It’s that time of the year when people turn their attention toward the coming holiday season. Many say, “There has to be a better way,” and others look to Festivus to get them through December.

Given that the traditional date of Festivus, December 23rd, is just sixteen days away, we took some time to explore the web and discover numerous annual Festivus traditions that are still being observed this year. These folks, who continue to enjoy the delight of this alternative holiday, have not lost the Festivus train of thought. Is it a love of complaining or a penchant for Seinfeld? Maybe a little of both.

Festivus 5K for Autism

On December 15, 2024, aficionados of both running and Festivus will take to the streets of Salem, MA, for the 13th running of the Festivus 5K for Autism.  Five hundred runners are expected.

There is plenty of Festivus fun in this event. The event encourages participants to dress in Seinfeld- or holiday-themed costumes, features handmade trophies resembling Festivus poles, and encourages runners to voice their grievances before the race.

FestivusWeb had the chance to speak with Cindy Johnson, a key race organizer in 2019. Check out the podcast archives to relive the fun time we had discussing this annual event.

In the past twelve years, the race has raised over $240,000 for children with autism, making it possible to purchase much-needed technologies to assist and educate them at the Northshore Education Consortium (NEC).  It’s a perfect way to harness the spirit of Festivus and a love of Seinfeld into something that can serve to benefit children and families in such a positive way. Yes, it’s truly a Festivus Miracle!

Got a grievance? The Tampa Bay Times wants to publish it

With Festivus 2024 around the corner, the Tampa Bay Times has kicked off their Ninth Annual Tampa Bay Times Airing of Grievances.

The Tampa Bay Times gathers grievances through their website and includes “Season’s Bleatings” from people all around the world. Venting problems can soothe troubled souls, and by doing this, the Times is hoping that the social benefit will make the world better in the year to come. For examples, see last year’s funniest gripes.

From The Tampa Bay Times:

It’s your chance to gripe from anywhere on Earth about ways you’ve been annoyed this year. Your pettiest complaints about people, businesses, sports, work, your city — anything — will be published in the Tampa Bay Times.

In 2019, we spoke to Christopher Spata, the features editor at the Tampa Bay Times, about their ongoing effort to collect gripes. Check out the hilarious discussion in the podcast archives.

Brady Street Festivus is Back, Baby!

Brady Street in Milwaukee, MI has hosted an annual Festivus celebration for many years. Featuring a “pub crawl,” organizers allowed visitors to air their grievances and participate in feats of strength, which is mainly a competition to see who can hold up a bucket of Bud Light beer the longest. The winner of the feats of strength wins a Festivus Pole and the admiration of everyone in attendance.

After a brief hiatus, Brady Street Festivus is back, occurring this year on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Milwaukeeans, pack up your grievances, put on your winter shoes, then head down and prepare to hoist a bucket of beer.