Powered By The People... The Graand Kinetic Challenge Returns
An annual event that fits our town...
Let’s face it, our city is unique, and is powered by the people, so it makes sense every summer we hold The Graand Kinetic Challenge. And no, that's not one of our typical typos... there are two a's in the title. We did not investigate this.
Like Corvallis, The Graand Kinetic Challenge is also powered by people. In more ways than one.
You’ll see giant pedal-powered dragons, pirate ships, sea creatures, flying machines, and contraptions rolling down city streets before splashing into the Willamette River, crawling through mud pits, and climbing over sand dunes, all powered entirely by the people inside them.
Photos courtesy of The Graand Kinetic Challenge
It’s one of Corvallis’ longest-running and most loved traditions.
The 33rd annual Graand Kinetic Challenge returns Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, bringing thousands of spectators downtown for a weekend that blends engineering, art, creativity, and the right amount of controlled “chaos.” It’s kind of like Kitten Khaos that was held at Greenhouse Coffee, just without the cats… and coffee… and plants.
The event follows a 16-mile course through our streets, bike paths, parks, beaches, mud, and waterways as teams compete in elaborate human-powered kinetic sculptures.
Calling the Graand Kinetic Challenge a race doesn’t really do it justice.
Competitors spend months, or even years, designing and building imaginative vehicles that must travel over pavement, dirt, sand, mud, and water using nothing but human power. And it’s here, in Corvallis, not Black Rock City. It's probably a safe bet, though, that a past vehicle from the challenge has ended up at Burning Man.
Speed is only one part of the competition. Teams are also judged on engineering, artistry, pageantry, costumes, creativity, and their ability to entertain spectators along the course.
It’s a celebration where science meets art, engineering meets imagination, and serious problem-solving meets fun.
The Graand Kinetic Challenge has deep roots in Corvallis.
The event began in 1993 as part of the original da Vinci Days festival after organizer Raan Young was inspired by California’s famous kinetic sculpture races. With a modest budget and a passionate group of volunteers, the first Corvallis Kinetic Sculpture Race was born.
One year later, the event expanded to two days, adding many of the features that have become iconic today, including river crossings, mud pits, and community celebrations.
Over the decades the challenge has continued to evolve.
In 1997, the famous sand dune obstacle debuted. In 2008, the event was officially renamed the Graand Kinetic Challenge in honor of founder Raan Young. Even after the original da Vinci Days festival paused in the mid-2010s and again during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graand Kinetic Challenge continued to carry the spirit of the festival forward.
Now, organizers are once again expanding the da Vinci Days tradition through a new partnership with Oregon State University, continuing the festival’s original mission of celebrating curiosity, creativity, innovation, and community.
Each year features a different theme, and for 2026 it’s “Kaleidoscope Colors.”
Organizers encourage racers, volunteers, exhibitors, and spectators to embrace vibrant colors, imaginative designs, and artistic expression throughout the weekend.
The theme also carries into the broader da Vinci Days Festival-in-Spirit, featuring interactive exhibits and demonstrations highlighting STEAM research, innovation, and creative projects from Oregon State University and other community organizations.
It’s a free and family-friendly event. One of the best parts about the Graand Kinetic Challenge is that spectators don’t have to stay in one place.
The course winds throughout town, giving multiple opportunities to watch racers tackle different obstacles.
Some of the most popular viewing locations include:
Downtown Corvallis during the opening parade and street course
The Willamette River water crossing
Avery Park
The famous mud pit
The sand dune obstacle
Each location offers a completely different experience, from engineering challenges and river crossings to muddy mishaps and spectacular recoveries. Organizers recommend arriving early at popular viewing areas, particularly the mud and river sections, which tend to draw the largest crowds.
The Graand Kinetic Challenge is organized by the nonprofit da Vinci Days and relies heavily on volunteers, donations, community partnerships, and sponsors to keep the tradition alive. This event is powered not only by the people operating their racing machines, but also by the hard work of the volunteers who organize the event.
Major supporters of the 2026 event include: Oregon Cultural Trust, Benton Community Foundation, Benton County Cultural Coalition, Allen Brown S.T.E.A.M. Inspiration Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Graand Visions Inc., Visit Corvallis.
Their support helps preserve a unique community tradition while continuing to inspire future generations of artists, engineers, scientists, inventors, and creators.
After more than three decades, it continues to prove that sometimes the best ideas come from combining art, science, engineering, imagination… and a willingness to get a little muddy.
Event Information
Graand Kinetic Challenge 2026
Dates: Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19
Theme: Kaleidoscope Colors
Admission: Free for spectators
More info with times and maps of the course can be found at: www.davincidays.org
This article was written by Brian Lindensmith, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
Do you have a story for The Inquirer? Email: editor@corvallisnow.com
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