Festivals & Events

Waldorf festivals mark the rhythm of the year, connecting children to the seasons and to one another. These celebrations are woven into the life of our school, from the first day of the year to the last.

Flower Ceremony

Beginning of the school year

Each school year begins with a flower ceremony where new eighth graders present a flower to the budding first graders as they begin their journey through the grades. First graders walk under an archway created by parents and loved ones, meeting their eighth-grade buddy at the end.

This relationship continues throughout the year, with eighth graders mentoring their first-grade buddies.

At the end of the year, first graders reciprocate by presenting flowers to their buddies during the graduation ceremony.

Festival of Courage

Early fall

One of many traditional festivals celebrated in Waldorf schools around the world as a sign-post to the changing seasons. We associate the Festival of Courage with the shortening of days and the beginning of our school year — for its celebration of the harvest, for its feasting, for its message of bravery and good deeds.

Lantern Walk

November

The lantern is the symbol of our light which we can shine on a dark world. In the preceding weeks, students learn songs and make lanterns to carry through the dark.

Early childhood families walk through the Kinderwoods, followed by warm cider and songs around a fire.

The grades families hold their lantern walk around Capitol Lake.

Winter Spiral

First Sunday of Advent

The winter spiral reflects the human experience at this time of year — entering a time of darkness, of shorter days and longer nights, and going forward with hope to welcome the light of the sun after the winter solstice.

Evergreen boughs are placed in a spiral form with a large candle at center. One at a time, each child walks the spiral carrying an unlit candle set in an apple, lights it at the center, and places it along the path until the whole spiral is aglow.

The spiral represents both the seasonal rhythms and a contemplative inner journey to discover one's own light and inner gifts.

Red apples hold the seeds of hidden potential. Evergreen branches symbolize nature's sustaining life force. Beeswax candles represent eternal love and warmth.

Crystals, shells, feathers, pinecones, berries, and bones placed along the path celebrate the kingdoms of nature.

Winter Faire

First Saturday in December

Our school celebrates the magic and enchantment of the holiday season with fun for all ages. This celebration is a gift to children all around Olympia!

Enjoy warm, freshly-baked gingerbread, music and puppet plays, wonderful new crafts and perennial favorites.

Magical activities for the whole family, with arts and crafts vendors from the community.

May Faire

First Saturday after May 1st

In many countries May Day is a traditional springtime festival. At Olympia Waldorf School, we celebrate with a community gathering that includes garland making, spring crafts, maypole dancing, food, and games.

Fly Away Ceremony

End of the school year

Early childhood families gather in the Kinderwoods to celebrate children who will be leaving the nest and flying up to first grade.

Each kindergarten class gathers together, and one or two rising students at a time stand between teachers while singing the fly away song.

When the song is finished, they are released to run to their parents — ready for their journey into the grades.

Join our community

Festivals are open to current families and prospective visitors alike.

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