Summer Solstice in Los Angeles

The Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight between sunrise and sunset. This is when the Earth's axis tips the northern part of the planet closest to the sun, giving those nearest to the North Pole endless summer days.

Here in Los Angeles, we're a bit closer to the equator and our summer days aren't quite so long. We have about 14.5 hours of daylight on our longest days, June 21 and 22, with sunset usually between 8 and 8:10 pm. Just because we don't see the midnight sun, doesn't mean we don't appreciate our longest day. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice in Southern California.

Griffith Observatory Summer Solstice Events

Like ancient monuments to the stars, the Griffith Observatory was built to create specific effects when the solar system is aligned for the solstices. On the summer solstice, for the Sun’s “local noon” appearance, at its highest position in the sky all year, the Sun’s projected image crosses the engraved meridian arc of the Gottlieb Transit Corridor on the west side of the Observatory. The solstice local noon occurs at 12:55 pm. The northernmost sunset and the end of the longest day of the year align with an engraved marker and stone line laid into pavement on the terrace. The solstice sunset occurs at 8:06 pm. Presentations will precede each event, and the Observatory will introduce it's new planetarium show First Light: The Telescope Changed Everything
When: Saturday June 20, presentations at 12:45 and 7:55 pm, First Light show at 7:45 pm
Where: Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, 90027
Cost: Free for presentations, fee for planetarium show
Info: www.griffithobservatory.org
Read more about the Griffith Observatory

Make Music Pasadena

Make Music Pasadena is a free musical celebration throughout Pasadena to celebrate the solstice and World Music Day. Sidewalks, parks, courtyards, alleys, building lobbies and other unconventional performance spaces will become spontaneous musical stages and social gathering places. Amateur musicians will bring their musical talents to the streets of Pasadena and perform to new crowds. Internationally known artists will perform at two main stages – One Colorado and Levitt Pavilion.
When: Sunday June 21, 9:15 am - 8 pm
Where: Various locations throughout Pasadena
Cost: Free
Info: www.makemusicpasadena.org

Summer Solstice and Live H2O at Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center

Southern California Indians and guests gather up in the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles for a ceremonial acknowledgment of the solstice and a celebration of Native American music, art and stories. American Indian art is available for purchase. There are also art activities for children. For 2009, the event is coordinating with Live H2O as a celebration of Mother Earth's life3blood. The event is free to the public. Food is available for purchase.
When: Saturday, June 20, 10 am - 6 pm
Where: Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, State Highway 2 at Mt. Wilson Red Box Rd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Cost: Free
Parking: An Adventure Pass is required to park in the Angeles National Forest. They can be purchased at Haramokngna or at various other sites around LA. Day passes are $5, Annual passes are $30. A second car annual pass is $5 when purchased at the same time. The Interagency Annual Pass ($80) for Federal Lands can also be used to park in the Angeles National Forest.
Info: www.haramokngna.org

Main Street Summer of Love Summer SOULstice Festival in Santa Monica

A sidewalk sale and live music festival on multiple stages featuring cover bands and tribute bands. There are also circus acts and a petting zoo.
When: Saturday, June 28, 2009 noon to 7 pm, sidewalk sale also Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
Where: The main activity is between Pico and Dewey on Main Street in Santa Monica, CA
Cost: Free
Info: www.mainstreetsm.com

Long Beach WomanSpirit Summer Solstice Faire

Musicians, dancing, speakers, healers, fortune tellers and vendors gather to honor the goddesses at this annual event.
When: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 5450 Atherton Blvd., Long Beach, CA
Parking: At the church and street parking
Info: www.longbeachwomanspirit.org

Summer Solstice Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling Festival

Folk musicians come from far and wide to participate in this celebration of folk music tradition sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society. Concerts, workshops, demonstrations and lots of jam sessions for folks of all ages. The Folk Music Festival has been a Summer Solstice tradition in Southern California since 1981. The event is still looking for a permanent location and has been postponed for 2009.
When: POSTPONED FOR 2009
Where:
Info: www.ctmsfolkmusic.org