I’m always on the hunt for things to do that are both unique AND free — and the Kites on Ice Festival in Buffalo, Minnesota checks both boxes in the best way.

The 2026 Kites on Ice Festival returns on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, from 11:00am – 3:00pm, lighting up Buffalo Lake and Sturges Park with massive, colorful show kites soaring over the ice. (Fun fact: it’s always held the second Saturday in February.) This year, it’s on Valentine’s Day – what a fun romantic outing or day out with the family!

Buffalo is about 45 minutes west of the Twin Cities, making this an easy winter day trip that feels anything but ordinary.

What to Expect

You’ll be able to watch professional show kite flyers from Minnesota and across the Midwest showing off giant kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s seriously a breathtaking sight, especially against a snowy backdrop.

And it’s not just about watching — there’s a ton to do for all ages.

Festival Highlights

Fly your own kite (free!)
Free kites for kids (while supplies last)
Dog sled rides
Food trucks
Beer garden
Hot chocolate & treats
Cornhole Tournament
NEW: Pond Hockey Tournament
Family activities & more!

The event website lists “5 Things to Bring”

Bring the kids – free kites for kids (while supplies last)
Bring an appetite – food trucks, beer garden, hot chocolate, and treats
Bring it on – compete in the Cornhole Tournament for cash prizes
Bring your sense of adventure – explore Buffalo’s shops, wine bar, tap room, and eateries
Bring your camera – you’ll want photos of this one

NEW for 2026: FREE Bus Shuttle!

Parking just got a whole lot easier.

Park at Bentfield Mills Park:
1306 County Hwy-134 NE, Buffalo, MN 55313

The free shuttle runs continuously from 10:30am – 3:30pm, taking you right to the festival area.

Cornhole Tournament Details

Prizes: $200 (1st Place) | $100 (2nd Place)
Format: Double elimination
Entry: $40 per 2-person team
(Includes a free beverage in a collectible mug!)
Start Time: 11:30am sharp
Limit: First 32 teams
Deadline: January 31, 2026 (or until full)

Pond Hockey Tournament Details

Teams: 8 players per team (4 vs. 4, no goalies)
Entry Fee: $400 per team (guaranteed 3 games)
Divisions:
- Open League (competitive, men or women) – ages 18+
- Beer League (fun, mixed men/women) – ages 18+
Equipment Required: Helmet with chin strap & skates
(Protective gear optional but recommended)
Format:
- Games: 2 × 15-minute halves with a 2-minute intermission
- Round robin (all teams advance)
- Single-elimination playoffs
Prizes: $400 (Champions) | $100 (2nd Place)
Time: Dawn to dusk (schedule released the week of the tournament)

Why kite festivals often happen in winter

1. Winter has better wind
Cold air is denser than warm air, which means winter winds are often stronger, steadier, and more predictable. That’s basically perfect conditions for flying large show kites — especially the giant, artistic ones you see at festivals.

2. Frozen lakes = huge open spaces
Once lakes freeze over, you suddenly get massive, wide-open areas with:

No trees
No buildings
No power lines
Tons of safe distance for big kites

In summer, finding that kind of open space near a town is way harder.

3. Snow makes the visuals pop
Bright, colorful kites against a white, snowy background are dramatic and high-contrast, which is why winter kite festivals look so stunning in photos and videos.

4. Fewer crowds + fewer conflicts
Winter parks and lakes aren’t being used for:

Swimming
Boating
Sports leagues

That makes permitting easier and allows festivals to take over the space without competing uses.

5. It gives towns a winter “signature event”
Many communities intentionally create winter festivals to:

Beat the winter blues
Bring people downtown during the slow season
Support local businesses

Kite festivals are family-friendly, relatively low-impact, and visually exciting — a perfect winter draw.

Bonus:
Cold air also helps some kite materials hold their shape better, which pros definitely appreciate.

Good to Know

The festival is entirely outdoors, so dress warm.
It takes place on Buffalo Lake and Sturges Park.
Make a day of it by checking out local Buffalo businesses while you’re there.

👉 Check out full details, registration, and sponsorship info here:
Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau :: Kites On Ice Festival

Here’s a map:

Photos courtesy of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.