Get ready to look to the skies! One of Sydney’s most colourful family events, Festival of the Winds, is returning to Bondi Beach on Sunday 13 September 2026, bringing spectacular kites, live entertainment, workshops, rides, animals, food and plenty of free family fun to the Eastern Suburbs.
Held on the second Sunday of September each year, Festival of the Winds sees professional kite flyers and makers transform the skies above Bondi Beach with an incredible collection of kites big and small.
Presented by Waverley Council alongside the Australian Kite Flying Society (AKFS), the free festival runs from 11am to 4pm, with activities spread across Bondi Park and Bondi Pavilion.
And while the kites might be the stars of the show, there’s much more happening at ground level.
A Huge Day of Family Fun in Bondi
Families can settle in for a full day of entertainment, with live music and cultural performances, kite workshops, rides, a petting zoo, face painting, circus activities, arts and crafts, food stalls and roaming performers.
In Bondi Park, kids can learn more about the art of kite flying at the Edgee Kite Workshops before checking out the rides and petting zoo. There will also be kite stalls if all those colourful creations in the sky inspire the kids to have a go themselves.
When it’s time for lunch, families can explore the festival’s food stalls and find something tasty before heading back to the beach to watch the kite flyers in action.
Festival of the Winds Mainstage
The Mainstage program kicks off at 11am with a Welcome to Country by Gujaga Foundation, followed by an afternoon of music, dance and cultural performances.
The 2026 line-up includes Suwitra Jaya Gamelan, Bandaluzia Flamenco, The Polynesian Dance Crew, Lemonise and Mister OTT, along with performances from Gagliardes throughout the day.
The Mainstage program is:
11:00am: Welcome to Country by Gujaga Foundation
11:10am: Suwitra Jaya Gamelan
12:00pm: Gagliardes
12:15pm: Bandaluzia Flamenco
1:05pm: Gagliardes
1:15pm: The Polynesian Dance Crew
1:50pm: Gagliardes
2:05pm: Lemonise
3:00pm: Mayor Will Nemesh speech
3:05pm: Gagliardes
3:20pm: Mister OTT
Local Talent Takes Over the Forecourt Stage
There’s another packed program at the Forecourt Stage, with plenty of local schools, musicians and dance groups getting involved.
The entertainment begins with Bondi Brass at 11am, followed by performances from Black Joak Morris, Rose Bay Secondary College Music Ensemble, Bondi Beach Recorder Ensemble and Bondi Beach Public School Choir.
Families can also catch the Tap Pups and 100% Dance, while Feel Free Dance Studio will bring some Latin flavour to the festival with a Salsa and Latin Fusion Show.
Better yet, you can join in yourself. Feel Free Dance Studio will host a Latin Dance Workshop at 3:10pm, followed by an all-in dance social at 3:40pm.
Get Creative at Bondi Pavilion
Head into Bondi Pavilion and you’ll find even more activities running from 11am to 4pm as part of the Courtyard Creative Zone.
Kids can try their hand at origami craft, circus skills, clay workshops and postcard colouring, while face painters will be working their magic in the High Tide Room.
There will also be games on the grass, an Eastside Radio DJ, a film screening in Yalagang and the ARTEXPRESS Exhibition inside Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery.
With so much happening, families can easily move between the beach, park and Pavilion throughout the day.
ESM Tip
Make a day of it and arrive early. With performances, workshops and activities happening simultaneously across several areas, getting there around 11am gives you plenty of time to explore without rushing. Bring a picnic rug, hats and sunscreen and find a spot where you can enjoy the entertainment while keeping an eye on those spectacular kites overhead.
Festival of the Winds 2026 – Event Details
Where: Bondi Park and Bondi Beach, Bondi
When: Sunday 13 September 2026, 11am–4pm
Cost: Free
Best for: Families, toddlers, primary school kids, kite enthusiasts and anyone looking for a free day out in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Need to know: The festival includes professional kite flying, kite-making workshops, live music and cultural performances, rides, a petting zoo, face painting, circus skills, arts and crafts, food and kite stalls, dance workshops and roaming entertainment.
Presented by: Waverley Council in partnership with the Australian Kite Flying Society (AKFS).
Festival of the Winds 2025 – A Sky Full of Colour at Bondi Beach
