festivals
Festivals and ceremonies are a vital part of our school life.
These events bring the entire community together to both witness the students in public performances and participate in communal customs, plays, and celebrations.
Many of our festivals are based on traditional holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving & Martin Luther King Jr. Day Assemblies); others are specific to Waldorf pedagogy (The Festival of Lights, The Rose Ceremony, & Lantern Walks); yet others focus on themes or members of our school community (The May Fair, The Holiday Fair, Earth Day, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, Day of the Dead/All Soul's Day, & Santa Lucia).
Waldorf festivals are celebratory and focus on traditional markers of seasonal change (Winter Solstice, Harvest Festivals, & Spring Assembly) or significant values and virtues central to human development (The Festival of Michaelmas, Saint Nicholas Day, & Community Service Days). When you’re part of the Chicago Waldorf School community, there are always a number of ways to come together, share yourself, and celebrate life.
Sack races on the beach are a favorite feature of our Spring Festival.
Teachers and parents celebrate the achievements of the graduating 8th grade class.
Our May Fair features a variety of games and races.
All ages are welcome at our festivals!
Local vendors sell their wares at our Holiday Fair.
Our Santa Lucia ceremony is one of the most beautiful of the year.
Flower crowns are everywhere at our annual May Fair.
Frequent community gatherings help keep our school families connected.
The 5th grade accompanies the May pole dancers during May Fair. Our students have many opportunities to share the fruits of the music program with the community.
The 3rd grade proudly poses in front of the sukkah they constructed for Sukkot.
Crafts and local vendors help us to celebrate the winter season at our annual Holiday Fair.
Local brewers share their drinks with us at our annual Oktoberfest.
Our Oktoberfest features performances from local German circus artists.
Lantern Walks bring light to the neighborhood.
Our Early Childhood Spring Festival features a flower spiral and beautiful live music.