Treasure Island Kite Festival Returns With Three-Day Event

The Treasure Island Kite Festival will return Jan. 16-18 at 10700 Gulf Blvd. The gathering skipped last year because hurricanes tore through the region. Visit St. Pete Clearwater presents this three-day celebration next to the Thunderbird Inn.

Kites measuring up to 90 feet will soar overhead. Fliers have traveled from distant countries to display their creations alongside teams from nearby towns.

Expect showcases, workshops, and competitive sport kiting. You can join community flying activities too. Free lessons and demonstrations will help beginners throughout the weekend.

Friday runs from noon until 8 p.m. A Night Fly event lights up the sky from 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday stretches from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring another Night Fly session after sunset. Sunday wraps things up with events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The entire event costs nothing. Families are welcome. Public parking lots sit just north and south of the festival site on Gulf Boulevard.

You can watch displays during a beach walk. Bring your own kite if you want. This weekend marks a comeback for one of the area's most-loved beach gatherings.

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival arrives in March, bringing sand sculptors and festival activities to the area.