Fun Ways to Celebrate The Summer Solstice

The summer solstice occurs when the sun takes its longest path to reach its highest point in the sky. In the Northern hemisphere, this creates the longest day of sunshine for the year, and the shortest night. For those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the shortest day of the year, marking the arrival of winter. The solstice happens at the same time for everyone, everywhere on Earth.

Historically, the summer solstice has served as a means to organize the year, making it important for determining crop schedules and setting calendars before modern timekeeping. It may even help explain the existence of Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument that might have been erected to mark the June solstice and the beginning of the year for European Druids.

Today, thousands still flock to Stonehenge to celebrate the day of the sun. In Northern Europe, some people dance around maypoles, while others light bonfires and hang festive flower garlands. Modern pagans and new age enthusiasts may celebrate with dances or festivals to honor the sun. No matter how you spend it, the summer solstice is a great day to get outside and enjoy the extra sunshine.

This year, the solstice falls on a Friday, so you can celebrate the official start of summer and the official start of the weekend in one fell swoop. As always, Midtown Atlanta is the perfect place to be for all things summer. You can wander the urban neighborhoods or enjoy the sun in Piedmont Park before heading to McCray’s Tavern for a bright cocktail or refreshing craft beer. With a full menu offering upscale burgers and deli sandwiches, as well as classic dinner plates, you can savor the season’s freshest flavors while soaking in those last lingering rays on the longest day of the year.