Smithsonian Stays Open Late for “Solstice Saturday”

The Smithsonian celebrates the official start of summer with its seventh annual “Solstice Saturday” on the first Saturday of the season, June 21. To mark the longest day of the year, museums on the National Mall will offer extended hours, as well as free events. Additional program details and a list of opening hours are available online.

Events

Asia After Dark at the National Museum of Asian Art

Visitors can join the dance party on the museum’s plaza on Jefferson Drive S.W. with disco, house and funky music provided by DJ FISH HOUSE FUNK from 6 to 9 p.m. and a bar open from 5 to 9:30 p.m. (alcoholic beverages available for purchase). Inside, exhibitions will be brought to life with exclusive curator tours throughout the evening, and the museum store will stay open for late-night shopping. The event is free to attend, but registration is recommended.

Sally’s Night at the National Air and Space Museum

The museum’s annual June program Sally’s Night returns to celebrate Sally Ride’s legacy as the first American woman in space. Throughout the night, visitors can roam around the museum on a digital scavenger hunt, get creative by designing a mission patch or writing a postcard, and learn more about Sally Ride and women in STEM at Discovery Stations. Other highlights include Air and Space Trivia led by podcast host Emily Martin, live planetarium shows and sidewalk stargazing. The event is free, but tickets are required.

National Museum of African Art

Visitors can embrace movement, art making and cultural expression through the free offerings at the National Museum of African Art. Inside the museum, there will be an all-ages basket-weaving activity, music from Burundi drummers and complimentary coffee and snacks. Visitors can close out their evening with the live arts finale from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.

Extended Hours

Open until 10 p.m.:

• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• National Museum of Asian Art
• National Museum of the American Indian
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Museum of Natural History

Open until 11 p.m.:

• Arts and Industries Building
• National Museum of American History
• National Air and Space Museum

Open until midnight:

• National Museum of African Art

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