It’s no secret that the world’s most famous summer solstice celebration is at the prehistoric monument known as Stonehenge. Last year, an estimated 10,000 people visited for the solstice, with 200,000 more watching it livestreamed. Although this British cultural icon is on the bucket list for most travelers, it might be too late to visit this year. In light of this upcoming astronomical event, there are several celebrations in America. To be sure, there are solstice celebrations in almost any city in the U.S. On the other hand, others are so good these need to be on your midsummer radar.
Summer Solstice Celebrations in the U.S.
Fremont Fair
Center of the Universe/Fremont Neighborhood
Seattle, WA 98103
www.fremontfair.com
Dates: June 18-19, 2022
Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Solstice Parade at 2 p.m.
What better way to celebrate the summer solstice in Seattle than the Fremont neighborhood? For starters, Fremont Fair has the largest outdoor summer market in the city, with over 300 vendors. That’s great food and live music from local bands on both days. For another, there is the lively Fremont Solstice Parade, with marching bands, floats, and more. That’s to say, there is nothing of the famous painted cyclists who only require a bike helmet. The art and crafts fair extends across six blocks and features an outstanding food and beer garden. The Solstice Parade begins on Saturday at 2 p.m., while a Dog Parade follows on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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Mermaid Parade
Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
www.coneyisland.com
Date: June 18, 2022
Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Afterparty 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Mermaid Parade might be the most celebratory in a city full of dazzling parades. Held since 1983, it’s expected to be better than ever for Coney Island. After all, it draws over 500,000 spectators and is America’s largest art parade. With that in mind, ensure you get there in time to enjoy this raucous event. The Mermaid Parade starts at 1 p.m. on Surf Avenue and then passes iconic amusement rides like the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel. You will see about 3,000 participants colorfully dressed as mermaids or mermen. If that’s not enough, you will also see a King Neptune and Mermaid Queen!
Mermaid Parade Afterparty
If you want something fun to do after the day’s festivities, head to Coney Island Brewery. That’s where the official after-party is being held, and tickets are on sale now. You can purchase general admission tickets for $25, while VIP admission is $75. At the afterparty, there will be live bands along with dancers to entertain you. There is so much to do in Coney Island, whether it’s an amusement ride or that obligatory hot dog from Nathan’s Famous.
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Midnight Sun Fest
Downtown Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99701
www.explorefairbanks.com
Date: June 18, 2022
Hours: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Midnight Sun Baseball Game at 10:30 p.m.
Of all the popular summer solstice celebrations in the U.S., the Fairbanks festival may be the most unusual. Although there are other solstice events across Alaska, such as in Anchorage, Fairbanks is slightly different. For example, Anchorage, the state’s largest city, gets 22 hours of daylight on the summer solstice. Even though 22 hours of daylight is impressive, Fairbanks gives you 24 hours! In observance of this phenomenon, downtown Fairbanks hosts the 12-hour Midnight Sun Festival. With 10,000 to 18,000 people attending, this festival is Alaska’s largest single-day event. In addition to the festival featuring live music and food is the Midnight Sun Baseball Game. Held for over 100 years, this ballgame is among America’s top baseball events for fans. Coinciding with these events is the 40th Midnight Sun Run at 10 p.m.
Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration
State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93121
(805) 965-3396
www.solsticeparade.com
Date: June 24-25, 2022
Hours: Festival at Alameda Park, June 24 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 25 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Parade June 25 at noon.
It may surprise you, but California’s best summer solstice celebration is not in Los Angeles. It’s not even in San Francisco or San Diego. Instead, the best is about 100 miles north of LA in Santa Barbara. Moreover, this solstice event has occurred for nearly 50 years and draws 100,000. The parade begins at noon on Saturday and will feature over 1,000 energetic participants. There is a parade and a free festival with food, crafts, and live music. In addition, the festival will also feature a beer and wine garden for those 21 and over. With all this in mind, get there early for the parade. On the other hand, there will also be a children’s parade for families with children on Sunday.
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Summer Soulstice Milwaukee
East Side Neighborhood
2140 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.theeastside.org/summer-soulstice
Date: June 18, 2022
Hours: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Not to be mistaken with Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Summer Soulstice is the city’s best local music festival. Indeed, not only is it the best, it’s the city’s largest free music festival. With that in mind, many of the best local talent will be showcased here, including DJs at the Black Cat Alley stage. That’s not to mention the gourmet food and merchandise vendors on hand from noon to midnight. Live music will be on three stages, including performances by NilexNile, Klassik, and more. Be that as it may, Soulstice is not the only event on the year’s longest day. That’s because Summerfest, one of the world’s largest, is happening on three consecutive weekends beginning June 23.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.