While it’s too early to predict what the song of the summer will be (Eminem’s “Houdini,” anyone?), I can tell you one thing: Summer is quickly approaching.
And I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait.
When does summer 2024 start?
The official first day of summer is Thursday, June 20, 2024. It is also known as Summer Solstice and officially arrives at exactly 4:51 pm EDT. That being said, many people tend to recognize Memorial Day as the “unofficial” first day of summer, especially given its proximity to the last day of the school year for many schools.
Related: 15 Must-See Summer Movies, From ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ to ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
What is the summer solstice?
The marks of the summer solstice the longest day of the year. During the summer solstice, the Sun is at its highest point in the sky and the inclination of the Earth towards the star is at its maximumaccording to the National Weather Service.
In the US, at latitudes of approximately 40 degrees North, daylight during the summer solstice will last about 15 hours, Space.com reports.
As the days go by, the amount of sunlight will decrease. This culminates with the winter solstice, or the shortest day of the year (December 21). At the winter solstice, the Earth’s tilt is is furthest from the Sun.
Related: If any body is a beach body, any book is a beach read. Try these books this summer.
When does summer 2024 end?
Summer officially ends on Sunday, September 22, 2024, when autumn officially begins. Some consider Labor Day the unofficial end of summer, this year falling on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Summer Events Calendar
-
Jobbie noon: Hundreds of boaters head to Gull Island on Lake St. Clair to take part in one of the wildest parties on the water. The Mardi-Gras-style gathering will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year on Friday, June 28, 2024. The party will have a “part two” on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
-
Woodward Dream Cruise: The official date is Saturday, August 17, 2024, but those who live along the Woodward corridor know all too well that it starts days before and lasts for days after. Thousands of drifters will be driving up and down Woodward Ave. showing off their classic and not-so-classic cars, and perhaps checking out the parties and gatherings along the route. There are also sponsor exhibits and more. Meanwhile, spectators line Woodward Ave. with their lawn chairs to watch everyone go by.
-
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats, and Foods: Held over Labor Day weekend in Royal Oak – Friday, August 30, 2024 to Monday, September 2, 2024 – usually features more than 200 local bands, national headliners and family artists (beats ). There are also tons of crafts to buy (Arts) and food offerings (Eat).
-
Detroit Jazz Festival: The world’s largest jazz festival also takes place Labor Day weekend – Friday, August 30, 2024 through Monday, September 2, 2024 – in downtown Detroit and is free. Here is this year’s schedule.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), It is LinkedInand like our Facebook page (@detroitfreepress).
Contact Amy Huschka: ahuschka@freepress.com or follow her on Twitter (@aetmanshuschka).
Stay connected and stay informed. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: First day of summer 2024: what to know about the summer solstice
