Traditions to celebrate the summer solstice — the beginning of the astronomical summer, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun — vary around this half of the globe , from maypole dances in Sweden to midnight ocean plunges for Puerto Rico’s Noche de San Juan celebrations. Here in Seattle, we bid gray winters adieu with a unique tradition of our own: cheering on a procession of giant puppets, stilt-walkers, body-painted cyclists and more at the Fremont Solstice Parade, before visiting the nearby and equally whimsical Fremont Fair. The free festivities fall on the weekend after the solstice, which is June 20 this year.
The parade will launch from Leary Way Northwest and Northwest 39th Street at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22.
The famously naked cyclists will lead the procession along North 36th Street, followed by bands, samba dancers, giant puppets and other artistic creations The solstice parade will continue along the street for about a half-mile before finishing up at Evanston Avenue North and North 35th Street. A map of the parade route is available at fremontartscouncil.org/parade .
Pro tip: To stay hydrated during the parade, onlookers can purchase nonalcoholic beverages just west of the Statue of Lenin at North 36th Street and Evanston Avenue North. Unlike many other parades, the Fremont Solstice Parade is unique in that it encourages audiences to interact with parade groups, whether that’s a puppet stopping to shake your hand or a dancer prompting onloo.
