Community

Festivals mark the turning year.

Waldorf schools around the world gather through the seasons. At Red Granite, these festivals give children and families a shared rhythm — courage in autumn, light in winter, renewal in spring.

Why festivals matter

Seasonal gatherings are part of the curriculum.

Festivals are not extras added on top of school life. They help children feel the passage of time, connect classroom work to the wider world, and bring families into the same story the children are living in class. Exact dates appear on the school calendar each year.

View the RGCS calendar

Autumn · late September · evening

Festival of Courage

Michaelmas · typically 6–8 pm

The Festival of Michaelmas is commonly celebrated in Waldorf schools around the globe. It occurs around the autumnal equinox, as the days become shorter and the light of the sun wanes. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own inner light and the courage it takes to ward off the darkness of the season.

In the story, St. Michael is depicted as slaying the dragon — a message to meet life's challenges and face the future with courage and confidence.

A handmade paper lantern glowing at the Lantern Walk with families gathered around a fire in the background

Decorated glass jar lanterns students made in class before the walk

Autumn · early November · evening

Lantern Walk

Typically 6:30–8:30 pm

Students and their families gather together for this evening event that encourages participants to allow their inner light to guide them through the dark days of winter. This event is a wonderful way to come together as a family with our school community before the busy holidays ahead, and prepare oneself for the transition from fall to winter.

Following a reading of the story of Saint Martin, students walk the candlelit trails with their families while holding lanterns they created in class. Then families are encouraged to gather with the school community over hot cocoa and popcorn.

Winter · near solstice · during school

Spiral Walk

In-school festival of light

As the holiday season approaches, Red Granite holds a Festival of Light with a spiral walk. Candles demonstrate how each of us makes the world a brighter place when we bring our light to it.

This quiet, reverent gathering is experienced during the school day so children can enter the winter season with intention and wonder.

/assets/festivals/winter-embrace.jpg

Late winter · early March · afternoon

Winter Embrace

Typically 4–6 pm

A children's performance of songs, poems, stories, and plays. Each class performs what they have learned through the first half of the year.

Winter Embrace gives families a window into the oral language, music, and classroom work that has been building since autumn — a celebration of voice, memory, and community before spring arrives.

/assets/festivals/may-faire.jpg

Spring · May Day · afternoon

May Faire

Typically 4–6 pm

We celebrate May Day in honor of nature's renewed growth and energy. The children learn a maypole dance and perform it during this festival.

May Faire is the last festival before the end of the school year — a joyful send-off into summer and a reminder of the beauty that returns when the earth wakes again.

Join the rhythm

How families take part

Current families

Watch the calendar and classroom communications for festival dates, volunteer needs, and what to bring.

Family resources

Prospective families

Schedule a tour and ask how seasonal festivals show up in the classroom week to week.

Visit Red Granite

Community supporters

Festivals are one way the school gathers its wider community. Learn about other ways to connect.

Community and involvement