Every spring, the horizon above Bondi Beach becomes a canvas for some of the world’s most spectacular kites—and on Sunday, 13th September, the iconic shoreline will once again host Australia’s biggest kite celebration, the Festival of the Winds.
The free, family-friendly event has been flying for decades and expects to draw up to 50,000 visitors this year.
Giant international kites and creations from the Australian Kiteflyers Society will take over the sky, while performances, workshops and food stalls will fill Bondi Beach, Bondi Park and the Pavilion.
A sky full of colour (and a few record-breaking kites)
Professional flyers will launch everything from towering show kites to intricate stunt designs, including international favourites like the Guatemalan “Winds of Sumpango”—a festival staple known for its size and vivid storytelling patterns.
Alongside the aerial displays, the beachfront will buzz with roaming performers, a circus drop zone and an amateur kite flying competition for anyone keen to test their own skills.
Two stages anchor the entertainment lineup, with the Mainstage in Bondi Park featuring a Welcome to Country by the Gujaga Foundation, followed by acts such as Suwitra Jaya Gamelan, Bandaluzia Flamenco, The Polynesian Dance Crew and local favourite Gagliardes throughout the day.
The Forecourt Stage spotlights community talent, including Bondi Brass, Black Joak Morris, school ensembles and choirs, plus dance showcases and a Latin Fusion show with Feel Free Dance Studio.
Hands-on fun with international flavours
Families can dive into the Courtyard Creative Zone (11am–4pm) for origami, clay workshops, circus skills, face painting, and the ARTEXPRESS exhibition inside Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery.
In the park, Edgee Kite Workshops teach the basics of kite making and flying, while a petting zoo, rides, games on the grass and a pop-up library keep younger visitors entertained between shows.
In addition, the festival’s international food alley and market stalls offer everything from quick beachside bites to global cuisines, plus artisan and craft vendors selling kites, art, and handmade goods.
Heavy traffic and road closures will affect the area, so organisers strongly recommend taking public transport or using park-and-ride. Extra 381x express shuttle buses run every ~6 minutes between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach from 10am–4pm, with Route 333 from the city via Bondi Junction every 5–10 minutes.
Road closures and traffic controls will affect sections of Grafton St, Grosvenor St, Oxford St, Park Drive South and Queen Elizabeth Drive from early morning until evening, with very limited parking at Bondi Beach.
Key details
- What: Festival of the Winds 2026
- When: Sunday, 13 September 2026, 11:00am–4:00pm (site activities from 10:30am)
- Where: Bondi Beach, Bondi Park and Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
- Cost: Free
