Today is the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Take advantage of the extra daylight and partake in some of these rad summer solstice celebrations happening around the city.
San Francisco Rocks Tour
San Francisco is famous for its hills, which lend the city its character and incredible views. This special Summer Solstice tour will explore the qualities that have made the cities landscape what it is today, as well as getting to know local geology, and munching away through some seismic themed treats. The tour will visit some amazing rock formations that draw geologists from around the world, and will give you a new appreciation of the city’s legendary landscape. Tickets cost $45 for adult and $20 for children and can be purchased here. Goes from 6-8:30pm, meet at Dolores Park.
Beach Celebration and Bonfire
Unleash your inner pagan and head down to Ocean Beach to celebrate the longest day of the year. It will be a celebration of light, but also an acknowledgement of the descent back into darkness. Because it is a family friendly event, so there are no alcohol or drugs allowed, but bring along some food and non alcohol drink to share, and a towel if you wanted to take a plunge in the icy water. Clean firewood would also be appreciated. Just a quick warning, it is a clothing optional event. The evening kicks off at 7:30 and it will be located at Ocean Beach just south of the Taraval and Great Highway intersection.
Solstice Cocktail Competition
The Solstice lounge are celebrating the solstice a day late with a cocktail competition. Four of their top bartenders will square off to make the best neighborhood-inspired cocktail using Square One Basil vodka. The cost is $5 at the door, but covers free samples of all four cocktails! The cocktail that receives the most votes at the end of the night is the winner and will be featured on the menu for the rest of the month. Along with the free samples there will also be happy hour drink/food specials all night long. Thursday night from 6pm at 2801 California Street.
Meditation at Dolores Park
If you are looking for a more spiritual way to celebrate, MedMob are having a Meditation Flash Mob at Dolores Park. Another event that seem to have got the dates slightly mixed up, the meditation will last for 1 hour starting at 6:30pm on Thursday. Come for all of it, part of it, meditate the whole time, or just chill out and bask in the peace of the moment. Completely non denominational, MedMob’s intention is to create an environment for people from all religions, all world views, and all experience levels to join together in meditation. Thursday 6:30pm at Dolores Park.
Summer Solstice Stroll
Enjoy the extra sunlight by heading over to Bernal Heights for the second Summer Solstice Stroll along Cortland Avenue. The evening will include food tastings, business promotions, shopping, drinking, performances, and live music. With the weather tipped to be nice it is the perfect way to spend a Thursday evening. Thursday 6-9pm on Cortland Avenue.
