Spring River Festival Life
Spring River is a community that celebrates the turning of the year through a rich and diverse festival life. Festivals help create the radiant school Rudolf Steiner spoke of more than a century ago—one in which beauty, rhythm, and shared meaning illuminate the life of the children and the wider community.
Throughout the year, our festivals connect us to the cycles of nature, establish a nourishing yearly rhythm for the students, and strengthen our bonds as a school community. They invite us to tend our inner lives through stories, food, songs, and seasonal activities—each offered with reverence, creativity, and joy. Most of our gatherings include activities for all ages along with delicious potluck meals that celebrate our community’s wholehearted participation.
We, along with our children, share in the joy that comes from anticipating, preparing for, celebrating, and remembering our festivals. Festival life is an essential part of Spring River’s culture, and we warmly encourage families to participate when they are able. To learn about volunteer opportunities, please speak with your teacher or your program PTC Chair.
In addition to the community-wide festivals listed here, teachers may also celebrate additional seasonal or cultural festivals within their classrooms. At Spring River, we honor diverse cultures and religious traditions through music, circle songs, stories, activities, and crafts that help children experience the richness of the world’s rhythms and celebrations. As parents, we too are nourished by sharing stories, food, and song, and by witnessing the joyful tapestry of traditions that enliven our community.
Winter Spiral ✨
The video below is from our annual Winter Spiral, a beloved tradition we celebrate each December. For more than 30 years, this festival has lived in the hearts of our community—first kindled during many families’ time at The Playgarden. In this Lifeways early childhood center, the spiral was first encountered by so many of our parents and teachers.
Today, we continue this luminous tradition at Spring River, guiding our children through quiet beauty, candlelight, and the promise of inner light growing during the darkest days of the year.
Annual Festivals & Celebrations
Rose Ceremony — First Day of School
A beloved tradition that welcomes rising First Graders into the grades. Each child receives a rose from an older student, symbolizing beauty, courage, and new beginnings.
Michaelmas Play — End of September
Michaelmas celebrates courage, strength, and the will to overcome challenges. Through dramatic play, story, and song, the community gathers to “tame the dragon” together—both inwardly and outwardly.
Día de Los Muertos — Early November
A vibrant and reverent honoring of loved ones who have passed. Families and students create ofrendas, make traditional crafts, and celebrate the continuity of life through remembrance, art, and music.
Martinmas Camping Weekend & Lantern Walk — November
Martinmas honors the qualities of compassion and generosity, inspired by the story of Saint Martin sharing his cloak with a stranger. Our community gathers at Crooked River State Park for a cherished overnight camping weekend that culminates in a peaceful lantern walk. Children carry handmade lanterns through the forest, their glowing lights reminding us of the warmth we can offer one another as the days grow darker.
Stone Soup — November
Inspired by the folktale, families contribute simple ingredients to create a communal meal. This festival highlights community, sharing, and the abundance that blossoms when each person brings what they can.
Winter Spiral — December
A quiet, reverent ceremony marking the turning of the year. Children walk a spiral of evergreens, lighting candles from a central flame—a symbol of finding and strengthening our inner light in winter’s darkness.
Winter Market — December
A festive community event showcasing local artisans, handcrafted gifts, a kindermarket, seasonal treats, and live music. A celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community connection.
Candlemas — February
A midwinter festival of returning light and renewal. Students dip beeswax candles, hear seasonal stories, and feel the gentle shift toward spring’s awakening.
Fun Run — March
A joyful outdoor event celebrating movement, health, and community spirit. The Fun Run also serves as a lighthearted fundraiser supporting Spring River’s programs and mission.
Spring Festival — April/May
A lively celebration of new growth and the rising energy of spring. Students enjoy seasonal games, songs, crafts, and activities that honor the season's beauty.
May Day — Early May
A traditional celebration of ribbons, flowers, and music. Students dance around the Maypole, welcoming the exuberant bloom of the natural world.
Whitsun — End of May
A reflective celebration of unity and shared purpose. Children and adults participate in activities highlighting cooperation, understanding, and the warmth of the human spirit.
8th & 12th Grade Graduations — End of May
A heartfelt ceremony marking an important threshold. We honor each student’s achievements, growth, and unique contributions as they step forward into the next phase of their journey.
Below are photos of Spring River Festivals, Gatherings, and Events over the years.
