Several Detroit farms are hosting celebrations in observance of the summer solstice.
The solstice, on Friday, June 20, represents the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the start of summer, and Detroit will have 15 hours and 20 minutes of daylight, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
There is evidence that for thousands of years people have celebrated the solstice with bonfires, giving gifts, feasting and other rituals.
Sanctuary Farms Co-founder jøn kent said the east side farm is hosting its first solstice party. kent said the event will focus on centering Indigenous principles, like that all living things are connected and equal and have inherent value.
“Having a summer solstice really kind of situates our own humanity as part of a broader system of life, and just acknowledges that we’re all in this together…, and not again, ‘all’ as in ‘humans,’ but ‘all’ is in all life forms are dependent on the natural framework of the world to live.”
For kent, the solstice on the farm represents blossoming and “a celebration of life.”
Below, check out local opportunities to celebrate the solstice on a Detroit farm.
Coriander Kitchen & Farm Summer Solstice Dinner
- Thursday, June 19. 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- $115
- An annual Equinox and Solstice dinner series that celebrates “our connection to the land and the stories behind the food.”
- Learn more here.
Summer Solstice Block Party at Sanctuary Farms
- Friday, June 20. 5-10 p.m.
- Free
- A free block party for all ages with a live DJ, food trucks, artisan market and farm stands. Bring “your blanket and good energy!”
- Learn more here.
Summer Solstice Night Market at Beaverland Farms
- Friday, June 20. 7-11 p.m.
- $5 suggested donation
- Live musical performances and DJ and a night market featuring jewelry, prints, ceramics and more. Plus, make a magnet in the greenhouse.
- Learn more here.
Fennigan’s Farms Summer Solstice