This Indiana Park Hosts an Annual Kite Festival That Draws People From Across the State

I first heard about Coxhall Gardens from a friend who raved about the kite festival, and honestly, I thought she was exaggerating. How exciting could a kite event really be?

Then I drove out to Carmel one spring morning and watched hundreds of colorful kites dancing above those iconic twin clock towers, and I got it. Families sprawled on blankets, kids running with homemade kites trailing behind them, and the smell of fresh-cut grass mixing with the sounds of laughter.

It felt like stepping into a scene from a childhood memory I never actually had. The festival draws people from all corners of Indiana, and once you experience it yourself, you understand why.

This 125-acre park transforms into something magical during the annual kite festival, where community spirit soars just as high as those vibrant kites overhead. Whether you live in Carmel or drive hours to get there, the event offers something genuinely special that you cannot find anywhere else in the state.

The Festival Happens Every Spring at a Picture-Perfect Location

Mark your calendars for late April or early May because that is when Coxhall Gardens hosts its beloved annual kite festival. The timing could not be better since Indiana weather finally shakes off winter’s chill and the park bursts into bloom.

Coxhall Gardens sits at 11677 Towne Rd in Carmel, right in the heart of Hamilton County. The park covers 125 acres of rolling green space, complete with paved walking trails, a stunning Roman-style amphitheater, and those twin bell clock towers that chime every hour.

During the festival, the entire lawn becomes a launching pad for kites of every shape and size. Families claim their spots early, spreading blankets near the pond or closer to the amphitheater for shade.

The open landscape makes Coxhall Gardens ideal for kite flying since there are no overhead power lines or dense tree coverage to snag your kite. You get unobstructed sky and plenty of room to run.

Parents appreciate the clean restrooms and ample parking, while kids love the freedom to roam safely. The park stays open from 6 AM to 9 PM daily, so you can arrive whenever suits your schedule.

People Travel From Across Indiana Just for This Event

What started as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of Indiana’s most anticipated spring traditions. Attendees come from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, and even smaller towns you have probably never heard of.

The festival attracts such diverse crowds because it offers something rare in our digital age: simple, screen-free fun. No admission fees, no complicated rules, just wind and sky and creativity.

Local kite enthusiasts often bring elaborate designs they have worked on all winter. You might see dragon kites stretching twenty feet long or geometric box kites that spin hypnotically in the breeze.

But you also see plenty of first-timers with basic diamond kites from the store, and nobody judges. The atmosphere stays welcoming and encouraging no matter your skill level.

Hamilton County has invested heavily in maintaining Coxhall Gardens, and it shows. The grounds stay pristine year-round, which makes the festival experience even more enjoyable.

Many families make this an annual tradition, returning year after year. Some drive over an hour each way, packing coolers and lawn chairs like they are heading to a concert.

The Children’s Garden Area Becomes Festival Central

Coxhall Gardens features a whimsical Children’s Garden that becomes the unofficial headquarters during kite festival day. This area includes miniature village buildings, tunnels, paths, and even a water and mud zone that kids absolutely adore.

The garden sits near convenient restrooms and picnic areas, making it perfect for families who need a home base. Parents can set up camp nearby while children alternate between kite flying and exploring the playhouses.

Bright flowers bloom throughout this section in spring, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops that photographers love. Wedding and engagement shoots happen here regularly, but during the festival, it belongs entirely to the kids.

The village structures spark imaginative play when little ones need a break from running with kites. You will see children pretending to run shops or playing house while their older siblings continue flying kites on the main lawn.

Benches and swings dot the landscape, giving tired parents places to rest while keeping eyes on their crew. The thoughtful design means everyone finds their comfort zone.

This area proves especially popular with families who have children of different ages since it offers varied activities beyond just kite flying.

Those Iconic Twin Clock Towers Create Unforgettable Photo Opportunities

The twin clock towers stand as Coxhall Gardens’ most recognizable feature, and they look especially magical when framed by dozens of airborne kites. These European-inspired structures chime on the hour and play musical tunes that drift across the entire park.

