Midsummer magic: Unique ways to celebrate VA’s Summer Solstice this weekend

As the longest weekend of the year, Virginians have a special reason to celebrate the summer solstice, which occurred on Thursday, June 20.

This celestial event, marking the official start of summer, brings extended daylight hours perfect for outdoor festivities. From vibrant 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 unique events across Virginia, where you can soak up the sun and revel in the magic of the year’s brightest weekend.

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: 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.

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 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 solstice weekend 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

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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