Atlantic Coast Kite Festival

The Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is one of the things that makes the Virginia Beach area so special! It's a two-day event in early May each year (for 13 years running), the first day at the Oceanfront being the one that appeals to most of the professionals and the biggest crowds. But the second day, at Portsmouth City Park, is the one we like as it's smaller and more kid-friendly (and easier to find parking, which is a big factor with kids, let's be honest.) We went last weekend with friends and the kids in our group are still talking about it almost two weeks later.

There are several different areas at the Portsmouth festival: one for amateurs with their homemade and store-bought kites, and one for the pros, with their giant sky-dancing creations. There's a judging ring: for the kite competition, with prizes for beginners all the way up, and a spot for kids to compete in the parachute race. There's a kiosk where you can learn to make your own kite from master kite-builder Archie Stewart. And in between there's all the fun that Portsmouth City Park has to offer.

But you don't need to wait for May to fly a kite in Hampton Roads! We love any beach or Mt. Trashmore for flying ours. Where are your favorite kite-flying spaces?