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. Summer Solstice for 2012 is June 20 at 4:09 pm PST, 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 is what's going on for Summer Solstice in LA this year.
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 23, 2012, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 5450 Atherton Blvd., Long Beach, CA
Cost: $5
Parking: At the church and street parking
Info: www.longbeachwomanspirit.org
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 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 8:08 pm. Note: The Observatory if swarming with media for the event, so parking can be an issue.When: Wednesday, June 20, 2012, noon (closer to 1 pm with Daylight Savings, and sunset
Where: Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, 90027
Cost: Free
Info: www.griffithobservatory.org
Read more about the Griffith Observatory
Summer Solstice at the Culver City Art Walk
For 2012, the Solstice coincides with the 3rd Wednesday Art Walk in Culver City. The event includes lots of live music, gallery receptions, merchant and dining specials.When: Wednesday, June 2o, 2012 5 - 9 pm
Where: Downtown Culver City is located just south of the 10 Freeway and east of the 405, between the intersection of Culver and Washington Blvds and Dusquene Ave.
Cost: Free
Info: www.downtownculvercity.com
HM157 Summer Solstice Celebration in Lincoln Heights
HM157 (Historical Monument 157), an art and music venue in a historic Victorian house in Lincoln Heights, northeast of Downtown LA, is hosting their annual Summer Solstice music and arts event for the whole family. The event features live bands, DJs, artists and craftspeople, children's activities and food.When: Still waiting for date clarification as to whether this is Friday 6/22 or Saturday, June 23, 2012 2 pm to 2 am, Children's activities start at 2, music at 4
Where: HM157, 3110 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Cost: $10 suggested donation, kids free
Info: thechurchoffashion.com
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: Sunday, June 24, 2012 1 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
Summer Solstice and Taco Festival at Muckenthaler Center
A variety of ethnic music and dance performances from Irish to Pacific Islander, storytelling, arts and crafts, gallery and house tours will keep visitors busy for this Solstice celebration. The Taco Festival will include world-influenced variations from Swedish meatballs to goat curry.When: Sunday, June 24, 2012 noon to 5 pm, Taco Fest noon to 3 pm
Where: 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton California 92833
Cost: Free
Info: themuck.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 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.When: No Event listed for 2012
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
If you don't mind driving a couple hours, Santa Barbara celebrates with a Summer Solstice Parade and Festival.
