Bel Air Skies to Soar: Free Kite Festival Returns April 11 | The Locally Times
Bel Air's 18-year Kite Festival tradition returns to Rockfield Park on April 11 with free kites, food trucks, and live music; rain date April 12.
For nearly two decades, the Bel Air Kite Festival has painted the skies above Rockfield Park with vibrant colors and community spirit. This year, the beloved tradition is set to return on Saturday, April 11, promising a day of free, high-flying fun for all ages. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the park's athletic fields will transform into a lively hub of outdoor activity. The Town of Bel Air, which recently detailed the upcoming festivities in a March 31 posting, emphasizes the event's role as an accessible community fixture since 2006, offering families a chance to connect and create together. ## A Day of Free Fun and Community Spirit The annual Bel Air Kite Festival is designed as a truly free, family-friendly event, ensuring all residents can participate without financial barriers. Admission is free, and attendees can receive complimentary kites, generously provided by premier sponsor APG Federal Credit Union, while supplies last. This ensures everyone, regardless of age, can experience the joy of kite flying and contribute to the colorful spectacle overhead. Beyond the kites, the festival promises a feast for the senses: a diverse array of food trucks will offer culinary delights throughout the day, while live music from the Wings Over Washington Kite Club fills the air, creating a festive soundtrack for the outdoor celebration. Should weather not cooperate, the festival has a designated rain date of Sunday, April 12, ensuring the tradition can proceed. ## A Legacy of Community and Tradition More than just a day of fun, the festival's free admission and complimentary kites underscore its key role as an accessible community gathering, enriching the quality of life for Bel Air residents. By eliminating financial barriers, the event actively fosters widespread engagement and strengthens community bonds. The Town of Bel Air highlights the festival's enduring status as a springtime tradition, tracing its roots back to its inception in 2006. This nearly two-decade continuity solidifies its place in the community calendar, consistently drawing families seeking affordable outdoor recreation. Its sustained success is a testament to the town's commitment to providing regular, accessible opportunities for civic participation and shared enjoyment. The collaborative spirit extends to local organizations like APG Federal Credit Union, serving as premier sponsor, and the Wings Over Washington Kite Club, providing entertainment. Their involvement reinforces local engagement and showcases a collective effort to enrich community life. ## Navigating the Skies: Your Festival Logistics Guide To ensure a smooth experience for all anticipated attendees, the Town of Bel Air has thoughtfully outlined several parking options for the April 11 festival. Primary parking will be available in the public lots within Rockfield Park, accessible from Route 22, offering direct access to the festival grounds. An additional designated section of The John Carroll School lots, located across from the Rockfield Park playground, will provide further parking capacity. For those seeking to avoid direct park traffic, a free shuttle service will operate from the public garage on Hickory Avenue, transporting festival-goers directly to and from the event. This convenient shuttle aims to ease parking pressure and enhance overall accessibility. The Town of Bel Air's recent March 31 posting encourages attendees to consult a parking map, available with this story, for detailed directional information. For real-time updates on the schedule or logistics, follow the Kite Festival event on Facebook. The public record does not specify the exact types of food trucks attending or the precise number of free kites available for distribution. ## Quick Facts for Your Visit **When and where is the festival?** The annual Bel Air Kite Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rockfield Park. **What's free at the event?** Admission to the festival is free, and complimentary kites will be provided by APG Federal Credit Union while supplies last. **What are the parking options?** Parking is available at Rockfield Park lots and The John Carroll School lots, with a free shuttle service from the Hickory Avenue public garage.