Clockshop’s Kite Festival Returns to Los Angeles State Historic Park
Thousands to Gather in Celebration of Community Stewardship and Public Space
LOS ANGELES, CA – May 7, 2026 — The skyline above Los Angeles State Historic Park will come alive with color as Clockshop’s Kite Festival returns on May 9 from 2–6 p.m. Now in its sixth year, the free annual event is expected to draw thousands for an afternoon of kite flying, art-making workshops, live performances, artist unveilings, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that reflect the cultural diversity of surrounding communities.
This year’s theme, Take a Breath, centers on the wind that lifts our kites, the open sky above the park, and the shared air that connects us all.
“We’re thrilled to gather once again for this joyful celebration at one of Los Angeles’ most significant public spaces—Downtown LA’s backyard,” said Sue Bell Yank, Executive Director of Clockshop. “Our public parks must be protected by future generations, so they remain vital, accessible resources amid accelerating downtown development.”
As part of Clockshop’s annual kite commission program, artists Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader will debut a new inflatable sculpture exploring the complexities of communication across signed and spoken languages.
This year’s featured kite artist, Francisco Ramos, a two-time competition winner will present a design inspired by the meditative qualities of park spaces, created in the style of a traditional Guatemalan barrilete. Rooted in a rich cultural practice, these kites symbolize the connection between spiritual and material worlds, traditionally flown during Día de los Muertos. The hexagonal designs, decorated with scenes cut from papel chino and tails strung with noise-making instruments, are formal nods to the traditions of his homeland. He is teaching the techniques of his craft to his two daughters, imparting to them the freedom he feels when flying kites, where he lets his imagination soar. Parks, to him, are places where one can find calm and healing, and he often spends weekends in nature with his family.
For the third consecutive year, the festival will host a kite competition, inviting participants to showcase handmade creations judged by expert kite makers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own kites or visit Clockshop’s website for eco-friendly options. A limited number of donation-based kites will also be available onsite at the Kite-Making Station.
The program will include a main stage speaking series with interpretation in Spanish, Chinese, and American Sign Language.
Los Angeles State Historic Park continues to serve as a vital space for artists and communities, an effort Clockshop champions through its programming and advocacy. However, this work faces potential challenges from the proposed aerial gondola project, which could impact open space, wildlife habitats, mature trees, and the overall experience of nature in the city.
Through the simple, intergenerational act of kite flying, Clockshop’s Kite Festival uplifts community connection while building awareness around the importance of protecting public land.
This event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5–$10 supports ongoing public programming and artist commissions. Learn more at clockshop.org/project/clockshops-kite-festival.
The event is made possible by the ongoing partnership with California State Parks, the LA Parks Alliance, Rediscover Center, Set Zero, and Bub & Grandma’s. Additional sponsor support from California State Parks, Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Sieroty Company, LA City Council District 1 (Eunisses Hernandez), LA City Council District 13 (Hugo Soto-Martinez), Sierra Club, Riboli Family Wines, Sugerman Communications Group, United Way of Los Angeles, and American Business Bank.
To learn more about Clockshop’s Kite Festival or other Clockshop events, please visit www.clockshop.org.
