Every Summer Solstice, we stand and greet the sun as it enters the Great Stone Circle at sunrise. You are invited to join us as we recognize the passing of the seasons from Spring to Summer in this auspicious and sacred stone place. Note that Summer Solstice actually occurs at 3:24am on Sunday, June 21 and we will stand together to celebrate it just a couple of hours later at sunrise! Think about making a weekend out of it and come to the Summer Solstice Concert in the Great Stone Circle on Friday night, join the storytelling event with Tracy Chipman on Saturday, and then come to this sunrise observance on Sunday!
If it is not raining we will gather at 5:00 am in the Great Stone Circle in time to share a very short ritual before we witness the rising of the sun – actual sunrise is at 5:23am but it is usually 5:30 before it is visible in the stone circle. Feel free to arrive as early as 4:45am if you wish (that sounds sooooo early – but don’t go back to sleep!).
Given fair weather and a clear horizon, we will watch the sun as it crests the ridge and is ushered through the Summer Solstice Corridor into the circle. It will set its golden glow upon anyone standing in the middle of the circle. Further, it will cast the shadow of those persons standing in the center onto the stone directly in the path of the sun – the “Shadow Stone”. Fun fact: The Shadow Stone also marks the exact point of WINTER Solstice SUNSET, i.e. summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset occur along the exact same line. Truly magical.
Given cloudy weather, we will not see the sunrise or our shadow, but will greet the dawn of Summer ceremoniously regardless! We have had some amazing sunrise observances with clouds, storms, and fog – so one never knows what to expect!! This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading. Feel free to bring a reading or quote to share. Witness the arrival of Summer. Send Spring on its way with blessings.
COST: included with admission to Kinstone (pay in advance online OR pay in person in the Visitor Center upon arrival)
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 5:00am – 6:30am
No Registration Required
