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. With the sun setting around 8:30pm, if you time it right, you’ll be able to be out there almost exactly as the solstice happens (8:42pm MST). 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 Saturday, June 21, from 1-8pm and Arts in the Park at the Band Shell on Sunday, June 22, from 5-8:30pm, 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.

2025 Summer Solstice Events

Summer Yoga on the Museum of Boulder Rooftop
June 21, 2025, 9-10am
Start your Saturday with an invigorating and relaxing rooftop yoga class that enhances your mind-body connection.

Summer Solstice Vinyasa Flow
June 21, 2025, 10-11am
This 60-minute outdoor flow by the Creek is followed by a sauna and cold plunge.

Solstice Celebration at The StarHouse
June 21, 2025, 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: Abstract Silk Floral Painting
June 22, 2025, 1-3:30pm
Create a unique, summer floral-inspired artwork on silk with a local artist.

The Mariposa Collective’s Solstice Soirée
June 22, 2025, 5-8:30pm
Bring a picnic and friends for a joyful gathering with interactive activities, live performances and a silent auction in support of local arts nonprofit, Mariposa Collective.