2023-06-20 21:11:19
Time to sunbathe DC! The longest day of the year will bring hours of golden lightning during the summer solstice on June 21.
Not only does it mark the first day of summer, but it is an age-old tradition, an astrological phenomenon, or simply as a way to celebrate more sunlight. Many cultures celebrate this day with parties, dances, bonfires, and picnics. In the DC area, there will be nightly exhibits, parties, concerts, yoga and more.
The solstice may be on Wednesday, but events pop up throughout the week to welcome summer. Here are some unique ways to enjoy the nearly 15 hours of sunlight in the DC area:
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday:
???? Sat., June 24
???? National Mall, Washington DC
???? Free
???? Details
The largest celebration in the DC area is on Solstice Saturday at the Smithsonian. The event includes free parties, programs and extended hours at museums on the National Mall, including three museums that will stay open until midnight. Be sure to plan ahead, some of the museums require advance registration.
Here the complete program:
☀️ Joe Tohonnie Jr. and Apache Crown Dancers, Gallery Tours, National Museum of the American Indian, various presentation schedules; 1-8 p.m.
???? Nighttime exhibition hours, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; 5-10 p. m.
???? DJ sets Les The DJprogramming of curators, access to the gallery, National Museum of Asian Art and Enid A. Haupt Garden; 5:30-midnight
???? African sounds and light show, exhibition tours, African Art Museum; 5:30-midnight
???? Late Night at the Museum: Opening of the exhibition + Solstice Saturday, Museum of Natural History; 6:30-midnight
???? Pop Culture Expo, “Entertainment Nation” and Activities, American History Museum; 5:30-10:00 p.m.
????️ Glow Night Arcade Party, Arts and Industries Building; 7-11 p.m.
???? Conversations, free popup mint pots, National Museum of African American History and Culture; 5:30-10:00 p.m.
???? Shows at the planetarium, the Hofstra University Astronomy Festival, the Air and Space Museum and on the National Mall; 6-11 p.m.
More here.
Salute to the sunset:
???? Sat. June 24, 7-8 pm
????National Harbor, Maryland
???? Free
???? Details
Watch the sun set over National Harbor as the US Air Force Concert Band and Sergeants Singing serenade you and your family. It is recommended to bring a blanket and buy food at a nearby restaurant.
Summer Solstice Garden Cocktail
???? Wednesday June 21, 5:30 pm
????King & Rye, Alexandria, Virginia
???? $35
???? Details
King & Rye restaurant will rock the summer with the launch of its Cocktail Garden with activities, cocktails, photo moments and a menu from Executive Chef Tomas Chavarria, who competed on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay.
summer solstice yoga
???? Wednesday June 21, 6-7pm
???? 909 Rose Ave., Bethesda, Maryland
???? Free
???? Details
Stretch your way into early summer with an all-levels rejuvenating yoga flow on a rooftop.
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