Summer Solstice Guide to Boulder

Take an Evening Hike

Something magical happens around sunset in Boulder in the summertime. The heat of the day gives way to almost instantly cooler temperatures, thanks to low humidity and breezes from the forests. The landscape is painted in pinks, oranges and reds that slowly fade into cool lavender grays. Find a hike here.

Eat From the Earth

A powerful way to connect with the earth and appreciate this season is to eat directly from the local land. Boulder County is home to more than 1,000 farms, many of which you can tour, support via their farm stands, see at the Farmer’s Market, or taste at one of Boulder’s farm-to-table restaurants.

Join an Early Morning Group Meditation

The solstice is a great reason to wake early and welcome the sun with a grounding meditation practice to start your day mindfully. The Boulder Shambhala Center hosts weekday morning meditations from 7:30-8:30am that are free and open to the public.

Go Swimming (or Kayaking... or Paddle Boarding... or...)

The point is — get out on the water! Between the Boulder Reservoir, Eldorado Springs Pool and various outdoor public and hotel pools, you have plenty of options to take a dip this solstice. Or you can paddleboard, tube the creek, go birdwatching at Wonderland Lake or one of Boulder's many other water recreation activities.

Visit the Sundial at the University of Colorado

A great educational activity if you have little ones in tow, CU’s campus is home to the John Garrey Tippit Memorial Sundial, located in "Sundial Plaza" just outside Norlin Library's east entrance. A bonus: Thanks to school being out for summer, you’ll likely have the typically bustling grounds to yourself — and it's worth spending a day on campus! Here's how to make the most of it.

Dine on a Patio

Why sit inside when Boulder has so many charming patios with jaw-dropping views? Admire the vibrant landscape, breathe in mountain air and soak up the sun (with SPF!) while you dine and watch the sun sink behind the Flatirons.

Jam Out, Outside

Boulder is home to many outdoor festivals and events; a few happening over the solstice weekend in particular are the free Flatiron Sounds Music Festival at Chautauqua Park on Sunday, June 21, from 1-8pm and Arts in the Park at the Band Shell on Sunday, June 21, as well as numerous live music events on patios and courtyards throughout the city.

Get Refreshed With a Solstice-Themed Elixir

Numerous bars and restaurants offer special cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages just for summertime, often incorporating local produce, herbs and floral essences. A few to highlight: Dushanbe Teahouse's "Lemon Solstice Glow," a blend of honey-infused and lemon-flavored black teas with zesty lemon peel and calendula petals; Ku Cha's "Summer Solstice Fruit Tea" loaded with vitamin C and tropical flavors; and Rebecca's Apothecary's loose-leaf "Summer Cooler Tea," crafted to cool through a refreshing blend of spearmint, hibiscus, lemonagrass and ginger.

2026 Summer Solstice Events

1940s WWII Summer Ball
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 6:30pm
A nostalgic 1940s hangar dance featuring live big bands, vintage planes and cars and immersive Hollywood-style sets for a magical night of swing dancing under the stars.

Elevate Markets Summer Series
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12-4pm
A vibrant monthly market featuring local artisans, delicious food and drinks, giveaways and a high-energy community vibe perfect for supporting small businesses with friends.

Solstice Celebration at The StarHouse
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 3-7pm
An afternoon of movement, magic and connection at StarHouse with earth dances and shamanic healing, honey tastings, herbal teachings, folk music and more.

Summer Solstice Sound Bath
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 4-5:30pm
A grounding Hatha yoga practice and soothing acoustic sound bath designed to help you slow down, reset and relax.