The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the first Saturday of summer—“Solstice Saturday”— beginning with an afternoon of Andean music, dance and family friendly activities celebrating the Great Inka Road. At 7 p.m., the celebration becomes the Solstice Illuminated Dance Party, taking place on the museum’s Welcome Plaza. There will be a DJ, refreshments, fun and food with all galleries open through the night.
Register and check in at the event to receive a glow stick to help you light up the night!
3–7 p.m. —Solstice Saturday: Celebrate the Sun!
Don’t miss the museum’s second annual Solstice Saturday, which opens with traditional Bolivian dancing by Tradiciones Bolivianas, Tinkus Llajtaymanta and Centro Cultural Bolivia, and music by Tarqueada VA USA. Make your own Andean fan based on the “chakana” (a symbol indicating the four cardinal directions) and add luminescent embellishments to show off later in the evening. Get inspired by the solar and lunar imagery throughout the Museum and decorate your own canvas bag to take home.
7–9:30 p.m.—Solstice Illuminated Dance Party
Grab a glow stick and dance to a DJ on the Welcome Plaza. Local food trucks and the Museum’s Mitsitam Café Espresso Bar will be available with food and drink to purchase. Be sure to visit the Museum’s membership table with your member card to receive a special gift (or join that evening). Cool off with a walk through the indoor galleries, which also will be open through the night.
When the sun goes down, bring your luminescent fan and join a “comparsa Iluminada”—an illuminated procession—from the festivities to an outdoor gathering on the Welcome Plaza.
Photos by Matailong Du
More information about the Smithsonian Solstice Saturday events taking place throughout Washington, DC can be found here: https://www.si.edu/solsticesaturday
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Solstice Illuminated to open to folks of all ages! The hands on activities are designed for those aged 7 and older, but anyone is welcome to enjoy the dancing. To purchase alcohol at the bars guests will need to have a valid ID.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The museum is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Buiding. L'Enfant Plaza is the nearest metro stop. The museum does not have parking, rather parking is available by meter on the surrounding streets.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please reach out to museum staff with any questions via an email to SupportNMAI@si.edu or by calling 202-633-7020.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
All tickets to Solstice Saturday are free. If you want to transfer your ticket you can do so, otherwise please release your ticket so someone else may sign up.
