da Vinci Days Graand Kinetic Challenge

Since 1993 — Corvallis, Oregon

da Vinci Days presents the

Graand Kinetic Challenge
For the fun of it!

July 18-19, 2026

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This year’s theme: Kaleidoscope Colors

Kinetic art sculpture race • 3rd weekend in July • Over land • Over sand • Through mud • Down the Willamette • Human powered • Pedal pushed • All terrain • Kinetic art sculpture race • 3rd weekend in July • Over land • Over sand • Through mud • Down the Willamette • Human powered • Pedal pushed • All terrain

What is this beautiful wackiness?

Have you ever experienced the awe of human-powered, pedal-pushed, all-terrain, kinetic art sculpture vehicles racing over land, over sand, through the mud and floating the river?

The da Vinci Days’ Graand Kinetic Challenge (GKC) is a celebration of educational, artistic, scientific, and technological triumphs. This “you must see it to believe it” two-day spectacle showcases the sport of kinetic sculpture racing and sees teams take over 16 miles of Corvallis streets, bike paths, parks, and waterways, inviting spectators of all ages to cheer them on along the racecourse.

Since 1993, the Graand Kinetic Challenge has been held every third weekend in July. Join us in 2026 for the 33rd annual event on July 18th & 19th!

Pure joy on wheels!

Santa Claws summits the Sand Dune

Saturday

Saturday’s event starts at PRAx (Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts) where the fun begins with Pageantry at 10 a.m. The starting line follows at 12:15, and you are invited to follow along on your bikes, or meet the racers at their next stop, the Sand Dune Challenge, held at the Benton County Fairgrounds at 53rd and SW Reservoir Ave. Racers then return to PRAx for the hurrahs of that day’s Finish Line.

That same afternoon, enjoy more S.T.E.A.M. fun at the launch of Corvallis Kaleidoscope, a celebration of the arts and sciences, a la the spirit of the da Vinci Days Festival. Your fun continues into the evening with the Corvallis Knights baseball featuring a drone show after the game!

Sunday

The day starts with the beloved Mud Bog Challenge at Crystal Lake Park. Teams must carry all their different gear for conquering the different terrains at all times. On Sunday you’ll them start the day ready for 175 feet of mud!

After a rinse off, they line up and transition to floating down the Willamette River, entering at the nearby Willamette Boat Launch and exiting at Michael’s Landing.

From their teams transition back to Road Ready, and head to the Finish Line at the Riverfront Park in downtown. Grab a spot near the Brass Monkey or Sugar J’s Icecream to cheer them on along with the rah rah music of the DTW New Orlean’s Street Jazz style band!

Crossing the finish line in a blaze of glory!

Toon taxi finishes strong!

THE COURSE

16 miles. 4 terrains. Infinite possibilities for chaos.

Land Routes

LeMans start! Follow the race teams on your bikes as they traverse over the city streets to meet their challenges!

The Sand Dune

Corvallis doesn’t have a beach – so we made our own dune!

Watch teams transition from land gear to sand gear!

The Mud Bog

Legendary. Infamous. Knee deep.

A test for even the best! After the teams are done, kids of all ages can play in the mud.

The Willamette Float

Who will make the biggest splash? Who can float from entry to exit?

Follow them from the exit to the Finish Line! Get close to the kinetic sculptures & meet the teams.

Race Weekend 2026

Saturday, July 18

8:00 AM Tech Check & Art Judging, across from PRAx
10:00 AM Pageantry Performances, PRAx outdoor stage
12:15 PM RACE START, LeMans style! PRAx parking lot
12:30 PM Sand Dune Challenge, Benton County Fairgrounds, SW 53rd, entry on SW Reservoir Rd
4:00 PM – End of Race Day 1, PRAx
12 PM – 6 PM Corvallis Kaleidoscope, PRAx
NOTE: there will be shuttles or bike shares available to get back and forth between the Sand Dune Challenge and the Corvallis Kaleidoscope at PRAx.