The Summer Solstice Festival will return to Mount Joy on Saturday, June 20, and this year's event will be bigger than ever, said Jen Angeles, vice chair. The festival will run from noon to 4 p.m. along Main Street from Marietta Avenue to Market Street.

"We have over 100 vendors, nonprofits, food vendors and entertainers participating, which is nearly double what we had last year," Angeles said. "The event has grown incredibly quickly, and we're excited to bring even more people, businesses and organizations together."

Visitors will find a wide variety of artisan vendors and small businesses offering everything from original artwork, handmade jewelry, candles and handcrafted home decor to charcuterie boards, ice cream scoops and other unique gifts. Wellness-focused vendors, retail boutiques, pet-related businesses and many other local entrepreneurs will also participate in the festival.

"Food is always a big part of the event, and we're excited to welcome several local favorites, including Iron Born Bistro from Marietta, Spud Muffin food truck, Noel's Cafe and additional food vendors throughout the event," Angeles said.

Stillpoint Studio will offer chair massages. There will be face painting and interactive vendor activities, and several local nonprofits will also participate, giving attendees a chance to learn more about organizations serving the community.

"One unique addition this year is a flash tattoo artist who will be set up inside 2FAB Weight Loss & Fitness Studio at 70 E. Main St.," Angeles said. "She will be offering first-come, first-served flash tattoos throughout the day, and a portion of her proceeds will be donated back to the nonprofit, making it a fun way to support the event while getting a little new ink."

Entertainment will include Skye the Fae, who will roam throughout the event and interact with guests. Tom Foolery the Bard and Opal Whiptail the Mermaid will be available for photos and visits throughout the day. Strolling magician and storyteller Doc Yoder will be part of the festival, along with live music and additional entertainment.

"One of the most anticipated attractions is our live unicorn, who will be visiting from 1 to 3 p.m. near the information tent," Angeles shared. "Guests will have the opportunity to stop by, meet the unicorn and take photos."

The festival is an initiative of the Summer Solstice Collective, a nonprofit founded by Collette Wagman.

"The idea for Summer Solstice Collective grew out of a desire to bring people together in a time when communities often feel divided," Angeles said. "What started as a seasonal celebration evolved into something bigger, a way to create a welcoming space where people from different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and life experiences could connect, learn from one another and celebrate community."

As the vision developed, organizers wanted the event to have a greater impact beyond a single day of festivities. The nonprofit was established to promote inclusion, education and community engagement, but it also gives back by donating profits to local food banks and hunger-relief programs. Part of the proceeds from this year's festival will also support the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

"Our goal is simple: Create meaningful community experiences while helping neighbors in need," Angeles said.

Nonperishable food donations will be accepted in exchange for tickets for a chance to win prizes donated by vendors and local businesses.

"One thing we're especially excited about this year is that our board chair, Collette, created an original painting to represent the 2026 Summer Solstice Collective event," Angeles said. "The artwork captures the spirit of the festival and will be on display during the event at Moon Raven Alley."

A limited run of event T-shirts featuring the artwork will be for sale, along with additional Summer Solstice merchandise through a temporary online storefront. Proceeds from merchandise sales will go directly back into supporting the nonprofit and helping to continue its mission.

"As we've grown, we've been incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses, vendors, volunteers, entertainers, sponsors and community members who have helped make this event possible," Angeles said. "Every year, the event becomes a little bigger, reaches a few more people and creates new opportunities to bring our community together while giving back to those in need."

She hopes people will come out for a fun afternoon.

"The goal is to create an event where people can spend a few hours exploring, shopping, eating, connecting with local organizations, enjoying entertainment and simply celebrating the start of summer together," she said. "We want people to leave with a few memories, maybe a few new connections and a reminder that community still matters."

For more information, visit http://summersolsticecollective.org or follow "Summer Solstice Festival" on Facebook or "Summer Solstice Mount Joy" on Instagram.