults may assist children with their kites.
- Contestants may enter multiple events but must enter a different kite for each event. (Exception: 50 Yard Dash)
- Awards will be given to first, second and third-place winners in each event. Judges’ decisions are final.
- Contestants must register before the contest and display their number at all times. Contestants are requested to report to the contest field 10 minutes prior to their category start time.
- Kites must fly to qualify for judging.
Contest Categories & Schedule
Get ready for the best competition in Austin! Check out our categories below and may the best kite win!
Competition is open to children 7 to 12 years of age. Kites will fly on 50 feet of string, and contestants will sprint to the finish line. Winner must have their kite stay in the air for the entire race. Kite string will be measured during registration.
Kite string will be measured during registration. Competitors will release 200 feet of string and stand on a designated line. The kite flying at the highest angle / most directly overhead from the point of mooring wins the competition.
Kite string will be measured during registration. Competitors will release 200 feet of string and stand on a designated line. The kite flying at the highest angle / most directly overhead from the point of mooring wins the competition.
The winning kite is the least active / most stable kite in the air.
The winning kite is the least active / most stable kite in the air.
Judges award prizes for best technical single line kite flying and presentation. Costumes, props, and precision flying displays are encouraged. Dual-line kites are not eligible to compete.
Judges award prizes for best technical single line kite flying and presentation. Costumes, props, and precision flying displays are encouraged. Dual-line kites are not eligible to compete.
The kite’s size will be measured during registration. The size of the sail area, excluding any tail will determine the smallest kite. Entries must fly on10 feet of line higher than the point of mooring (e.g. higher than the contestant’s hand holding the line)
Entries are judged on theme, construction techniques, and design. Judges will look for odd, striking or novel features and shapes.
Entries are judged on theme, construction techniques, and design. Judges will look for odd, striking or novel features and shapes.
The kite’s size will be measured during registration. The size of the sail area, excluding any tail will determine the largest kite. Kite Trains are not allowed. Entries in the largest kite contest must fly for at least one minute, and contestants are limited to three attempts to launch and fly their kite.
An award will be presented to the oldest and to the youngest contestants. Contestants must fly a kite unassisted to be eligible for this award.
