Midsummer magic: 10 ways to celebrate the summer solstice in Virginia
As the longest day of the year approaches, Virginians have a special reason to celebrate the summer solstice on Thursday, June 20.
This celestial event, marking the official start of summer, brings extended daylight hours perfect for outdoor festivities. From vibrant street festivals to serene nature hikes, the summer solstice offers an ideal opportunity to embrace the warmth and light of the season. Join the celebration with these 10 unique events across the commonwealth, where you can soak up the sun and revel in the magic of the year’s brightest day.
Summer Solstice Celebration Hike
Location: Arlington
Date: 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 23
Cost: $5
Embrace your sporty side by going on the Summer Solstice Celebration Hike that Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting. The meditative walk-through Fort C.F. Smith Park is designed to celebrate new beginnings and connect participants to nature by immersing them in trees and flowers.
Summer Solstice Festival
Location: Fredericksburg
Date: 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20
Cost: $35-$60
Riverfront Park will be the site of Fredericksburg Main Street’s Summer Solstice Festival this year. The festival will feature a unique mashup of art, beer, and wine, allowing participants to enjoy local art while sipping on a refreshing beverage. Tickets support the mission of the organization, which is dedicated to fostering the economic development and vibrancy of the city.
Summer Solstice Festival
Location: Middleburg
Date: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 22
Cost: Free
Love summer and a good brew? If so, the Summer Solstice Festival at Lost Barrel Brewing is for you. Attendees will get to try the brewery’s new summer drinks, plus make a custom hat with Hatpin by Angie, make a charm necklace or custom stamped with Harper Leigh Designs, get permanent jewelry from Ransom Jewelry, and shop from Enchanted Botanicals. Live music by Elements of Kindred will be performed from 4-7 p.m.
Dawn ‘TIL Disc Summer Solstice Disc Golf Event
Location: Orange
Date: 5:49 a.m.-8:38 p.m. on Thursday, June 20
Cost: Free
In honor of the summer solstice, Orange County Parks & Recreation is hosting a free disc golf event from sunrise to sunset at the Orange County Disc Golf Course. Registration is required, which allows participants to select the time they would like to be on the course. Free commemorative discs will be handed out.
Summer Solstice Gathering of Hearts
Location: Gore
Date: 4 p.m. on Friday, June 21 & 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22
Cost: Sliding scale
The Summer Solstice Gathering of Hearts at The Land Creation, a 40-acre recreational facility, is a celebration of the solstice and embrace of the power of community. Attendees will have the chance to relax, rejuvenate, and honor the earth. Over the two days, various events will be held, like a sweat lodge ceremony of purification and renewal, wellness wash, women’s circle, and men’s circle.
Summer Solstice Fest
Location: Blacksburg
Date: 1-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 15
Cost: Free
Blacksburg goes all out for the solstice each year with its Summer Solstice Fest when the downtown area is overrun with vendors, food, activities, and live music from 1-11 p.m. Come hungry and thirsty because food trucks will be selling beer, wine, summer cocktails, kettle corn, cotton candy, shaved ice, and lemonade. Stay active by doing some yoga, participating in the Downtown Sundown 5K, or spending time in the family fun zone.
Play All Day VA
Location: Roanoke County
Date: Various times on Thursday, June 20
Cost: Free
Hosted by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Play All Day VA is part of a state initiative to help local agencies offer free opportunities to celebrate the solstice. The county is inviting residents to explore its parks by offering a range of activities throughout the day. Some of the offerings include morning yoga from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and a paint night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Brambleton Recreation Center. There will also be extended hours at Splash Valley Water Park from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Treetop Quest from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Volunteer opportunities will also be offered at various parks throughout the day.
I’m a Star! Summer Solstice Celebration
Location: Danville
Date: 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20
Cost: Free
Danville offers residents the opportunity to celebrate the solstice with celestial-themed crafts and activities at the Ruby B. Archie Public Library from 5:30-6:30 p.m. It divides its celebration into teen and adult programming. Registration is required for both.
Project 547
Location: James City County
Date: Various times on Thursday, June 20
Cost: Free
Project 547, which is also part of Play All Day VA, is James City County’s way of celebrating the summer solstice. It offers a full day of programs and free facility access. The activities will include trackless train rides, special youth programs, county-wide park tours, paddling programs, and scavenger hunts. The free facility access extends to outdoor pools, centers, group fitness classes, paddlecraft rentals, and bike rentals. Activities will begin at 5:47 a.m. and will take place at various times and locations throughout the day. Registration is required for some activities.
Summer Solstice Party
Location: Virginia Beach
Date: 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 22
Cost: $22
It’s hard to think of a better way to celebrate the solstice than by engaging in sun salutations at the Summer Solstice Party hosted by Sky’s the Limit Yoga Co. Danielle Talley will guide participants through the class, while DJ CanRock supplies the tunes. Drinks after the class will be had at Beachside Social, where local vendors will also be.
Celebrate on your own
If a festival isn’t happening in your community, you can still celebrate the solstice by engaging in one of these activities:
- Build a bonfire or light up your firepit
- Spend time in your garden
- Meditate in nature
- Pick wildflowers or herbs
- Go for a swim
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