How to paint your body and bike in the 2025 Fremont Solstice Parade June 21

The official 2025 Solstice Parade route, from the Fremont Arts Council. The bike ride starts 12:30 at Gas Works Park before riding to the parade route.

The 2025 Fremont Solstice Parade is Saturday (June 21). Is this the year you finally join the painted masses?

To join the ride, all you gotta do is arrive on Northlake Way in front of Gas Works Park all painted and ready to go by 12:30 sharp. From there, volunteers painted like National Park Rangers will lead riders to the parade entrance and help direct the naked bike traffic ahead of the official parade, which starts at 1. The parade route is on N 36th Street between 2nd Ave NW and N 35th Street. Riders will ride in big loops through the parade route for a while before exiting back to Gas Works.

Some people will get painted and costumed up at private parties while others will get ready in Gas Works Park. There is usually some shared paint in Gas Works, but it's definitely recommended to bring your own to ensure you have the colors you need. Get there early enough that your paint has time to dry before riding.

Some tips for riders:

• Sunscreen first, then paint. For those with sunburn-prone skin, if you forget sunscreen your painted design will be tanned onto your body for the rest of summer. It's noon on the summer Solstice, literally the strongest sunshine of the year.
• The best paints" are either face paints or theatrical make-up liquids and cakes. Many riders have used acrylic paint in years past, but just know it's not meant for use on bodies even if it says non-toxic." And don't bother trying to use tempera paint, which will flake off once dry. The Solstice Cyclists list the brands below as some popular options, and this Google Doc has a lot more info.
  • Glycerin-based products: Good for general, broad coverage and blending of colors.
    • Ben Nye
    • Cameleon
    • FAB
    • Fusion Body Art
    • Graftobian
    • Global Face Paints
    • Kryolan
    • Kryvaline (creamy line)
    • Madeyewlook
    • Mehron Paradise
    • Ruby Red
    • Snazaroo
    • Superstar
  • Wax-based products: Good for crisp line work.May not be as effective for broad coverage.
    • Diamond FX
    • Kraze FX
    • Kryvaline (regular line)
    • PartyXplosion
    • TAG
    • Wolfe FX
• The event is in public, and people will be taking photos. Take that into consideration with your costuming and if you are planning to get painted at Gas Works Park. It's not in the spirit of the event for creepy dudes to be taking lots of photos, but it could happen. Also, don't be that guy.
• Make sure you have a way to carry your clothes with you on the ride.
• A plastic bag or saddle cover for your bike seat is a good idea.

Express yourself and have fun!