Celebrate Midsummer on June 24
June 24 begins midsummer, a time of year meant to celebrate culture, nature, and the abundance of the summer season on the longest day of the year. Celebrate the peak of Texas summer with these festivals, events, activities, harvests, and meals. Enjoy your midsummer celebration!
Midsummer Festivals
The Witches’ Ball: Midsummer Night Soirée, Arlington
Enjoy a magical midsummer night filled with faerie magic under a starlit garden! Guests will arrive in faerie attire and enjoy Shakespearean readings, musical performances, and an otherworldly summer solstice filled with enchantment. (Note: This event is for adults only so bring friends but not kiddos!) 9 p.m.-1 a.m. June 25, The Sanford House Inn & Spa, 506 N Center St.
Star Party at the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis
Celebrate midsummer under the stars at the McDonald Observatory Star Party. Receive constellation tours and look at the night sky through telescopes. Make sure to bring binoculars! 9:45 p.m. June 25, Frank N. Bash Visitors Center, 3640 Dark Sky Drive
Texas Shakespeare Festival, Kilgore
Experiencing a live Shakespearean performance will have you feeling as if you’ve slipped into a midsummer night’s dream. Plan a trip to the Texas Shakespeare Festival at the end of June to see “The Taming of the Shrew.” June 30, 7:30 p.m., TSF Performance Venue, 1200 Henderson Blvd.
Midsummer Markets
Austin Witches Market Midsummer Faerie Fest, Austin
Experience a special midsummer witches’ market that celebrates all things fae. Here, you will find all the offerings of the weekly witches’ market, which includes artisan goods and services such as spiritual readings or expert advice from practitioners of witchcraft, magick, and herbalism. This week hosts additional midsummer celebrations such as a fae costume contest, a children’s faerie parade, and presentations on faery spirituality. Tickets are available here. 6-11 p.m. June 26, The Far Out Lounge and Stage, 8504 S. Congress Ave.
Junk Fest, Lubbock
Celebrate midsummer by listening to great music, eating from local food trucks, and shopping for antiques and artisan goods. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25, 8116 19th St.
Palestine Farmers Market, Palestine
Browse local produce, food products, and artisanal goods at Palestine Farmers Market, which strives to make local produce and goods available to the community. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 813 W. Spring St.
Midsummer Activities
Cypress Valley Treehouse Retreat, Spicewood
Nature is calling you to a midsummer retreat in the forest. In Cypress Valley, you can stay in a treehouse, zip line throughout the forest, and enjoy the spring-fed creek. 1223 Paleface Ranch Road S.
Sea Turtle Hatchling Release, Padre Island
To aid in the protection and preservation of the sea turtle population, scientists collect and release eggs that are laid on the Padre Island seashore. When turtles hatch, the public can gather to watch them be released. Check their website to see if public releases are happening and spend your solstice celebrating nature.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs
Hamilton Pool Preserve features a 50-foot waterfall with a large natural pool and grotto. Wildlife and plant life is abundant in the area, and it is a beautiful spot to enjoy summer nature. 24300 Hamilton Road
Midsummer Harvest
Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, Brenham
Picking: Lavender
Celebrate summer harvests by picking your own lavender at Chappell Hill Lavender Farm! Not only will you enjoy fresh aromatics, but you will also be surrounded by breathtaking fields of purple flowers. Stop by the little shop on the way out to pick up some wonderful soaps, lotions, and lavender products. 2250 Dillard Road
Blueberry Hill Farms, Edom
Picking: Blueberries and blackberries
Pick the freshest blueberries and blackberries of the summer at Blueberry Hill Farms in Edom. 10268 FM 314
Pure Land Farm, McKinney
Picking: Carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes
Pure Land Farm has many plants available to pick and you can check which of their plants are ready to harvest on their website! Enjoy picking up carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes for midsummer. 7505 County Road 201
Choke Canyon Reservoir, Corpus Christi
Catching: Catfish
Visit Choke Canyon Reservoir for great catfishing. Freshly caught fish will make for a great midsummer activity and meal.
Midsummer Meal
Starter: Platter Salad With Sweet Peach Dressing: This platter salad with sweet peach dressing will give you a great opportunity to use your freshly picked carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peaches. This salad is colorful, delicious, and super easy.
Main: Fried Catfish With Peach BBQ Sauce: Fry up your freshly caught catfish and serve it with this delectable peach barbecue sauce made with freshly picked peaches.
Side Dish: Grilled Peaches: There are few things more satisfying than grilled freshly picked peaches. Pair with peach barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
Beverage: Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea: Use your fresh blueberries to make a refreshing summer solstice berry-lemon iced tea! You could even garnish with fresh lavender.
Dessert: Lavender Honey Cake With Blackberry Topping: Many European cultures celebrate midsummer by leaving honey cakes in the garden to appease the fae or woodland spirits who live there. These spirits are believed to enjoy sweet treats. Celebrate your midsummer by using your freshly picked lavender and blackberries with this delectable lavender honey cake with a blackberry compote.
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