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.

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 Soka University property where the festival has been held since 1991 has been sold, so the festival will be held at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills for 2007 and look for a new location for 2008 and beyond.
When: Friday -Sunday, June 22-24, 2007 check the website for hours
Where: Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard St. Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Info and Tickets: www.ctmsfolkmusic.org

Late Night at LACMA and ArtScape Weekend

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art kicks off a free weekend of art, music, talks and museum tours with a late night party on the solstice.
When: Late Night at LACMA, Thursday June 21, 2007 from 7 pm - 3 am.; ArtScape, Friday, June 22, noon - 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday, June 23 - 24, 11 am - 8 pm
Where: LA County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Parking: $5 at LACMA lot off Spaulding Ave and Wilshire Blvd. Metered street parking is available on surrounding streets.
Info: www.lacma.org

Summer Solstice 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 acknowledgement 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. The event is free to the public. Food is available for purchase.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2007 10 am - 5 pm
Where: Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, State Highway 2 at Mt. Wilson Red Box Rd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
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 new 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 live music festival on multiple stages featuring 60s cover bands and tribute bands. There is also a scavenger hunt, costume contest, raffle, pony rides and petting zoo.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2007 noon to 7 pm
Where: The main activity is between Ocean Park and Rose Ave. on Main Street in Santa Monica, CA
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 9, 2007, 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