Key West, Fla. — Transformation and the power of the sun are to take center stage June 1-20 in Key West, one of the sunniest spots in the continental United States, during the “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square, the site of the island’s famed nightly sunset celebration.  

At the festival honoring the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, when the sun is at the peak of its power, attendees can enjoy sun-centered activities inspired by Midsummer’s mythology and symbolism, demonstrations of creative magic by artists and craftspeople, entertainment by performers ranging from illusionists to daredevils, and local vendors’ wares for body and spirit. 

“The solstice is the time when everything is most alive, you can see with clarity, and the sun is at its brightest,” said acclaimed intuitive Ron Augustine, who will offer mesmerizing tarot card readings throughout the festival. “To me that’s the most magical part of Key West, because you can’t hide anything from the sun here.”

Esteemed as both an astrologer and card reader, Augustine began developing his abilities as a child. His mentors included master astrologer Harriet Friedlander and world-renowned tarot expert Rachel Pollack, author of the definitive tarot resource “Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom.”

Also an expert metalsmith and jeweler who trained at the Gemological Institute of America, Augustine opened the store Ruby Slipper after moving to Key West in 2000.

“Fate drew me to Key West, because I didn’t even like it when I first came,” he admitted of his initial visit to the island. “Then the magic happened — the second day, something just came over me that said, ‘This is your new home.’”

Since 2007, Augustine has been giving astrology-based tarot readings at the Mallory Square sunset gathering. Widely recognized for his insight and intuitive wisdom, he has  been featured on television shows in several countries and in publications including “National Geographic Traveler.” He also provided the inspiration for the character of Lorenzo in the best-selling Key West Food Critic mystery series.

Born under the astrological sign of Leo, he feels a close connection to the solstice.

“It’s the illumination, being able to see very clearly — and that’s what I’m all about,” Augustine said.

“Summer Solstice Celebration” events culminate June 20, the night of the 2025 solstice itself. Attendees are encouraged to wear flower crowns and ethereal or nature-themed attire associated with solstice mythology.

During the festival finale, people can learn about the summer night sky, set intentions for the coming months and pin them on a “wish board,” and connect with the ocean realm through a sea turtle experience presented by the Florida Keys’ Turtle Hospital. Capping the evening’s enchantment will be a projection of large-scale mystical “dreamscapes” by noted artist Nicholas Bergery.

Produced by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the Mallory Square sunset gathering, festival events begin at 7 p.m. each evening. The “Summer Solstice Celebration” is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
​
Visit sunsetcelebration.org for more information and a schedule of events.
 

​

Key West, Fla. — The color, pageantry and magic of the Summer Solstice will be commemorated June 1-20 at Key West’s waterfront Mallory Square, with a dynamic array of special events, live performances and artisan demonstrations backdropped by the world-renowned nightly Sunset Celebration.


The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and the official first day of summer, has possessed unique significance in many cultures since ancient times. Attendees at the “Summer Solstice Celebration” can participate in interactive experiences and sun-centered traditions — all leading up to a ceremony that honors the powerful June 20 occasion.


Presented by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the Mallory Square sunset gathering, the festival is a multifaceted tapestry of offerings and attractions that salute the power of the sun. Each evening’s roster of events will spotlight specific performers, artisans, food vendors and themed or guided activities, providing an ever-changing experience for visitors.


Attendees can take part in an age-old solstice tradition by making wishes and pinning them to an onsite “wish banner,” get inspired while observing sun-themed plein air painting sessions, open their spirits with tarot card readings, sway to the sounds of sun-centered music on the square beside Key West Harbor, and marvel at eclectic craft demonstrations and “dream projections” of digital artwork.


Event highlights are to include outrageous live shows by entertainers including “The Loud Mime” Will Flederman, appearing at the “Summer Solstice Celebration” following performances around the U.S.; four nights of music by students from Key West’s acclaimed Bahama Village Music Program, demonstrating their mastery of island-style steel pan and Junkanoo rhythms; and a rare collaborative act and demonstration by Jase Anderson and “Reidiculous” Reid Conklin, who grew up together honing their showmanship at Mallory Square.


Local marine wildlife is to take center stage as well, in an educational sea turtle presentation by experts from the Florida Keys’ famed Turtle Hospital — founded in 1986 as the world’s first state-licensed veterinary hospital for sea turtles.


Because the Summer Solstice honors the sun, it’s particularly fitting that festivities are set against the background of Key West’s Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. In a tradition that dates back some 50 years, residents and visitors alike flock to the historic waterfront site each evening to enjoy entertainment by jugglers, acrobats and other buskers; browse vibrant artists’ and vendors’ wares; and applaud as the sun sinks below the horizon.


The “Summer Solstice Celebration” is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Visit sunsetcelebration.org for more information and schedule updates.

​The Second Survey in the Mallory Square Visioning Process is live. This is a NEW survey to gather feedback about concepts for the future of the square. If you took the first survey back in September of this year, we hope you will take this one as well and make your voice heard once again!
Go to: Mallorysquare.engage.sasaki.com to take the survey
Please share the survey with your friends, co-workers, and family so everyone has an opportunity to provide input. The Survey will close on January 2 at midnight.
 

The expert panel at USA Today selected Mallory Square as a contender for Best Public Square. The contest gives voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-public-square-2022/.  A person can vote once a day for the run of the contest. 

Voting ends Monday, April 11th and the winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, April 22nd at 12:00pm EDT. You can read the official rules here. Please note that the rules do not allow offering prizes or other inducements to members of the public in exchange for votes during the voting period.