Go Fly A Kite Day (3rd Sunday in April)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

One weird holiday on the third Sunday in April is Go Fly A Kite Day.

This fun and lighthearted holiday is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in April, inviting people of all ages to embrace the joy of kite-flying.

The simple act of launching a kite into the sky is a timeless way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and experience the thrill of seeing something soar.

Whether you’re flying a kite for the first time or reliving childhood memories, this weird holiday in April is a perfect excuse to step outside and enjoy the breeze.

When Is the Holiday?

Go Fly A Kite Day takes place on the third Sunday in April each year. Here are the upcoming dates:

  • April 20, 2025
  • April 19, 2026
  • April 18, 2027
  • April 16, 2028
  • April 15, 2029
  • April 21, 2030

Who Invented the Holiday?

The holiday doesn’t have a specific inventor. The phrase “Go fly a kite!” has long been used to suggest someone find something enjoyable to do, making it the perfect inspiration for a day dedicated to kite-flying fun.

The History of the Holiday

Kite-flying has been around for over 2,000 years, with its origins tracing back to ancient China.

Early kites were used for military purposes, scientific experiments, and religious ceremonies. Over time, kites became a recreational pastime enjoyed by cultures around the world.

Notably, Benjamin Franklin’s famous 1752 experiment with a kite and key helped prove that lightning was a form of electricity.

The Wright brothers also used kites in their research before achieving powered flight.

Today, kites continue to inspire innovations in wind energy and aerodynamics.

Top Facts About Kites

  1. Kites were once used for fishing – In places like Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, people have historically used kites to help catch fish by attaching baited lines to their kites and flying them over the water.
  2. Kites played a role in World War I and II – The military used kites for reconnaissance, target practice, and even as lifelines for downed pilots at sea.
  3. The first manned kite flight happened in the 1800s – In 1826, English schoolteacher George Pocock used large kites to pull a carriage, reaching speeds of nearly 20 mph.
  4. There is a sport called Kite Fighting – Popular in countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Brazil, kite fighting involves trying to cut the strings of opponents’ kites using specially coated or glass-covered strings.
  5. Some kites can generate electricity – Modern kite power technology is being developed to harness wind energy at high altitudes, where the wind is stronger and more consistent than near the ground.
  6. There’s a Guinness World Record for the longest kite flight – The longest continuous kite flight lasted 180 hours (about 7.5 days) and was achieved in Ontario, Canada.
  7. Kites were once banned in some places – In 18th-century Japan, the government outlawed kite-flying during work hours because too many people were skipping work to enjoy the pastime.
  8. The fastest kite ever recorded reached over 120 mph – Speed kiting has become a competitive sport, with high-performance kites designed to cut through the air at incredible speeds.

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Activities to Celebrate

  • Fly a kite: Head to a park, beach, or open field with steady wind and take to the skies.
  • Make a DIY kite: Craft your own kite using paper, bamboo sticks, and string. Decorate it with bright colors and patterns to make it unique.
  • Visit a kite festival: Many cities host annual kite-flying events where enthusiasts gather to show off their creations and enjoy competitions.
  • Learn about kite history: Read about how kites have influenced science, aviation, and culture across the world.
  • Decorate with kite-themed art: Create or display kite-inspired paintings, drawings, or even origami kites to celebrate the day.
  • Host a kite-flying competition: Gather friends or family and see who can keep their kite in the air the longest or perform the most impressive tricks.
  • Watch kite-themed movies: Enjoy classic films like  Mary Poppins featuring the classic song “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

Links to Resources

    Related Holidays

    Kite enthusiasts can also celebrate National Kite Flying Day on February 8, a day dedicated to flying kites across the world.

    If you enjoy watching the sky filled with colorful wonders, Hot Air Balloon Day on June 5 is another fantastic occasion to celebrate aerial beauty.

    Additionally, aviation lovers can mark National Amelia Earhart Day on July 24, commemorating the pioneering achievements in flight and honoring one of history’s most iconic aviators.

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