Grinnell College Summer Picnics
The weather’s warming up, and soon it will be summer – and time for Grinnell College summer picnics! Last year, more than 1,450 Grinnellians—alumni, students, parents, and friends—joined the fun at picnics across the country. Whether reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, these laid-back get-togethers are an excellent opportunity to gather with your Grinnell community.
Dedicated Grinnell alumni and community members host each picnic in partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, but no two Grinnell picnics are the same! Some are held in beautiful local parks, others in cozy backyards or buzzing restaurants. One weekend, you might enjoy Indian cuisine in Jefferson Park; the next, you could be grilling lakeside with a view of Lake Michigan. No matter where you join us, you’ll find good food, great company, and that unmistakable Grinnell spirit.
Everyone’s invited—alumni, current students, parents, and friends! Plus, we’ll give a special shoutout to the newly graduated Class of 2025 and a warm welcome to the incoming Class of 2029. So check out the list below, find your perfect picnic date and location, and get ready to celebrate summer—Grinnell style!
2025 Summer Picnics
Registration links for each picnic will get added as they are created. The times listed below are local to the host location.
Atlanta, GA
July 13 at 4 p.m.
Manuel’s Tavern
Chapel Hill, NC
June 21 at 4 p.m.
Blackwood Farm Park
Chicago (South Side), IL
August 10 at 12 p.m.
Build Coffee Shop
Cleveland, OH
June 29 at 4 p.m.
Brookside Valley Event Site - Brookside Reservation
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
July 20 at 11 a.m.
Residence of Suzanna Smith ’89
Des Moines, IA
June 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Ralph Whitten Shelter at Lions Park (Urbandale)
Easthampton, MA
July 13 at 12 p.m.
Nonotuck Park
Evanston, IL
August 3 at 4 p.m.
Light House Landing Park
Grinnell, IA
July 19 at 11 a.m.
Humanities and Social Studies Center Atrium, Grinnell College
Houston, TX
July 20 at 4 p.m.
Unitarian Fellowship of Houston
Honolulu, HI
July 27
Makiki District Park
Iowa City, IA
July 13 at 4 p.m.
City Park
Kansas City, MO
July 20 at 5 p.m.
Residence of Chris Anderson ’72
Lafayette, CO (Front Range)
July 26 at 3 p.m.
Whitetail Park
Los Angeles, CA
July 20 at 12 p.m.
Griffith Park - Crystal Springs Picnic Area
Mountain View, CA
June 29 at 1 p.m.
Cuesta Park
Naperville, IL
August 10 at 11 a.m.
DuPage River Park
Nashville, TN
August 9 at 1 p.m.
Residence of Portia Sabin ’93
New York City, NY
July 26 at 3 p.m.
Ellington-in-the-Park
Omaha, NE
July 13 at 5 p.m.
Brown Park Pavilion
Summer Picnics FAQ
Who can attend a summer picnic?
If you’re part of the Grinnell family—alum, current student, incoming student, parent, or friend—you’re invited! These gatherings are all about community, connection, and fun, so bring yourself (and maybe a fellow Grinnellian) and join the celebration!
What do I need to bring?
Just you and your Grinnell spirit! Some picnics are potlucks, some have a catered menu, and some are a mix of both. Check the registration page for details on your city’s event. And don’t worry—you’re always welcome whether you bring a dish or just your appetite!
What does the event cost?
Absolutely nothing! Each summer picnic is free—just come ready to enjoy great company, good food, and plenty of Grinnellian fun!