On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, the sky above the western tip of Gozo fills with kites. The International Kite and Wind Festival takes place in the open fields of San Dimitri, just outside the village of Għarb. Gozo is the second largest island of Malta and lies a ferry ride of roughly 25 minutes from the main island. If you are planning the trip around it, our guide to planning your Gozo trip helps you fit it into your week.
The festival started in 2018 and has returned every October since. The edition of 2024 was the seventh and the edition of 2025 was the eighth, which makes 2026 the ninth. The organiser is the Għarb Local Council, the elected body that runs the village. Entry has been free in every edition so far.
It is the second festival in Għarb within a month. From 25 to 27 September 2026 the same village hosted the Gozo International Puppet Festival, with giant puppets in the streets.
The festival at a glance
| Detalle | At a glance |
|---|---|
| When | Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026 |
| Where | San Dimitri fields, outside Għarb |
| Hours | From 10:00 until sunset on both days |
| Entry | Free |
| Good for | Families, with workshops and a children’s area |
| Getting there | About 15 minutes by bus or car from Victoria |
Why San Dimitri
San Dimitri is a stretch of flat farmland that ends at high cliffs above the sea. There are no buildings, trees or power lines in the way, and the wind blows in from the open water without interruption. Those are the two things a kite needs, which are space and a steady wind.
The area takes its name from the small chapel of Saint Demetrius that stands alone in the fields, a short walk from the cliff edge.
What visitors see
The main attraction is the kite flying itself, which in 2025 ran from 10:00 in the morning until sunset on both days. Professional kite flyers from abroad travel to Gozo for the weekend. In earlier editions more than 20 teams took part, from countries that included Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India and Brazil.
These flyers do not bring the small diamond shaped kite that most people know from the beach. They fly giant inflatable kites, which are kites without a frame that fill with wind like a balloon and often take the shape of an animal. Other teams fly stunt kites, which hang on two or four lines so that the flyer can steer them through loops and dives.
More than kites
The festival is built for families. Earlier editions offered workshops where children build a simple kite with paper, sticks and string and then fly it themselves in the same field as the professionals. There was also a children’s area with games, a traditional fair, stalls with food and drink, and live music.
Kite flying is an old pastime in Gozo. The festival was set up to bring back the tradition of making and flying kites on the island. Mayor David Apap Agius of Għarb describes the event as part of a plan to get people outdoors and together, away from their screens.
The evenings have had their own programme in past years. Past editions ended the Saturday with a fireworks show at sunset and a barbecue in the open air, and closed on Sunday evening with a traditional bonfire. If you enjoy that side of Maltese life, our Excursión guiada a los fuegos artificiales de las fiestas locales brings you to a summer festa night.
Practical information for visitors
Għarb is about 15 minutes by bus or car from Victoria, the capital of Gozo. San Dimitri lies outside the village, so visitors walk the last part along country lanes. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, because the field is uneven farmland. A guided day out like our Excursión guiada Discovering Gozo takes care of the ferry and the driving so you arrive relaxed.
A kite festival depends on the weather. With too little wind the large kites stay on the ground, and with heavy rain the flying stops. October in Gozo is usually still warm, but the cliffs are exposed, so a light jacket and sun protection both belong in the bag.
Preguntas frecuentes
When is the Gozo International Kite and Wind Festival?
In 2026 it runs on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, from 10:00 until sunset on both days. The festival takes place every October in the San Dimitri fields outside Għarb.
Is the kite festival free and good for children?
Yes. Entry is free, and the festival is built for families, with kite making workshops, a children’s area, a fair, food stalls and live music.
What should I bring to San Dimitri?
Wear sturdy shoes, as the field is uneven farmland and you walk the last part along country lanes. Bring a light jacket and sun protection too, because the cliffs are open and exposed.