Color the Wind Kite Festival Canceled

Color the Wind Kite Festival Update

Updated February 16, 2026

The 2026 Color the Wind Kite Festival, scheduled for February 21, has been cancelled due to unsafe ice conditions along the shoreline on Clear Lake.

After closely monitoring the ice in partnership with local safety officials, Event Director Trish Fundermann and the Color the Wind Committee determined that conditions are not stable enough to safely host the event on the lake. Safety is always our top priority, and without confidence in the ice, we cannot move forward.

We also explored relocating the festival to land. However, due to FAA regulations requiring kite flying to be at least four miles from the airport, along with space, parking, and electrical needs, there is no suitable alternative location that can accommodate the event.

We know how much this event means to our community and to those who travel to Clear Lake each winter. Like you, we are disappointed. Color the Wind is a unique experience, and we look forward to bringing it back under better conditions on February 20, 2027.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 🪁

Color the Wind is back! Join us in Clear Lake for the Midwest’s largest and most colorful winter kite festival, featuring huge inflatable kites of all kinds flown by serious kite-flyers from across the United States. Hot food is available on site. Free admission.

Expect to be dazzled by this event! The display of beautiful colors, the sheer size of some of the kites, and the incredible choreography of the musical numbers are really something to behold.

Visitors will flock to Clear Lake’s frozen oasis to see the most spectacular display of kite-flying around. The festival is a big hit for everyone! Young or old – seasoned kite flyer or newbie to the hobby.

Keep in mind, this is a winter event, so it could be very cold. Please dress accordingly, and don’t forget, to avoid a day spent squinting at the kites, so bring your shades!

FAQs
Parking: We will have updated parking info soon! There will also be free parking at CLHS (125 N 20th St) and complimentary shuttles to & from downtown from 10:30am-4:30pm.

You may drive along N Lakeview Drive to view the kites without getting out of your car.

Kites will be available for purchase at the Lakeview Room.

In addition to these local restaurants, we will have a couple food trucks parked across from the City Park downtown.

You may NOT drive or park your car on the ice downtown in the designated festival area.
 

Other Saturday activities:

Step inside and keep the day going with a mix of music, art and history!

Surf Ballroom is open from 10am-5pm, with tours of the Music Experience Center now open. Walk through Clear Lake's music legacy with rare exhibits and an immersive experience that set the stage before you explore the Surf itself.

Clear Lake Arts Center is open from 10am-4pm. Step into a world of color, light, and imagination with a hands-on art activity for all ages. Participants will design their own stained-glass inspired window using construction paper and glowing cellophane, exploring how layered shapes transform when light shines through.

Clear Lake Public Library Activities:
10:30am: Color the Wind Story Time
12-4pm: The Library Meeting Room will be open as a warming house with games and crafts to enjoy while you take a break from the cold. A hot chocolate bar will also be available.

Plan Your Trip Today

The Color the Wind Kite Festival is the perfect reason to visit Clear Lake. From the soaring kites to the friendly vibe, this event is sure to brighten your winter. Book your stay now and get ready to Color the Wind!