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Start the new year with fresh air, giant kites, and a beloved Milwaukee tradition.
The Cool Fool Kite & Snow Carving Festival returns to Veterans Park on New Year’s Day, inviting families to celebrate with colorful kites, live ice carving, and free winter fun along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hosted by Gift of Wings and the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois, this free event has been delighting Milwaukee families for nearly four decades.
❄️ Looking for more winter festivals happening around the city? You can find even more events in our full roundup of Milwaukee winter festivals and ice sculpture events, including seasonal favorites throughout January and February.
Event Details (2026)
- Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Veterans Park, 1300 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee
- Cost: Free admission and free parking
This is one of the first outdoor festivals of the year and a favorite way for families to kick off January.
What to Expect
Families can look forward to a full afternoon of outdoor winter fun, including:
Giant Kite Displays
Watch professional kite flyers send enormous, eye-catching kites soaring over the lakefront — some stretching more than 100 feet long. Guests are welcome to bring their own kites or purchase one onsite during Gift of Wings’ annual 30% off kite sale.
Live Ice Carving
The festival features live ice sculpting by The Quiet Snow & Ice Carvers, a nationally recognized team known for their intricate designs and competition-level carvings. Watching the sculptures take shape is a highlight for kids and adults alike.
Free Hot Drinks & Snacks
Warm up with free hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks while supplies last, courtesy of Gift of Wings. Additional hot food and beverages are typically available for purchase nearby.
Polar Plunge Viewing
The festival takes place just before the annual Polar Bear plunge into Lake Michigan nearby at Bradford Beach. Even if you’re not jumping in, it’s fun to watch the action.
Tips for Enjoying the Festival
- Dress in layers — lakefront winds can be chilly
- Arrive earlier in the day for free cocoa and snacks
- Bring a camera for photos of the kites and ice sculptures
- Plan to stay flexible — weather can affect kite flying conditions
Why Families Love It
- Completely free and low-pressure
- Easy parking and open space for kids to move around
- A true Milwaukee winter tradition
- Pairs well with other New Year’s Day activities, like watching the Polar Plunge!
More Winter Fun in Milwaukee
Looking for more ways to enjoy winter with kids? Check out our full roundup of fun winter activities in Milwaukee, including festivals, outdoor adventures, and cozy indoor ideas for cold days.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
