Solstice Yoga at Times Square is an annual event that is held on 21st June to celebrate the summer solstice with a day full of free yoga classes at the crossroads of the world. The event takes place outdoors on the Broadway pedestrian plazas between foot and wheeled traffic, and is a favorite of seasoned yogis and yoga enthusiasts alike. I love to experience the energy in Times Square on this day, and always make it a point to visit Times Square on 21st June every year.
Celebrating the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer, the event has been organized by the Times Square Alliance for over 20 years, with attendance growing every year. The classes, which are led by experienced yoga instructors, are suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced practitioners, and it is not unusual to see pets in bags and baskets accompanying their owners at the yoga classes.
The summer solstice is widely connected to the revitalization of one’s mind, body, and spirit, as well as the commemoration of creative expression encompassing art, music, and the exuberance and delight that sunlight brings. Solstice Yoga in Times Square is a unique and unforgettable experience that combines the ancient practice in the midst of the urban landscape – that I call home – as a celebration of the summer solstice and International Day of Yoga, and a reminder of the importance of making time, even in the city that never sleeps, for self-care and mindfulness.
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Solstice Yoga in Times Square
Date and Time
The Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga is an annual celebration that takes place on the summer solstice, which is June 21st. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and features free yoga classes throughout the day.
Location
The event is held in the heart of New York City, at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 44th and 48th Streets. The yoga classes take place on the Broadway pedestrian plazas, which are closed to traffic for the event. There are large screens available for all participants to follow along with the instructor for classes that are spread over multiple pedestrian plazas in the heart of New York City in Times Square, and it is also livestreamed online.
Registration
There is no fee required to attend any of the yoga classes, which are all open to participants at all levels. However, it is required to register for the event, and an optional donation similar to what participants would normally pay for a yoga class is encouraged to Community First.
The yoga classes are free and open to the public, but it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, as space is limited and spots tend to fill up quickly. Participants are advised to bring their own water bottles, and yoga mats are provided onsite to registered attendees by a sponsor.
Yoga Sessions
Yoga enthusiasts and first-timers alike are invited to join the Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga event, which takes place annually on the Summer Solstice. The event offers seven free yoga classes throughout the day on the Broadway pedestrian plazas, though only one class registration is permitted per person to accommodate everyone that is interested in attending Solstice Yoga in Times Square.
Class Description
The classes are led by experienced yoga instructors and are suitable for all levels of practice. Each session lasts for an hour and includes a variety of yoga styles, including vinyasa, hatha, and restorative.
The event features a diverse group of instructors, each with their unique style and approach to yoga. Some of the instructors who have led classes in the past include Douglass Stewart, co-founder of Yoga in Times Square, and Neeti Narula, a Yoga Journal contributor.
What to Bring
Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles, and sunscreen, while yoga mats are provided to registered attendees by a sponsor. You should plan to wear comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion so you don’t need to change as there are no lockers, changing facilities or public restrooms.
Arrival and Check-in
Participants of the Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga event are expected to arrive at the check-in area at least 30 minutes before their scheduled yoga class to receive a wristband that must be worn throughout the event. A copy of the ticket, either a print out or on a mobile device, is required for the check in, which will specify the check in location.
For registrations made on the day of the event, the check in is a 46th Street & Broadway or 48th Street & Broadway.
There are no lockers or storage facilities, so participants must plan to be dressed for the yoga and carry what they can manage on or around their yoga mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Solstice Yoga in Times Square start?
Solstice Yoga in Times Square typically starts early in the morning, around 7:30 AM. However, the exact start time may vary from year to year, so it’s best to check for up-to-date information.
Is there a fee to participate in Solstice Yoga in Times Square?
No, all Solstice Yoga classes in Times Square are free. However, participants do need to register for a class, and the organizers ask participants to consider making a donation in the amount they would normally pay for a yoga class.
Can beginners attend Solstice Yoga in Times Square?
Yes, Solstice Yoga in Times Square is open to all levels, including beginners. The classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level.
How long does Solstice Yoga in Times Square last?
Each Solstice Yoga class in Times Square lasts for approximately one hour.
What should I bring to Solstice Yoga in Times Square?
Participants in Solstice Yoga in Times Square should bring water, and any other necessary equipment or accessories, and a yoga mat is provided to registered attendees by event sponsors. It’s also a good idea to come dressed in comfortable, breathable clothing and to bring sunscreen and a hat if the weather is sunny.
What is Times Square Solstice Yoga?
Times Square Solstice Yoga is an annual event that takes place on the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year on 21st June. It involves free yoga classes in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
How does New York celebrate the summer solstice in Times Square?
New York celebrates the summer solstice in Times Square with Yoga in Times Square all day.
When is there Yoga at Times Square?
Yoga is held in Times Square on the summer solstice, which falls on June 21st each year.
What happens it if rains for Times Square Solstice Yoga?
Solstice Yoga in Times Square is held rain or shine!
When is National Yoga Day?
National Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st each year.
What is National Yoga Day?
National Yoga Day is a day dedicated to promoting the practice of yoga and its many health benefits, and is celebrated on 21st June every year.
How is National Yoga Day celebrated in New York?
National Yoga Day is celebrated in New York with a variety of events and activities, including Solstice Yoga in Times Square and other yoga classes and workshops.
Why is 21 June Yoga Day?
June 21st is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It was chosen as International Yoga Day to celebrate the practice of yoga and its connection to the sun and the changing of the seasons.
What is hashtag yoga?
Hashtag yoga is a social media trend that involves using the hashtag #yoga to share photos, videos, and other content related to the practice of yoga. For the Solstice Yoga in Times Square, the hashtag is #SolsticeTSq and @TimesSquareNYC can be tagged on your social media posts.
Why is June 21 as Yoga Day?
June 21st was chosen as International Yoga Day because it is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and a significant day in many cultures and traditions.
What is the National Day of Yoga?
The National Day of Yoga is a day dedicated to promoting the practice of yoga and its many health benefits. It is celebrated on June 21st each year.
When is International Yoga Day?
International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st each year, which is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.
When was the first International Yoga Day?
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21st, 2015 based on a proclamation by the United Nations.
What is Times Square Yoga?
Times Square Yoga is a free yoga event that takes place in the heart of New York City’s Times Square on 21st June, which is the summer solstice, every year. It includes a variety of yoga classes and workshops for all levels of experience.
Can I follow the Times Square Solstice Yoga online?
Yes, Times Square Solstice Yoga is livestreamed online.
