#BojiKite Winter Kite Festival

#BojiKites is a nonprofit winter kite festival held every year during the University of Okoboji Winter Games. What began in 2019 as an impulsive idea from founder Steve Boote has grown into one of the largest show-kite events on ice in the country.

Inspired by the incredible inflatable kites of Peter Lynn Kites, Steve assembled a small but dedicated team and debuted twelve massive kites at the 2019 Winter Games. The festival has expanded ever since—welcoming world-class fliers, attracting thousands of spectators, and filling the skies over West Lake Okoboji with brilliant color.

With the support of Historic Arnolds Park Amusement Park, the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and generous local donors, #BojiKites continues to soar. A new steering committee is guiding the festival’s return in 2026, promising a bigger and brighter weekend of kite flying, community fun, and breathtaking views on the frozen lake.

What to Expect

• Giant inflatable show kites ranging from 20–100 ft
• Professional fliers from around the world
• Walk-onto-the-ice spectator access
• Best viewing from Arnolds Park Amusement Park lakefront
• Weather-pending flight windows typically between 10 AM–5:30 PM

Schedule

Thursday, January 22

• Informal kite flying as weather and travel schedules allow.

Friday, January 23

• 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM: Open Kite Flying
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: #BojiKites Family Night in the Roof Garden
  • Color-your-own kites
  • Indoor kite flying
  • DJ & concessions
  • First 300 receive a complimentary kite to color (while supplies last)
• 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Night kites (weather/visibility permitting)

Saturday, January 24

• 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM: Open Kite Flying
• 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Night Kites (weather/visibility permitting)

Sunday, January 25

• Informal kite flying as weather and travel schedules allow.