The Festival of Courage: A Celebration of Strength, Community & Growth
As autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, WSD prepares for one of our most cherished traditions: The Festival of Courage.
Rooted in Waldorf education and celebrated worldwide, this festival honors the story of St. George, who tames the dragon with bravery and inner strength and Archangel Michael’s sword. His story reminds us all (young and old) that we each have the courage to face life’s challenges, both seen and unseen. It marks the turning point from the warmth of summer to the inward journey of autumn, symbolizing the need for inner strength as the outer world grows darker.
Developmentally, this festival is deeply aligned with the needs of growing children. For young children, the festival’s rich imagery and sensory activities nourish imagination and a sense of order. In the lower grades, it supports children as they begin to grapple with right and wrong, and seek role models of bravery and integrity. Especially around age nine when children experience a shift toward greater self-awareness. The Festival of Courage helps them face emerging inner questions with strength and courage. By honoring the festival, Waldorf education supports not only seasonal awareness but also the unfolding of each child's inner life.
How WSD Celebrates
Waldorf schools around the world celebrate this time with songs, seasonal food, storytelling, and community gatherings that foster connection, reverence, and joyful participation in the rhythms of the Earth.
The Festival of Courage at WSD begins on Friday morning with our beloved school-wide play. Each grade plays a special role, passed down year after year from gnomes and fairies to animals, stars, dragons, and finally, the heroes of eighth grade. This performance is part of our Waldorf curriculum and gives students a chance to embody courage through story, movement, and community. Parents, grandparents, and loved ones are warmly invited to attend this beautiful expression of student growth and tradition.
On Saturday, the celebration continues and opens to the public with a full day of family-friendly events open to the whole community:
The 5K of Courage
A spirited Chili Cook-Off
Games, crafts, storytelling, and more
It’s a day of celebration and connection — where joy, laughter, and courage come alive.
A Quest to Support Our School
The Festival of Courage also serves as an important fundraiser for WSD. Each class is represented by a small but mighty gnome on a dragon-slaying quest. As each class works toward their fundraising goal, their gnome earns essential provisions for the journey: a sword, a helmet, a shield, food, and more! It’s a playful and meaningful way for students to connect with the purpose of giving, while families and friends help fuel their classroom’s quest.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, alumni, or community friend, your presence brings warmth and meaning to this special weekend. Come celebrate the courage in every child and the community that lifts them up.
Together, we face dragons. Together, we grow strong.
