Summer's Here! Five Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Wednesday, June 20 is the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year and the beginning of a much-anticipated summer. So why not take advantage of the long daylight hours by celebrating? Here are five things going on in the area or that you can organize and customize to your liking to make the summer kick-off a day to remember.


Create your own summer movie festival and potluck

The wonders of technology allow us to use smart phones, tablets and laptops to watch movies at any place and time, including our backyards! Have a themed movie marathon, and while you're at it, make it a potluck. All in attendance can bring their favorite dish to make a great picnic to be enjoyed while watching your favorite movies. What better way to usher in the summer?


Head to Prospect Park

If a backyard rendezvous isn't on the agenda, there's always the nearby Prospect Park to enjoy the warm weather. Head to the Greenmarket at Bartel-Pritchard Circle held from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. to stock up on fresh goodies and then join the free yoga class held at the Audubon Center from 10-11 a.m. The solstice has long been considered a day to get back to nature, so you can't go wrong with going to the park.

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Celebrate at the North Brooklyn Boat Club

While not as close to home as Prospect Park, the North Brooklyn Boat Club in Greenpoint and Williamsburg is throwing its first annual Solstice Party. The event, on Wednesday from 6 p.m.-12 a.m., will include games, food, drinks, dancing, and more. The Brooklyn Brewery and the New York Distilling Company are providing refreshments. There is no cover and all funds raised will go towards their volunteer-run community organization connecting Brooklyn to its waterways. The party will meet at the Broadway Stages Boatyard next to the Pulaski Bridge at 49 Ash Street.



Make Music New York

Nothing says summer in New York City like an outdoor concert. On Thursday, Make Music New York will celebrate the start of the summer season with 12 hours of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs. From 10 a.m.-10 p.m., more than 1,000 different performances will take place throughout the five boroughs, including performances in front of the Cortelyou Library and in Newkirk Plaza.