Kiters from all over are preparing to descend on a handful of frozen lakes across the Upper Midwest. As temperatures plummet this winter, thousands of pounds of rip-stop fabric will come to almost any kind of life you can think of.
Join us as we welcome the warm spirit of these communities out onto the ice, proving time and again cabin fever is one of the strongest forces in nature:
Kites Over Awesome Lake Antoine (K.O.A.L.A.)
January 23, 2027, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Iron Mountain, Michigan
K.O.A.L.A. brings winter kite flying to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Set on frozen Lake Antoine, just off Quinnesec Lake Antoine Road, it has become a regular stop for regional kiters.
University of Okoboji Winter Games
January 28-31, 2027
Okoboji, Iowa
Now in their 47th year, the University of Okoboji Winter Games take over West Lake Okoboji on the last weekend of January, with broomball, chili cooking, and a big turnout. Giant kite displays have become a fixture of the weekend thanks in large part to #BojiKites, a volunteer-driven effort that keeps the kites coming all weekend.
Kites on Ice Festival
February 13, 2027, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Buffalo, Minnesota
Held on Buffalo Lake in downtown Buffalo, the Kites on Ice Festival is a free event now in its 9th year. What began as a local gathering has grown into one of Minnesota’s signature winter kite events, drawing kiters from across the region and crowds that can number into the thousands when conditions cooperate.
Cool Kites on Ice
February 14, 2027, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Now in its 7th year, Cool Kites on Ice brings the kites to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. It falls the day after Buffalo’s festival, which gives Minnesota kiters a second chance to get out on the ice.
Color the Wind
February 20, 2027, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Clear Lake, Iowa
Few winter kite events are as recognizable as Color the Wind. Held each year on the third Saturday of February, it brings giant inflatable kites and kiters from across the country to the Clear Lake shoreline, and it has long drawn crowds in the thousands.
Its return is one of the biggest stories of the season, due to unfavorable conditions since 2024, and kiters and spectators alike are eager to see it back out on the ice.
Winter’s Main Event
Spring can wait. The upside of winter is almost here, and these events will put you in the best seat in the house!
