A 25-year tradition , the Kinetic Sculpture Race returns on May 4 with the theme “ Monuments & Masterpieces .” Learn more about the race and what exactly goes into making a kinetic sculpture .

May , thousands of Baltimore residents and visitors gather to cheer on the Kinetic Sculpture Race , a parade of human-powered sculptures and floats that bravely traverse Baltimore streets , Inner Harbor waters and man-made mud pits . Started in 1998 , the race is organized by the American Visionary Art Museum ( AVAM ). Teams of competitors , a . k . a . Kinetinauts , race along a 15-mile loop in the ultimate feat of problem solving , creative engineering and teamwork .

In years past , kinetic sculptures have included giraffes , sharks and a gingerbread house , among many other creative structures . But the most popular and beloved is Fifi , the massive , fluffy , pink poodle-esque mascot of AVAM .