• The 25th annual Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race featured 29 teams competing with human-powered sculptures across a 15-mile course.
• The race combines art, engineering, and community engagement, featuring obstacles like water, mud, and sand, and encouraging creative bribes for judges.
• The event also paid tribute to late members, Mike Oh and Kim Domanski, and celebrated the spirit of Baltimore through wacky and unique art.

The Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race, a unique event showcasing human-powered art and engineering, celebrated its 25th anniversary. The race, hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum, involved 29 teams navigating a challenging 15-mile course through Baltimore, including obstacles such as water, mud, and sand. Participants created elaborate sculptures from recycled materials, embodying the city's quirky and creative spirit. The event also honored late members of the community, adding a touch of remembrance to the festivities.

• What: The Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race, a 15-mile race featuring human-powered sculptures that must navigate land, water, and mud.
• Who: Participants include teams from schools like the Jemicy School and the Park School, the American Visionary Art Museum (with its mascot, Fifi), and individual artists and engineers.
• When: The 25th annual race took place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 (according to Baltimore Banner) or May 3, 2025 (according to NYT and WBAL). Opening ceremony started at 9:00 AM, with the race kicking off at 10:00 AM.
• Where: The race started at the American Visionary Art Museum and ran through various Baltimore locations, including Federal Hill Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Patterson Park.

The Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race is more than just a race; it is a celebration of art, engineering, and community spirit. The event brings together diverse participants who spend significant time and effort creating elaborate, human-powered sculptures. The race's unique obstacles and emphasis on creativity foster a sense of camaraderie and local pride. The remembrance of community members adds a layer of poignancy to this year's event. The New York Times article mentions a few discrepancies, including the date and the judge's age, which is a testament to the importance of fact-checking. The conflicting dates may be due to forward-looking reporting on the part of NYT and WBAL, reporting on the 2025 race.

You’re pedaling furiously and not a lot is happening. That’s the kinetic sculpture race!

It’s not monetized. It’s a gift to spectators. It’s what art should be.

She just brings a little bit of joy to everybody and every street that she rides down. You're engineering, you're making something very creative and beautiful and fun and wild, and it helps unite the community, unites every neighborhood.

I don’t know if we’ll do well in the race this weekend, but doing well is in. This race is about coming in the middle for mediocrity. So we might be mediocre enough to get there.

It makes me love Baltimore even more. It makes me proud to be from Baltimore.

The 25th annual Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race was a resounding success, showcasing the city's vibrant arts scene and community spirit. The event, marked by its unique blend of art, engineering, and wacky fun, provided a platform for creative expression and community engagement. While the race's future is assured, the memories of those who passed away added a touching dimension to this year's celebration. The event continues to be a beloved tradition that reflects Baltimore's quirky and creative identity.