Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival 2024 Returns With Exciting Family-Friendly Tradition
The Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival is back! The beloved family-friendly tradition returns this weekend, and is expected to bring all the same fun festival-goers have experienced for many years.
History Of The Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival
The Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival started as the Great Boston Kite Festival over 50 years ago. The first on was held on May 17, 1969 on the gold course at Franklin Park. The charge was led by Clara Wainwright who was a Boston quilt maker and visual artist. She and a group of other artists and designers called themselves, “The Committee for the Better Use of Air.” Their work was focused on creating “opportunities for as many people as possible to engage in this shared experience through exhibitions, workshops and contests centered around kite making and kite flying.” (Franklin Park Coalition)
What Do I Need To Know?
The 2024 Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival will take place on Saturday, May 18th from 12-4pm. it will take place at Franklin Park Playstead, 25 Pierpont Road. If it rains, the rain date is the following day from 2-5pm.
The event draws more than 1,000 people each year when people come out to have picnics, fly kites, ride bike, and listen to great music. As someone who has participated in the event many times, I have to say it is one of the most fun community events in the city of Boston.
Some of the things to do: make a kite, buy one, or bring your own. There are always food trucks serving up delicious offerings. Younger kids can try out bike with Countdown to Kindergarten. There’s a bicycle repair station by REI. And you can also get free helmets.
The event is hosted by the Franklin Park Coalition.
How To Get There
You’re encouraged to bike there, walk, or take public transportation as there is limited parking available. Here are directions provided from the Franklin Park Coalition.
- 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:
Have a great weekend and enjoy the Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival!