The 49th annual Festival of the Winds transformed Bondi Beach into a kaleidoscope of hues on Sunday, 13 September 2026, as kite enthusiasts and spectators gathered under bright blue skies. The event, founded in 1978, is traditionally held on the second Sunday of September, and this year’s edition did not disappoint.
A Sky Full of Colour and Creativity
Photographs from the event captured a variety of kites, from a whale kite lying beached on the sand to a SpongeBob SquarePants kite looking out over North Bondi. A dragon kite soared above the crowds, while a windmill added a whimsical touch, reminding attendees that it is, after all, the Festival of Winds.
Amateur kite flyers had their skills put to the test, with some kites caught in a tailspin or tangled in the air. One image showed a father and son sharing different perspectives on the best way to fly a kite, while another captured a woman named Frances weaving through the sea of people on the sand and traffic in the sky to help her kite take flight.
Families and Beachgoers Enjoy the Day
Families were out in force, with one photo showing a mother named Steph instructing her young daughter on the perfect time to launch her new pink kite, counting down, “In three, two, one!” Another image featured a girl named Laasya taming the windy skies with precision, keeping her kite high. A woman named Helena took in the view over Australia’s most famous strip of sand.
The beach was crowded with surfers, walkers, and onlookers, all enjoying a balmy day. Dogs joined in the fun, with one photo capturing a dog and kites by the sea. Beachgoers were seen playing hide and seek among the colourful displays, and a man observed the symphony of kites from what he considered the best seat in the house.
Iconic Moments and Cultural References
One image featured a kite resembling Mr Squiggle, the beloved Australian children’s television character, with a caption reading, “Upside down, Miss Jane!” The event also drew attention from international media, with photographs from Dean Lewins of AAP, Karabo Mooki of The Guardian, Jeremy Piper of Reuters, and Xinhua/Shutterstock.
The Festival of the Winds has been a Bondi Beach tradition since 1978, celebrating the arrival of spring with a vibrant display of kites, colours, and community spirit. As the sun set on the 2026 edition, attendees packed up their kites and headed home, already looking forward to next year’s festival, which promises to bring even more colour to the skies and sand.
