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International Wind Festival in Castellón
Castellón de la Plana hosts one of the most visually striking free outdoor festivals on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The Festival Internacional del Viento (International Wind Festival) fills the skies above the Grao beaches every June with giant kites, acrobatic displays, hot-air balloon flights, and drone exhibitions from participants representing over 22 countries. In 2026 the festival celebrates its third edition, and for the first time it adds a major new dimension: a night-time spectacle of oversized inflatable kites illuminated by LED lights that transform the waterfront after dark.
Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, the festival runs across three days — from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 June 2026 — spread between the Playa del Gurugú, the Playa del Pinar, the Aeroclub, and the Moll de Costa harbour. More than 150 free activities are on offer for all ages, from children’s kite-building workshops and bubble parties to beach volleyball, nautical regattas, and live music at chiringuitos along the shore. Entry to all main events is free.
The festival is organised by Castellón City Council in collaboration with the Port Authority, with the Tourism Councillor confirming full hotel occupancy during the event weekend. It has grown rapidly from a local attraction into a regional landmark that draws visitors from across the Valencian Community and beyond.
A Brief History of the Wind Festival
The Festival Internacional del Viento was launched in 2024 as part of Castellón’s broader strategy to develop the Grao district as a tourism destination and to extend the beach season beyond traditional summer months. The concept was straightforward: use the reliable Levante sea breeze that sweeps in from the Mediterranean each spring as a natural stage for kite sports and aerial art. The first edition drew an unexpectedly large crowd and immediately established a loyal following.
By the second edition in 2025, the event had grown to attract international kite pilots and aeronautical exhibitors, with participants flying in from as far as India, China, Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The free-access model, combined with the free shuttle bus from the city centre, made it accessible to families from across the province. Organisers reported it as one of the highest-footfall free events in the history of the Grao.
The 2026 third edition marks a step change in scale and ambition. The introduction of night-time LED kite shows, the first-ever Glow Tennis tournament in Spain (beach tennis played with UV lights and fluorescent balls), and an expanded aeronautical zone with up to 25 FPV drones and 200 tethered balloon flights signal that the festival is growing into a permanent fixture on the regional events calendar.
Wind Festival Castellón 2026 Details
- Location: Grao de Castellón — Playa del Gurugú, Playa del Pinar, Aeroclub, Moll de Costa
- Dates: Friday 5 – Sunday 7 June 2026
- Entrance: Free
- Coordinates: 39.9832° N, 0.0167° W (Playa del Gurugú)
- Shuttle bus: From Plaza Borrull → Refeyme (Av. del Mar) → Pingüins (beach). Saturday 10:00–01:00, Sunday 10:00–20:00, every 30 min
- Free parking: Av. Ferrandis Salvador (Aeroclub), CdT del Grao, Impala sports centre, Club de Tiro Olímpico San Huberto (Camino del Serradal, 10:00–23:00)
- Accommodation: Castellón de la Plana
- Main activities: Giant kite flights, LED night kite display, acrobatic kite exhibition, hot-air balloon flights, FPV drone exposition, beach tennis (Glow Tennis), beach volleyball, nautical regattas, kite-making workshops, live music
- Countries represented: 22+, including Costa Rica, India, Colombia, Indonesia, Poland, England, China, Croatia, Italy, Mexico
Where to Stay?
During the festival weekend, Castellón hotels reach full occupancy — book as early as possible. The most convenient options are near the Grao district, putting you within walking distance of all main venues. The RH Silene Hotel & Spa (Av. del Golf, 2) sits closest to the Playa del Pinar zone, while the Hotel del Golf Playa is a short walk from the main kite exhibition area. If you prefer staying in the city centre and using the free shuttle bus, the B&B Hotel Castellón on Calle Carcagente offers good value. Campervan travellers will find designated coastal areas south of the Grao.
Recommended areas: Grao de Castellón (closest to venues), Castellón city centre (shuttle bus access). For families, beachfront hotels offer the convenience of walking to all activities.
Kids love the giant inflatable kites. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia.
Wind Festival Castellón 2026 Schedule
The official programme runs from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2026 across multiple venues in the Grao district.
