Join us at the 2024 Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival
Saturday, May 18th, 12 – 4 PM
Saturday, May 18th, 12 – 4 PM
(rain date Sunday, May 19, 2 – 5 PM)
Franklin Park Playstead, 25 Pierpont Road
It’s opening day in Franklin Park! Don’t miss out on this 50-year tradition in our park.
- You can make a kite, buy one, or bring your own!
- Food trucks
- Bikes to try for younger kids with Countdown to Kindergarten
- Bicycle repair station by REI
- Free helmets
Contact us to sponsor this wonderful community tradition or click here to be a vendor.
Started in 1969, the Kite & Bike Festival is a Boston tradition that gathers more than 1,000 people at Franklin Park each May to enjoy picnicking, kite flying, bicycles & music. One resident describes the Kite & Bike Festival as “My favorite day ever in the twenty years I’ve lived in Boston!”
Picture endless blue skies dotted with colorful kites, children and families running and laughing across bright green fields — this event is not to be missed! Hosted by the Franklin Park Coalition. Check out photos from past festivals!
Getting There: Biking, walking, and transit are encouraged! There will be limited parking available.
- By Bus: MBTA bus #16 stops at the main park entrance on Blue Hill Avenue, while the #22, #24, and #49 stop at Seaver Street & Humboldt Ave or Seaver & Elm Hill Ave entrances.
- By T: Take the Orange Line T Station to Green Street or Forest Hills station. Click here for detailed walking directions and map.
- By Bike: Click here for detailed biking directions and map.
- There are two Bluebikes stations located by the park:
- @Franklin Park Zoo – Franklin Park Rd at Blue Hill Ave
- @Seaver St at Humboldt Ave
- There are two Bluebikes stations located by the park:
History of the Kite & Bike Festival
The festival was started by Boston quilt maker and visual artist Clara Wainwright, who was also began Boston’s First Night celebration in 1976, expanding opportunities for creativity and connections. In 2010, the Franklin Park Coalition brought back the event, reimagined as the Kite & Bike Festival. Held every year on the Saturday after Mother’s Day, the festival brings out more than 1,000 people to fly kites, ride bikes, and picnic in historic Franklin Park.