By Chloe Mulliner, on April 10, 2015

Summer solstice in Seattle

On the day before the summer solstice in 2010, Seattle, Washington, was a little under the weather. What should have been the sunniest day of the year, turned out to be one of the city’s darkest June days in at least15 years. The sun refused to shine, the temperatures were unusually chilly, and the solar radiation reading was that of a frigid February day. 

This June 20th, Seattleites aren’t letting the strength of the sun affect their solstice shindigs. Regardless of the weather, Emerald City is going to shine. From Seattle summer festivals to baseball games, plan your day with this itinerary of the best things to do in Seattle: 

Sunrise: The sun will burst through your bedroom at 5:11 a.m., so you may as well wake up and get ready to face naked cyclists and freaky illusionists. Take a scenic sunrise stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park and prepare yourself for all the beautifully strange encounters today.    

Brunch: It’s totally worth changing out of your PJs for Percy’s and Co.’s four Bloody Mary concoctions. Pick your poison—dill, oregano, thyme, or cilantro-infused liquor— and pair it with Dave’s Gourmet hot sauce and house-made Bloody Mary mix. For more than a liquid breakfast, chow down on the rum sticky buns, shrimp and grits, or seasonal quiche. 

Viewfinder Tip: Don’t miss the Seattle Art Car Blowout, a collection of elaborately decorated vehicles, at the Solstice Celebration.

Afternoon: Bare it all with the Solstice Cyclists! Strip down to your birthday suit and paint your body into a masterpiece. This “nude not lewd” bike ride occurs just before the 2015 Fremont Solstice Parade. The kooky procession will then make its way over to Gas Works Park for the Fremont Solstice Celebration featuring HONK Fest West. From 3:30-9 p.m., live bands, art installations, buskers, food trucks, and beer gardens will help ring in the summer months. 

Evening: Take a break from the eccentric festivities for some old-fashioned entertainment at the ballpark. The Seattle Mariners are stepping up to the plate against the Houston Astros at the Safeco Field. Stock up on some Cracker Jack and root for a Mariner victory at 7:10 p.m. 

Sunset: You could see the sunset at 9:11 p.m. or you could witness a man getting sawed in half on stage. Brave the latter and watch in awe as seven tricksters and magicians baffle the audience with mind-bending stunts at the 5th Avenue Theatre. Dark and twisted, The Illusionists will have you believing in magic. The mystifying show starts at 8 p.m. 

Between the baseball game and the solstice parade, Seattle is stoked for summer, whether it rains or shines. For those who are visiting, stay at one of the best hotels in Seattle and get ready to embrace sweet summertime. 

Here’s what you missed during the 2014 Seattle summer solstice:

– We watched the sunrise at Louisa Boren Park.

– The Fremont Fair and Fremont Solstice Parade brought summertime merriment.

– All-Star Softball Classic for Homeless Youth hosted a charity game at the ballpark.

– Seattle International Dance Festival performed at Raisbeck Performance Hall.

– We went to Alki Beach for the sunset and spectacular views of Puget Sound.

What are you favorite Seattle summer spots?

Header Image Attribution: Flickr/Creative Commons/Jon/Via/https://flic.kr/p/97msr1
Body Copy Image Attribution: Flickr/Creative Commons/Bryce Edwards/Via/https://flic.kr/p/AxMes