Kinetic Grand Championship: Art, Engineering, and Endurance in Northern California's Redwoods
Attend the Kinetic Grand Championship in Humboldt County, register if needed, and find local accommodations to experience this vibrant 3-day art and endurance event.
Event details
The Kinetic Grand Championship, a vibrant and eccentric event, unfolds over Memorial Day weekend in the picturesque towns of Arcata, Eureka, and Ferndale in Humboldt County, California. This three-day extravaganza, founded by metal sculptor Hobart Brown in 1969, has evolved from a humble two-block dash into a 50-mile marathon that tests the limits of art, engineering, and physical endurance.
Starting at Arcata Plaza, participants navigate their intricately designed, people-powered, amphibious sculptures through a diverse terrain that includes beaches, steep inclines, the waters of Humboldt Bay, and a river crossing. This unique blend of creativity and athleticism earns the event its nickname, the “Triathlon of the Art World.”
Ideal for families, art enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, the Kinetic Grand Championship offers a spectacle of colorful contraptions, elaborate costumes, and the unbridled joy of its participants. Spectators can cheer from the sidelines or join in for segments of the race, making it a highly interactive and communal experience.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Northern California’s Redwoods, this event is as much about celebrating innovation and community as it is about the thrilling race itself. Attendance is free, making it an accessible and unforgettable experience for all who attend.
