Summer Solstice — 20 June

As the sun creeps up over the hills and into your town on June 20, you’ll know it’s here. That blessed time of year when barbecues and beach trips reign, when work slows and summer holidays mean getting together with friends and family. Just thinking about it likely brings up the smell of fresh cut grass and the taste of cold lemonade. Summer Solstice — also known as the first day of summer — has arrived. 

(We interrupt this poetic paragraph to remind you that this applies only to those living north of the equator.)

Now then — people  have celebrated this day for thousands of years. Some of the earliest party animals were the ancient Mesopotamians, Celtic Druids, Chinese, and Egyptians, and all of these cultures had their own ways of celebrating that make even our craziest backyard barbecues look tame. When was the last time you had a multi-story bonfire and danced around it naked? That’s what we thought. But cultures have had good reason to celebrate since ancient times right up until today. 

It’s the longest day of the year. Enjoy!

Oh, and Dairy Queens are celebrating today by giving away free cones (with any purchase) all day long! Download their mobile app for details.

When?
2 months from now
20 June
Countries