The 58th Annual Great Delaware Kite Festival, co-sponsored by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, is one of the oldest annual kite festivals in the country. It had its beginnings in 1969 when a Maharajah from India challenged the Delaware Governor to a kite duel. The duel championships led to spectators bringing their kites and then eventually to competitions for all ages with prizes sponsored by local businesses. Always held on Good Friday at Cape Henlopen State Park, the 2026 festival is on April 3rd and will celebrate America’s 250th with an appearance by Ben Franklin flying a kite. There will be an attempt to get 250 people flying their kites simultaneously and special awards for the Most Patriotic Kite for adults, teens and children. An Easter Egg Hunt precedes the kite competitions.

There is a park entrance fee; no fee to participate in the egg hunt or the kite competitions; food trucks on site selling beverages and food; kite vendors; face painting; handicap parking; free shuttle service from the parking lot to the competition field.