While it’s still too early to predict what the song of the summer will be (Houdini by Eminem, 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 first official day of summer is Thursday, June 20, 2024. It is also known as the summer solstice and officially arrives at exactly 4:51 PM EDT. That 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 summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. According to the National Weather Service, the sun is at its highest point in the sky during the summer solstice and Earth’s tilt toward the star is at its maximum.
In the US, daylight will last about 15 hours during the summer solstice at a latitude of about 40 degrees north, Space.com reports.
As the days pass, the amount of sunlight will decrease. This culminates with the winter solstice, or the shortest day of the year (December 21). During the winter solstice, the Earth’s tilt is furthest from the Sun.
Related: If a body is a beach body, every book is also a beach read. Try these books this summer.
When does the summer of 2024 end?
Summer officially ends on Sunday, September 22, 2024, when fall officially begins. Some consider Labor Day the unofficial end of summer, this year it falls on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Summer events calendar
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Jobbie Nooner: 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 has a “part two” on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
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Woodward dream cruise: The official date is Saturday, August 17, 2024, but those who live along the Woodward corridor know well that it starts days before and lasts days after. Thousands of travelers will drive up and down Woodward Avenue to show off their classic and not-so-classic cars, and perhaps check out the parties and gatherings along the route. There are also sponsored exhibitions and much more. Meanwhile, spectators line Woodward Ave. with their lawn chairs. to watch them all pass by.
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Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats: Held Labor Day weekend in Royal Oak – Friday, August 30, 2024 to Monday, September 2, 2024 – typically featuring over 200 local bands, national headliners and family entertainers (beats). There are also numerous crafts for sale (art) and food offerings (edibles).
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Detroit Jazz Festival: The world’s largest jazz festival will also be held over Labor Day weekend – Friday, August 30, 2024 to Monday, September 2, 2024 – in downtown Detroit and it’s free. Here is this year’s line-up.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: First Day of Summer 2024: What You Need to Know About the Summer Solstice
