Summer Solstice in Alaska

View of Kachemak Bay

Summer Solstice is a really big deal to Alaskans. The change in daylight throughout the seasons makes a difference in our activities, and we love to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Not sure what solstice is? Here’s a short explanation: https://www.space.com/summer-solstice-when-what

Alaskan communities all over the state have Summer Solstice festivals and events. Here’s a sample:

Seldovia’s Summer Solstice Music Festival is a great excuse to visit the beautiful Kachemak Bay. https://www.seldoviaartscouncil.org/festival

The Fairbanks Midnight Sun Festival fills much of downtown with music, vendors, car show, basketball, and they have a cool t-shirt. https://midnightsunfestivalfairbanks.com

The Downtown Summer Festival in Anchorage features music and dance performances, food trucks, and vendors. https://www.anchorage.net/event/downtown-summer-solstice-celebration/47184/

Nome’s Midnight Sun Festival celebrates their 22 hours of daylight with the 5K Gold Dust Dash (with a real gold nugget for first prize!), parade, polar bear swim, softball tournament, and the Nome River Raft Race. https://www.alaska.org/detail/nome-midnight-sun-festival

For small town charm, you can’t beat the Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival including food, art, music, and activities. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1147333417193270&set=ecnf.100057498667157

And you can’t have a Summer Solstice in Alaska without baseball! In Fairbanks, the Alaska Goldpanners will host the 120th Midnight Sun Baseball Game “high noon at midnight” classic. https://www.explorefairbanks.com/event/midnight-sun-baseball-game/9365/

Wherever you live, I wish you a happy Solstice!