Corvallis kinetic art race returns July 18–19 for free fun | News

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The 33rd annual Graand Kinetic Challenge returns to Corvallis on July 18-19, joined by Oregon State University’s Corvallis Kaleidoscope festival for a full weekend of free, family-friendly science, technology, engineering, arts and math experiences.

At the heart of the weekend is the Graand Kinetic Challenge, featuring human-powered, pedal-pushed, all-terrain, kinetic art sculptures that race over land, sand, mud and the Willamette River. Equal parts engineering challenge, art form and spectacle, this event is known for its wildly imaginative machines, costumed participants and delightfully unconventional approach to racing.

“Curiosity, come-as-you-are, and creative costumes are encouraged. We are all about having fun and play, whatever your age,” Race Director Stacey Newman Weldon said. “Our mantra is ‘For The Fun Of It!'”

Coinciding with the race on Saturday is OSU’s STEM Research Center’s Corvallis Kaleidoscope’s free festival featuring interactive science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities and demos, robotics competition, art projects, plus music and cultural performances. Pairing these events with local dining and shopping, the weekend offers visitors a uniquely playful and immersive experience across Corvallis.

Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it. The Holiday Inn Express on the River is offering a special rate for guests who book directly by June 17 using the code “Graand Kinetic Challenge.”

Bike-friendly routes, shuttles and shared mobility options make it easy to experience multiple event locations. Shuttles and VEO share bikes will connect key locations throughout Saturday. Spectators are encouraged to follow the race by bike as part of the participatory spirit of the event.

Weekend highlights include Friday’s downtown Midsummer Market and local dining scene. Saturday’s colorful Pageantry Competition and official race start at PRAx, followed by the crowd-favorite Sand Dune Challenge at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The free Corvallis Kaleidoscope festival features hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math exhibits, performances and a Corvallis Knights baseball game capped with a drone show.

Sunday brings some of the race’s most anticipated spectacles, including the Mud Bog Challenge, Willamette River launches and the finish line celebration at Riverfront Park, where visitors can meet racers and view the kinetic sculptures up close. Full schedules, race routes, spectator locations and festival details are available at the Graand Kinetic Challenge’s  and the Corvallis Kaleidoscope Festival’s websites.