Cody Cha Photography **Professionals will display their kites and their skills Saturday and Sunday at the 40th annual Lincoln City Kite Festival at the D River Recreation Site along U.S. Highway 101.**

By Oregon Coast TODAY

There will definitely be strings attached when Lincoln City’s celebrated Summer Kite Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the family-friendly festival brings two full days of impressive kite demonstrations, carnival games and hands-on activities to the beach at the D River State Recreation Site.

Professional kite fliers from around the world will fill the sky with awe-inspiring performances. Guests can see performances of teams, duos and solo fliers on the expansive kite field. Throughout the festival, huge show kites, including breaching whales and other colorful sea creatures, will dance through the air.

“The Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival is a cherished tradition that captures the essence of summer at the Oregon Coast,” said Kim Cooper Findling, director of Explore Lincoln City. “Visitors can look forward to a weekend full of playful skies, ocean breezes and a welcoming spirit that brings people back year after year. The beach skies come alive with soaring creations, from intricate designs to larger-than-life characters — all flown by some of the world’s top kite fliers.”

Beyond the aerial performances, the festival offers hands-on fun for all ages. Families can participate in free kite-making workshops via Family Promise of Lincoln County, while Pixie Fest carnival games provide entertainment with the proceeds benefiting the Lincoln City Kiwanis Club.

Guests can also explore the wind garden and browse art kite displays along the sand.

Fuel up with authentic local cuisine from Kristi’s Food Truck, serving hot dogs, burgers, Indian tacos and more. A few local vendors will have booths nearby, with some giving away free items like tote bags full of goodies and selling exclusive event shirts with unique artwork.

While kite flying is limited to professional fliers at the main festival site, people are encouraged to fly their own kites at other areas along Lincoln City’s seven miles of public beaches. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beach, and all service animals are permitted on festival grounds and shuttles.

As wind is unpredictable, patience is requested and schedule times are approximate. Festival visitors are also encouraged to be mindful stewards of the coast by cleaning up after themselves while enjoying Lincoln City’s beautiful beaches.

The Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Free parking and shuttle service will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days to and from the Lincoln City Community Center and the top of the parking garage at Lincoln City Outlets. For more information, go to www.explorelincolncity.com.