Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race returns Sept. 19 with human-powered machines

By AI, Created 9:58 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race will turn Lowell, Massachusetts, into a 10K course for human-powered vehicles on Sept. 19, mixing art, engineering and family-friendly spectacle. The free event is in its ninth year, with registration open through Aug. 31 and net merchandise sales benefiting the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club.

Why it matters: - The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race puts S.T.E.A.M. education, creative engineering and physical activity in front of a broad public audience. - The free event is designed to draw participants, families and spectators to Lowell’s downtown, waterways and neighborhoods. - The race also ties into Lowell’s bicentennial and the city’s industrial identity.

What happened: - On Sept. 19, the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race will turn Lowell, Massachusetts, into a race course for human-powered machines. - The day-long event is free and is described as family-friendly. - The race is in its ninth year. - Registration is open through Aug. 31 at LowellKinetic.com.

The details: - Kinetic sculptures are human-powered vehicles built from new and repurposed materials. - The course runs 10 kilometers and includes cobblestone streets, waterways, mud pits and neighborhood routes. - This year’s obstacles include Bone-Shaker Alley on Middle Street, the Maddening Mud Pit and the Merrimack Plunge into the Merrimack River. - Thousands of spectators are expected along the route. - The event invites participants of all ages. - The race works with local schools, after-school programs, artists, engineers and bike enthusiasts. - Net merchandise sales from the 2026 event will benefit the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club. - The race operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. - Major supporters include Nancy L. Donahue, the Revolutionary Valley Regional Tourism Council, The Markley Group LLC, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the City of Lowell, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Lowell Cultural Council and Black Dog Design/Build/Remodel. - The event has additional sponsors beyond the named supporters.

Between the lines: - Race producer Bianca Mauro frames the event as a way for adults to have fun while showing younger generations that passion and play can coexist. - Mauro also links the race to a wider tradition that dates to 1969, when retired engineers began racing modified tricycles in California. - Race Director Michael Roundy casts Lowell as a strong fit because the city combines artists, engineers and other creative thinkers. - The event’s mix of art, engineering and performance is meant to make innovation feel accessible, not abstract.

What’s next: - Teams will continue preparing for the Sept. 19 race as the Aug. 31 registration deadline approaches. - Organizers will use the event to raise visibility for local creativity, community partnerships and S.T.E.A.M. learning. - Spectators can follow event updates through the race’s social channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. - The race also maintains a YouTube channel for additional coverage.