Summerfest

Grinnell College's Summerfest is a free, daylong celebration of learning, discovery, and entertainment for curious minds of all ages. The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, with activities scheduled through 10 p.m. on the College campus. Immerse yourself in the academic, cultural, and social atmosphere of one of the nation’s top colleges. Connect, explore, discover!

The headlining act will be a fusion of marching band music, dance, and fire manipulation starting at dusk. Pyrotechniq, Chicago’s premier fire troupe, will team up with the Windy City’s favorite gang of marching band bunny rascals, Environmental Encroachment (EE), to present an unforgettable 45-minute production with original score provided by EE and a fully customized fire show.

During the day, the campus will come alive with a unique mix of engaging workshops, creative performances, artistic collaborations, and family-oriented activities presented by a range of area cultural organizations. Sample offerings include:

• Des Moines’ jazz guru Max Wellman and painter Pat Millin
• Des Moines Register reporter Jason Clayworth’s Lost Schools Series with Fairfield photographer Cody Weber and his Forgotten Iowa series
• Sandy Moffett, professor emeritus of theatre, presenting an improvisational acting workshop
• Marc Chamberland, Grinnell College Myra Steele Professor of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, on the Secrets of Creativity: A mathematician’s perspective
• The Nitch, an all ages Punch and Judy style mask performance
• Tilly Woodward, curator of academic and community outreach at Faulconer Gallery, with See Art! Interpret Art! Make Art!
• Blank Park Zoo, Every Animal Has a Story
• Iowa Children’s Museum, Flying High with Rockets!

See the Summerfest site for more information and up-to-the-moment listing of the day’s offerings.

The festival is free and open to the public. In addition to local lodging, you can also reserve a dorm room and stay right on campus. For dorm availability and reservations, contact Conference Operations and Events.