GSW Kamen KITE — International Kite Festival

Kites Over Kamen

Once a year — at the end of May — the Kamen-Dortmund Airfield becomes a circus in the sky: the GSW Kamen KITE, the International Kite Festival organized by the Luftsportfreunde 2000 Kamen/Dortmund (Aviation Friends). With its 39th edition in 2026, the festival is among Germany's most traditional and internationally high-caliber kite-flying events.

May 30th-31st, 2026 — The 39th KITE

The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, May 30th, and Sunday, May 31st, 2026, at the airfield on Derner Straße. What to expect:

• ~200 Pro Kiters from around the world will perform choreographies, stunt shows, and showcase large-scale kite creations.
• ~300 Amateurs and Semi-Pros will utilize the large airfield simultaneously — a true "democracy of kites."
• 5,000-15,000 Visitors are expected, depending on the weather.
• Approx. 30 Stalls offering snacks, drinks, kite accessories, and souvenirs.
• Children's Activities and family entertainment.
• 60,000 m² Airfield — a vast area, ideal for the largest kite constructions.

Saturday Night Flight Show

The absolute highlight of the festival is the Night Flight Show on Saturday around 10:30 PM: illuminated kites of all sizes and shapes — from LED-equipped stunt kites and giant illuminated animal figures to choreographed multi-kite displays — will fill the night sky over Kamen. It's one of the most visually unique experiences offered by a German outdoor festival.

Drone Ban

Due to increasing incidents involving drones, the festival has been made drone-free: drones are strictly prohibited for all visitors, participants, and helpers. Those wishing to capture aerial footage will have to rely on the official photo and film teams. The reason: drones endanger the kites and flying structures, and the airfield is a sensitive airspace zone.

Free Admission

The festival is completely free. This is a deliberate decision by the organizers: the festival thrives on enthusiasm and donations, not entrance fees. Visitors are encouraged to use the free parking lots in Kamen's city center, arrive by public transport, or come by bicycle (with designated parking).

Kamen and the Airfield

Kamen (approx. 43,000 inhabitants) is located in the Unna district, at the transition from the Ruhr area to the Sauerland region. The Airfield on Derner Straße — shared with Dortmund — offers the ideal space for a kite festival: wide meadows, open skies, and good wind conditions due to its elevated location. The Luftsportfreunde 2000 Kamen/Dortmund also use the field for gliding and model aircraft flying outside of the KITE event.

City of Kamen — Festival Partner

The City of Kamen supports the festival as a municipal partner — GSW (Gemeinschaftsstadtwerke - Joint Municipal Utilities) also lends its name to the local utility company's sponsorship role. This synergy between clubs, utility companies, and the city administration makes the KITE a true event of Kamen's identity.