‘Summer Solstice Celebration’ Begins in Key West; Nightly Entertainment and Artistry to Continue Through June 20

Fifteen-year-old twins Victoria, left, and Maya Gray, right, entertain attendees with steel pan drum rhythms during Sunday evening’s kickoff of the 20-day “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square, which runs nightly, and culminates on the longest night of the year, June 20. (Photo by Tony Gregory)

Kaley Bentz, featured artist for night one of the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square, creates a tribute to the sun and the Solstice with acrylic paints on canvas. (Photo by Tony Gregory)

Key West, Fla. — The “Summer Solstice Celebration” began Sunday on Key West’s waterfront Mallory Square, kicking off a dynamic nightly array of special events, live performances and artisan demonstrations that continues through June 20.

Among opening-night festivities were a steel pan drum performance by twins Maya and Victoria Gray from the Bahama Village Music Program and live painting by artist Kaley Bentz.

Upcoming attractions include showcases of creative magic from artists and craftspeople, entertainment by performers ranging from illusionists to daredevils, interactive activities inspired by solstice traditions, and local vendors’ wares for body and spirit. The festival culminates in an evening honoring the powerful Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year when the sun’s energy is strongest — on June 20, 2025.

Coordinated by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the island city’s famed Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, festivities are backdropped by the sunset gathering.

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 nightly events.