Let’s Get Sandy: Kites & Castles Returns July 26!
For over 30 years, the Kites and Castles festival has been Lake Mac's favorite way to play in the sand. This year’s event is happening Saturday, July 26, and everyone's invited—whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned sand sculpting pro.
Put together your crew and and plan out sand sculpture masterpiece. Awards are up for grabs in multiple age groups and skill levels, so bring your A-game... or just come for the fun. The build site will be on the west side of the low-water boat ramp at Martin Bay.
Kites & Castles Pro Tips
☀️ Shade is your friend—bring a canopy or sun umbrella
💦 Pack lots of water, sunscreen, hats and bug spray
🍿 Four hours of sculpting means snacks or lunch are a must
🧰 Tools can be as simple as shovels and 1 or 5 gallon buckets, or as crafty as melon ballers, icing spatulas, and paintbrushes
Bonus Fun
Flying kites during the event is totally encouraged. Lake Mac’s summer breeze usually shows up right on cue, and all those colorful kites floating over the beach? Pure magic.
Come See Everyone's Work
Take a walk down the beach at Martin Bay after the award ceremony—it’s the perfect way to see all the amazing creations and enjoy a Lake Mac sunset.
Cost to Join or Watch: Totally free!
Just don’t forget—you’ll need a Nebraska state park permit to enter the park. Grab one online at outdoornebraska.gov or stop by the Visitors Center (just a quarter mile south of Kingsley Dam, Hwy 61).
📞 Questions or want to pre-register? Call the Keith County Chamber at (800) 658-4390.