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 1,500 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 2026 and a warm welcome to the incoming Class of 2030. So check out the list below, find your perfect picnic date and location, and get ready to celebrate summer — Grinnell style!
2026 Summer Picnics
Registration links will be added approximately six weeks prior to each picnic, once registration opens. All times listed below are in the host location’s local time zone.
Asheville, NC
July 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Hazel Robinson Amphitheater
Atlanta, GA
July 26 at 3:30 p.m.
Manuel's Tavern
Bartlesville, OK
July 11 at 1 p.m.
Waddell Residence
Chapel Hill, NC
June 27 at 4 p.m.
Southern Community Park
Charlotte, NC
July 19 at Noon
Seoul Food Meat Co. (Mill District location)
Chicago, IL
July 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Downtown – West Loop area
Cincinnati, OH
July 25 at 1 p.m.
Third Eye Brewing Company - Sharon
Cleveland, OH
July 19 at 4 p.m.
Brookside Valley Event Site
Des Moines, IA
August 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Ralph Whitten Shelter at Lions Park (Urbandale)
Easthampton, MA
June 20 at Noon
Nonotuck Park
Evanston, IL
August 9 at 4 p.m.
Light House Landing Park
Front Range, CO
July 18 at 3 p.m.
Cornerstone Park in Littleton
Honolulu, HI
August 9 at 11 a.m.
Makiki District Park
Houston, TX
August 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Unitarian Fellowship of Houston
Iowa City, IA
June 14 at 4 p.m.
Lower City Park
Kansas City, KS
July 19
Anderson-Buckley Residence
Los Angeles, CA
July 19 at Noon
Griffith Park
Minneapolis, MN
August 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Minnehaha Park
Mountain View, CA
August 9 at 1 p.m.
Cuesta Park
Naperville, IL
August 9 at 11 a.m.
DuPage River Park
New York, NY
August 15 at 3 p.m.
Ellington in the Park
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!