How to celebrate the Summer Solstice in Nevada

The longest day of the year arrives June 20 as the sun reaches its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere, directly above the Tropic of Cancer.

This Stonehenge-worthy moment in time, known as the summer solstice, has been celebrated by cultures worldwide since Neolithic times. The revelry around the globe on this midsummer day ranges from feasts and parades to spiritual practices and sunrise observances.

In Nevada, we mark the extra daylight with activities like yoga, science projects, festivals, running, or gazing at an abridged night sky. Here’s a look at what’s going on during the summer solstice in the Silver State.

Salute the sun in a yoga class

The summer solstice is ideal for embracing both the extra sunshine and your inner light with a yoga class. It also doesn’t hurt that the solstice arrives on International Day of Yoga.

The Yoga Sanctuary in Las Vegas invites the community to come together on June 22 from 3:30-5 p.m. for a $40 class that will empower participants with meditation and breathwork. Bring a journal, pen, blanket, and pillow.

Pilates + Yoga in Las Vegas will help you release stress, restore balance, and awaken inner harmony at its Soundbath Workshop starting at 3 p.m. June 22. The experience for all levels incorporates carefully curated sounds and vibrations  (crystal bowls, bells, chimes, and rain sticks) for deep healing on the longest day of the year. Cost is $45.

On June 23, Temple Yoga in Reno will welcome summer with 108 sun salutations (nine sets of 12 in a moving meditation). The two-hour class starts at 1 p.m. A $10 donation is suggested.

Running into the solstice

Who’s ready to race into summer?

Celebrate the longest day of the year by running along scenic routes at Floyd Lamb Park during the Summer Solstice 5k/10k at 8 a.m. June 23. Organized by  Red Rock Running Company, the race is good for all levels, whether seasoned or new to running. The top finishers will receive prizes.

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, the Slow Runners of Henderson will welcome the solstice with two laps around Cornerstone Park, starting at sunrise, 5:24 a.m. on June 21. The route is a little over 2 miles, but runners can extend or shorten it as needed. All skill levels are invited to run with this inclusive running community.

Other things to do

Celebrate nature and togetherness in Reno at the 4th Annual Midsummer Solstice Party at Pignic Pub & Patio from 2-9 p.m. June 22. Enjoy sausages cooked on the grill or over an open fire, then served with a homemade Finnish-style sweet mustard. The first 25 guests get a free Pineapple Long Drink. 

Clear the air for the summer solstice by creating your own smudge bundle between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Fergusons Downtown in Las Vegas. All materials will be supplied. Tickets cost $15.

Make your own day

If you know a curious kid, Nevada STEM Hub suggests marking the solstice by getting science-y. They recommend trying this experiment to investigate the reason for the seasons.

With more time to play outdoors before the sun sets, the solstice is a great day to go out into nature. Pack your family into the car and head out to a national park like Red Rock Canyon and Mount Rose Wilderness or state parks like Valley of Fire and Cathedral Gorge. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Following the longest day, Nevada will boast some of the darkest skies in the country, perfect for stargazing. Three hours north of Las Vegas by car, Tonopah is home to the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park. Or perhaps you can brave Park to Park in the Dark, Nevada’s first official astronomy route. The route ends (or begins) at Great Basin National Park, which is home to nightly astronomy programs. Or you can see the stars in the park on your own.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.