LOWELL – The City of Lowell will host the annual Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race (LKSR) on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. starting and concluding at the Leo A. Roy Parking Facility (100 Market Street).
The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) based event features human-powered, all-terrain kinetic sculptures made from new and repurposed materials designed to race over streets, water, mud, and sand. The LKSR is a free event, open to all ages and welcomes attendees to participate in games and activities available on-site.
In 2016, Lowell held its first Kinetic Sculpture Race and now celebrates this annual tradition on the third Saturday in September. The multi-course event requires participants to maneuver their inventions down the bumpy ‘Bone Shaker’ Alley cobblestone, the Maddening Mud Pit, and water obstacles to see if it can withstand the harsh conditions of the Downtown Lowell course.
Beyond the race, the LKSR hosts other activities for spectators, such as the theatrical opening ceremony featuring the Banana Marshalls, and the After Party and Award Ceremony where racers can win the coveted “Next to Last Award.”
Other experiences include the Family Fun Zone filled with lawn games, face painting, street performances, live music by local bands including “Dis n Dat,” and on-site food trucks. Attendees are invited to wear costumes of their choice or their best “Mechanical Botanical,” inspired attire such as floral dresses, Hawaiian shirts and other floral costumes.
The race itself begins at 11:30 a.m. Attendees will include Lowell Mayor Danny Rourke, City Councilors and City Manager Tom Golden.
WHEN: Saturday September 20, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
WHAT: Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
WHERE: Start/Finish: Leo A. Roy Parking Facility, 100 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Water Obstacle: Sampas Pavilion Lowell Heritage State Park, 160 Pawtucket Blvd,
Lowell, MA 01854
Performances by:
• Dis n Dat
• DJ Jennimillions
