Traditions to celebrate the summer solstice — the beginning of the astronomical summer, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun — vary around this half of the globe, from maypole dances in Sweden to midnight ocean plunges for Puerto Rico’s Noche de San Juan celebrations.
Here in Seattle, we bid gray winters adieu with a unique tradition of our own: cheering on a procession of giant puppets, stilt-walkers, body-painted cyclists and more at the Fremont Solstice Parade, before visiting the nearby and equally whimsical Fremont Fair. The free festivities fall on the weekend after the solstice, which is June 20 this year.
The parade will launch from Leary Way Northwest and Northwest 39th Street at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22. The famously naked cyclists will lead the procession along North 36th Street, followed by bands, samba dancers, giant puppets and other artistic creations
The solstice parade will continue along the street for about a half-mile before finishing up at Evanston Avenue North and North 35th Street. A map of the parade route is available at fremontartscouncil.org/parade.
Pro tip: To stay hydrated during the parade, onlookers can purchase nonalcoholic beverages just west of the Statue of Lenin at North 36th Street and Evanston Avenue North.
Unlike many other parades, the Fremont Solstice Parade is unique in that it encourages audiences to interact with parade groups, whether that’s a puppet stopping to shake your hand or a dancer prompting onlookers to show their moves, said Beth Sohlberg, president of the Fremont Arts Council, which organizes the parade.
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Once you’ve had your fill at the parade, head to the Fremont Fair, which will feature live music, more than 300 craft vendors, buskers, beer gardens, fair food and dozens of decorated cars in the Seattle Art Car Blowout. The fair takes over about six blocks west of Fremont Avenue North between North 35th Street and North 34th Street, west of Fremont Avenue North, running 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 22 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 23.
This year, the fair is introducing a new section: the Plant-Based Block Party, featuring eco-conscious vendors and services, from food and skin care to clothing.
Learn more about the fair at fremontfair.com and about the solstice parade at fremontartscouncil.org.
More Western WA solstice events
Around the Sound and beyond, people celebrate summer’s arrival in all sorts of ways. Here’s just a sampling of the events available this year.
Midsommar Dinner at The Swedish Club — June 21
The Swedish Club, a hub for Scandinavian culture and activities located in Westlake on Queen Anne Hill, is hosting a Friday dinner event, featuring live music and a traditional Swedish menu. The bar opens at 5 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by June 20 at 11:55 p.m. and start at $33. 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; swedishclubnw.org
Summer Solstice at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery — June 21
The hatchery in downtown Issaquah will host live local music, arts and crafts activities, an opportunity to feed the fish and walk-up, educational hatchery tours 3-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21. The event is free and caters to nature lovers of all ages. 125 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah; issaquahfish.org
Summer Bonsai Solstice — June 22
For just two nights out of the year — the summer and winter solstices — Federal Way’s Pacific Bonsai Museum stays open past 4 p.m., and the summer solstice celebration is one of them. In addition to exploring the bonsai collection throughout the evening, the 4-8 p.m. events include tai chi and qigong group exercises, bonsai demonstrations, food trucks, a pop-up shop and sound bathing and breathing sessions. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $12 for adults able to support the museum. 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way; pacificbonsaimuseum.org/events
Midsomer Medieval Festival in Carnation — June 22-23
Camlann Medieval Village, a living history museum portraying rural England in the 1300s, hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including the Midsomer festival around the solstice. On June 22 and 23, noon-5 p.m., explore a village full of crafts, puppetry, dancing, archery, sheep petting, lunch options that include ale and pottage, and more. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 6-12 and 60 and older, and free for kids 5 and younger. 10320 Kelly Road N.E., Carnation; camlann.org
Sarah-Mae McCullough: smccullough@seattletimes.com; Sarah-Mae McCullough is The Seattle Times Features producer.
