A nostalgic coastal escape on Washington’s wild peninsula

Welcome to the Sky Show

Each summer, the skies over Long Beach Peninsula transform into a living canvas during the annual Washington State International Kite Festival.

For one unforgettable week, vibrant kites dance above miles of open shoreline—giant whales, spinning wheels, delicate shapes, and handmade works of art floating in the ocean breeze.

It’s not just an event… it’s a feeling.
Salt air. Barefoot walks. The sound of laughter carried on the wind.

🗓️ What to Expect

• Mass Ascensions – Hundreds of kites launched at once (this is the “wow” moment)
• Professional Demonstrations – Precision flying teams and stunt kite performances
• Evening Light Displays – Illuminated kites glowing against the dusk sky
• Family Fun – Kids’ kite-making and beginner flying areas
• Vendor Booths – Unique kites, coastal crafts, and festival treats

💡 Tip: Mornings are calm and peaceful. Afternoons bring stronger winds—and the most dramatic skies.

📍 Where It Happens

8

The heart of the festival is centered near the Bolstad Beach Approach, where wide open sand meets perfect coastal wind conditions.

Parking fills quickly, so many visitors choose to walk or bike from nearby stays—making location part of the experience.

🧺 How to Do the Festival Like a Local

Make it less hectic—and way more magical:

• Bring a blanket + beach chairs
• Pack layers (coastal weather shifts quickly)
• Grab coffee early and wander before crowds arrive
• Stay for sunset—this is when the peninsula truly shines

✨ Best-kept secret: Step just a little away from the main crowd and you’ll find quieter stretches of beach with equally stunning kite views.

🌊 Beyond the Kites

6

Turn your festival visit into a full coastal escape:

• Walk the longest beach in Washington
• Explore nearby shops and vintage coastal finds
• Visit Cape Disappointment State Park for dramatic cliffs and lighthouses
• End your day with a quiet sunset and the sound of waves

🏡 Where to Stay (And Why It Matters)

After a full day under the sun and sky, where you stay shapes the memory.

Boutique stays on the peninsula offer something the big chains can’t—
character, warmth, and that feeling of stepping into a simpler time.

Think:

• Soft lighting after a windblown beach day
• Cozy rooms with personality
• A slower pace that lets you actually feel the coast

The best experiences happen when your stay feels like part of the story—not just a place to sleep.

✨ Make It a Tradition

Many visitors return year after year for the kite festival—not just for the event, but for the feeling it brings back.

A familiar room.
A favorite stretch of beach.
The same sky… filled with something new every time.

📞 Plan Your Visit

The kite festival is one of the busiest weeks on the peninsula—rooms book quickly.

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, cozy coastal stay within easy reach of the festival, it’s worth reserving early.