Nine Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

Lesbians might be in love with the moon, but the summer solstice gives us a chance to celebrate the sun. Scientifically, the summer solstice is the day with the most extended amount of sunlight for the whole year. Societally, it marks the first day of summer. Spiritually, it’s an opportunity to embrace new beginnings, abundance, and growth while recognizing that darkness always gives way to light. 

It’s a moment to soak in the warmth, literally and metaphorically, and reflect on how far you’ve come. The sun is here to remind us that we’re allowed to take up space, to shine unapologetically, and to bloom right where we are.

What a beautiful excuse to recognize such a powerful vessel that gives us all life! And this year, the summer solstice is on a Friday, which is even more of an opportunity for celebration. It’s the perfect invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and set intentions for the season ahead. Traditional celebrations include fire, dancing, gathering, rituals of observance, feasting, and reflecting. With that in mind, here are nine ways to observe the summer solstice, either solo or with your sun-loving friends.

Related: Tips To Finding Queer Joy Everyday

Observe Sunrise and Sunset

On the summer solstice, we turn our faces to the sun and thank it for everything it does for us. The sunrise and sunset are the farthest from each other than any day in the year, so marking them both is a perfect way to acknowledge how much gorgeous sunlight we get in a day. Wake up early to watch the world come alive, and wind down with the colors of dusk as the sun makes its slow, golden exit. It’s a beautiful reminder of the natural rhythms we’re lucky to witness.

Bonfire or Barbeque

Fire is a huge part of summer solstice celebrations because it represents the sun. Have a bonfire or cook fresh summery foods on an open grill. Gather around the flames with friends, tell stories, and let the crackle of the fire mirror the vibrant energy of the season. If you choose to do a bonfire, you can also include rituals of letting go or manifestation. Write down things you want to let go of, or call into your life, on a piece of paper and throw it in the fire. Let it burn, and let it begin.

Sun Salutations

Yoga is already a practice of getting in touch with energies, so doing a solstice-themed practice, even if it’s just a series of sun salutations, can get you in tune with your own body while being intentional about welcoming all that the summer solstice has to offer. Move with the rhythm of your breath, stretch toward the sky, and let each pose be a quiet celebration of light, life, and presence. Even a few mindful moments on the mat can help you feel grounded, open, and ready to receive.

Make Flower Crowns

No, this isn’t Coachella 2016. Making flower crowns is a long-standing tradition that comes from Midsommar celebrations (don’t use the movie as inspiration). Gather your friends, pick flowers or get them from your local bodega, and spend the night making and wearing your beautiful nature creations. It’s a simple, joyful way to honor the Earth’s abundance and tap into inner forest fairy.

Journal

Because the summer solstice welcomes new beginnings, take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come and where you’d like to go next. Where your attention goes, energy flows, so use this opportunity to check in with yourself and where you are putting your efforts. Reflect on what’s blossoming in your life, what needs more nurturing, and what you’re ready to release. This is your seasonal reset to realign with your purpose and plant fresh intentions under the brightest sunlight of the year.

Wear Gold or Yellow

If you’re too busy to have a proper celebration, simply wearing gold or yellow (orange can work too!) can give you a sunny boost all day, reminding you to let a little light into your life. These colors radiate joy, confidence, and clarity, helping you align with the sun’s vibrant energy. Even a small pop of color, like earrings, a scarf, or nail polish, can serve as a bright little reminder that you’re part of something bigger and blooming right on time.

Related: GO’s 2025 Pride Issue Is Here

Outdoor Hang

Just be outside! If you or one of your friends has an outdoor space like a rooftop, porch, or even a nearby park, make an effort to spend some time outside in the sun. It’s a simple act of appreciating nature, and it brings your people together, which is a big part of celebrating the summer solstice. Lay out a blanket, share snacks, play music, or just bask in the golden glow. Connection with the earth and each other is what this day is all about.

Meditate in the Sun

Feel the warmth on your skin and let it fill your cup. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the light ground you in the present moment. Each inhale draws in energy, and each exhale releases tension. During the summer solstice, the sun appears to be suspended in one place.  Let the sun remind you that stillness can be powerful, too.

Do Something That Brings You Joy

Honor the light in your life by doing something, anything, that brings you joy. Put on your favorite song and dance, color a cute picture, bake something sweet, or call a friend who makes you laugh. Take a walk with no destination, reread a book that feels like a hug, or treat yourself to something small and silly just because you can. Joy is sacred, so let yourself bask in it.

Grab your sunscreen and let the summer solstice celebrations begin! Soak up the sunshine, honor your growth, and don’t forget to make a little magic, whatever that looks like for you.