From September 3rd to 6th, 2026, Urbino celebrates the 71st Festa dell’Aquilone – Urbino Kite Festival, one of the city’s most colourful and beloved traditional events.
For four days, the birthplace of Raphael comes alive with workshops, parades, competitions and, of course, hundreds of colourful kites. At the heart of the festival is the traditional competition between Urbino’s local districts (contrade), culminating in the much-awaited Trofeo Città di Urbino.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience this beautiful Renaissance city from a completely different perspective, surrounded by colourful skies, local traditions and the rolling hills of the Marche countryside.
A Tradition That Brings Urbino Together
The historic competition between Urbino’s contrade is at the heart of the festival.
In the days leading up to the final challenge, children and adults prepare and decorate their kites. During the weekend, the celebrations continue with preliminary competitions, a colourful parade through the historic centre and the grand final.
An authentic local celebration that reveals another side of life and tradition in Urbino.
📅 Main Programme
Thursday, September 3rd & Friday, September 4th
🪁 Kite-making workshops and preparations with children from Urbino’s districts at Collegio Raffaello.
Saturday, September 5th
🏰 Preliminary competitions at the Albornoz Fortress, followed by a colourful parade through Urbino’s historic centre.
Sunday, September 6th
🏆 The much-awaited final competition between the districts for the traditional Trofeo Città di Urbino.
📅 When: September 3–6, 2026
📍 Where: Urbino (PU), Italy
For the latest programme updates, visit the official Festa dell’Aquilone website.
Discover Urbino and Montefeltro
The Kite Festival is also the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s Renaissance treasures. Wander through its historic streets, visit the Ducal Palace, walk up to the Albornoz Fortress and stop to admire the beautiful views across the surrounding hills.
Then continue your journey through the villages and landscapes of Montefeltro.
Stay at Gio’s Hygge Nest
If you’d like to combine the Urbino Kite Festival with a relaxing countryside break, Gio’s Hygge Nest is a peaceful base for exploring Urbino, Montefeltro and San Marino.
After a day filled with colourful kites, art and sightseeing, return to the hills and enjoy:
✓ Two panoramic terraces
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Wi-Fi
✓ 4K Smart TV
✓ Fully equipped kitchen
✓ Free parking
✓ Pet-friendly accommodation upon request
Explore the Surrounding Area
Extend your stay and discover the Republic of San Marino, San Leo, the small villages of Montefeltro and the landscapes of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Natural Park.
It’s the perfect combination of art, nature and authentic Italian traditions.
Book your stay
Experience the 2026 Urbino Kite Festival and discover one of Urbino’s most colourful and distinctive traditions.
📩 hello@gioshyggenest.it
📞 +39 366 1284643
Discover the Full Programme
Check all events, times and the latest updates for the 71st Urbino Kite Festival on the official website.