Friday 5 June 2026 – Opening Day
Friday, 5 June 2026 – Moll de Costa
- Evening: Official Inauguration Ceremony at the Moll de Costa — welcome reception for international kite pilots with a parade of national flags from the 22+ participating countries. Organised in collaboration with the Port Authority
- Late afternoon / evening: Grand Tardeo Concert featuring three local acts on a shared stage: Kasparov, Los Resilientes, and Los Indios — a high-energy opening concert to launch the festival weekend
Saturday 6 June 2026 – Main Day
Playa del Gurugú
- 09:00: Beach Tennis Tournament — Circuito RFET (Royal Spanish Tennis Federation beach circuit). Playa del Gurugú
- 10:00–14:00: Giant static kite flights — over 800 kites from 22 countries, some reaching 50 m / 164 ft in length
- All day: Acrobatic kite exhibition and beach volleyball
- All day: Nautical regattas off the beach
- Night: LED Kite Night Show — giant inflatable kites equipped with LED lights fly over the sea, transforming the waterfront into an illuminated spectacle visible from the beach and promenade
Playa del Pinar
- 10:00–19:00: Giant inflatable kites — large-format sculptural kites on permanent display during daylight hours
- 11:30: Kite-building workshop for children. Location: in front of the beach bar area
- All day: Family activities and children’s bubble party
Aeroclub (Av. Ferrandis Salvador)
- 10:00–19:00: Static aircraft exhibition — light aircraft, UME rescue aircraft, ambulance helicopter
- 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00: Drone zone — exhibition of up to 25 FPV drones and drone simulator
- All day: Around 200 tethered hot-air balloon flights for the public (advance queuing advisable)
- 11:00: Drone workshops
- 10:00–22:00: Grao Artisan Market — local businesses and traders from the Grao district
Evening – Glow Tennis
- Night: Glow Tennis Tournament — the first UV beach tennis event in Spain, played with ultraviolet lights and fluorescent balls on the sand
Sunday 7 June 2026 – Final Day
Playa del Gurugú
- 09:00: Beach Tennis Tournament — Circuito RFET, final rounds
- 10:00–14:00: Giant kite flights continue
- 11:00: Bubble party with music
- All day: Acrobatic kite exhibition and beach sports
Playa del Pinar
- 10:00–19:00: Giant inflatable kites on display
- 11:30: Kite-building workshop for children
Aeroclub
- 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00: Drone zone and FPV exhibitions
- 10:00–19:00: Static aircraft display and balloon flights
- 10:00–22:00: Artisan Market
The times listed are approximate. The organisers reserve the right to adjust the programme due to wind conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
What Makes the 2026 Edition Special
The third edition introduces several firsts. The LED night kite show is the headline novelty: after dark, giant inflatable kites fitted with LED lighting systems are flown along the waterfront, creating a display that has no equivalent at any other Spanish beach festival. The Glow Tennis tournament — beach tennis played under UV lights with fluorescent equipment — is also a Spanish first, adding a new sporting dimension to an already packed programme.
The scale of international participation has reached a new high, with 22 countries sending kite pilots and aeronautical teams. Nationalities confirmed include Costa Rica, India, Colombia, Indonesia, Poland, England, China, Croatia, Italy, and Mexico. The Aeroclub zone has been significantly expanded, with up to 200 tethered balloon flights available to the public across the two main days — making it one of the most accessible hot-air balloon experiences anywhere on the Spanish coast.
Free access to all main events and the reinforced shuttle bus service from the city centre are two deliberate choices that keep the festival genuinely open to all. The organising team has also added new free parking areas — including the Club de Tiro Olímpico San Huberto on the Camino del Serradal — to handle the expected record attendance.
All photos by Alis Monte. If you want to collaborate, contact me on hi@connectingvalencia.com. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia.
How to Get to the Wind Festival
- Free shuttle bus: Departs every 30 minutes from Plaza Borrull. Intermediate stop at the Refeyme parking on Av. del Mar. Final stop near Pingüins at the beach. Saturday 10:00–01:00; Sunday 10:00–20:00
- By car: Use the free designated parking areas: Av. Ferrandis Salvador (Aeroclub), CdT del Grao, Impala sports centre, Club de Tiro Olímpico San Huberto (Camino del Serradal, open 10:00–23:00)
- By bus (regular TMSA lines): Lines 3 and 6 connect the city centre to the Grao year-round
- By bike: Castellón has a cycle lane running from the city centre to the Grao along the Av. del Mar corridor
- Distance from city centre: Approximately 4 km / 2.5 mi from the Castellón railway station to Playa del Gurugú
References & Useful Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wind Festival Castellon free?
Yes — all main kite, drone, balloon, and sports activities are free to attend. Workshops may require pre-registration on-site.
What if the wind is too strong or too weak?
Organisers adjust the programme based on conditions. Giant static kites are the most wind-dependent activity; inflatable kites and drone shows can proceed in a wider range of conditions.
Are there food options at the festival?
Yes. Several chiringuitos (beach bars) along Playa del Gurugú and Playa del Pinar operate with extended festival programmes including live music and DJs. The Artisan Market at the Aeroclub also includes food vendors.
Is it suitable for young children?
Very much so. Kite-building workshops, bubble parties, children's concerts, and the visual spectacle of giant kites are all appropriate for families with young children.
Can I fly my own kite?
Designated public kite-flying areas are available along the beach. Flying in restricted exhibition zones is not permitted for safety reasons.
What time does the LED night show start?
The night-time LED kite display begins after dark on Saturday evening. Exact times depend on sunset conditions; plan for approximately 21:30 CEST onwards.