Photographers flock to this spot during the festival, positioning themselves to capture kites soaring between or above the towers. The contrast between the sturdy stone architecture and delicate dancing kites creates stunning compositions.

Many families make it a tradition to take an annual photo in the same spot, documenting how their kids grow year after year. The towers provide a consistent backdrop that makes these comparison photos even more meaningful.

The bells add an unexpected sensory element to the festival experience. When they ring out, children often stop and stare upward, momentarily distracted from their kite-flying missions.

The area around the towers offers both sun and shade depending on the time of day, so you can find comfortable viewing angles no matter when you arrive. Paved pathways make the location accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Even if you forget your camera, you will see the image burned into your memory forever.

The Roman-Style Amphitheater Provides Perfect Seating and Shade

Coxhall Gardens boasts a stunning amphitheater modeled after ancient Roman designs, complete with tiered stone seating and impressive columns. During the kite festival, this structure transforms into prime real estate for spectators who want elevation and shade.

The amphitheater faces the main lawn where most kite flying happens, giving seated guests a theater-like view of the action. You can watch experienced fliers perform tricks or simply enjoy the colorful chaos of dozens of kites aloft simultaneously.

Older visitors particularly appreciate the stone seating since it beats sitting on the ground for extended periods. The steps stay cool even on warmer spring days, and the shade underneath provides relief from direct sun.

Throughout the year, this venue hosts concerts and community events, but during kite festival day, it serves as a gathering spot for people who want to observe rather than participate actively. Some folks bring books and split their time between reading and kite-watching.

The acoustics mean you can hear the joyful shouts and laughter from across the lawn clearly. It creates an immersive experience even from a distance.

Parents often take turns, with one flying kites with the kids while the other rests in the amphitheater.

The Fishing Lake and Wetlands Add Natural Beauty to the Experience

Beyond the manicured lawns and architectural features, Coxhall Gardens includes beautiful natural areas that festival-goers often overlook. The fishing lake and wetlands section in the back corner offers a completely different atmosphere from the bustling main lawn.

Families seeking a quieter experience often migrate to this area after flying kites. The wooden footbridge crossing the wetlands provides excellent viewing opportunities for spotting turtles, frogs, muskrats, and various bird species including red-winged blackbirds and goldfinches.

The tall native plants create a sense of seclusion even though you remain within the park boundaries. Kids love the adventure of exploring this wilder section, especially after the more structured activity of kite flying.

Photographers find endless subjects here, from dragonflies hovering over the water to reflections of kites in the lake’s surface. The natural elements provide organic contrast to the geometric kites overhead.

The trails around this area stay less crowded during the festival, making them perfect for families with dogs or anyone who prefers a calmer pace. You can still see kites in the distance while enjoying the sounds of nature.

This hidden gem reminds visitors that Coxhall Gardens offers layers of experience beyond any single event.

Nearby Carmel Attractions Make It Easy to Extend Your Visit

After spending a morning at the kite festival, many families explore other Carmel attractions to make a full day of it. The Carmel Arts and Design District sits just minutes away at 200 S Range Line Rd, offering galleries, unique shops, and family-friendly dining options.

The Center for the Performing Arts at 1 Carter Green provides world-class entertainment in a stunning venue, though you might just want to walk the grounds and admire the architecture. The Monon Trail runs through Carmel, perfect for families who want to bike or walk after the festival.

For lunch, head to Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream at 4 W Main St in downtown Carmel, where kids devour massive burgers and thick milkshakes. The casual atmosphere welcomes festival-goers still dressed in their outdoor gear.

The Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections at 111 E Main St fascinates children and adults alike with intricate dollhouses and tiny detailed scenes. It offers a complete contrast to the wide-open spaces of Coxhall Gardens.

Many families also visit the Carmel Farmers Market on Saturdays, combining the kite festival with fresh produce shopping. The proximity of these attractions makes Carmel an ideal destination for a full day of family fun beyond just the kites.