Every year on the third weekend in May, the sky above Bug Light Park is lit up with kites of all shapes and colors. The Bug Light Kite Festival is organized by the South Portland Historical Society and is made possible by members of the Nor’Easters Kite Club and Kites Over New England (KONE).

Admission to this annual festival is absolutely free, and funds are being raised for a barbecue lunch featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, fries, drinks, and more. Proceeds from the lunch will go to keep the museum open to the public.

The Kite Festival is organized by the South Portland Historical Society and takes place at Bug Light Park in South Portland. There is food, live entertainment and, of course, kite flying. I went to college at Southern Maine Community College, which was right next door, so I felt a little nostalgic when I went back to campus and explored the park.

PARKING.

There are public spaces available at Bug Light Park, accessible only to festival organizers, and handicap parking is available. If you are able to walk, please park in the SMCC parking lot at the end of Broadway and walk in or park on Madison Street before entering the park.

TRANSPORTATION.

In recent years, the Port of Portland Water Taxi has offered free alternative transportation to the Bug Light Kite Festival, so check the festival’s kit website to see if they’ll be participating again this year. In lieu of tickets, they will be accepting donations for the South Portland Historical Society and its museum.