How to paint your body and bike in the 2026 Fremont Solstice Parade June 20

Official parade route map from the Fremont Arts Council.

The 2026 Fremont Solstice Parade is Saturday (June 20). You can be part of the city's annual explosion of art and self-expression. All you need is some body paint, a bicycle and courage.

To join the ride, be at Gas Works Park all painted and ready to ride by 12:30 sharp. From there, volunteers painted like traffic signs (with traffic cones on their heads) will lead riders to the parade entrance and help direct the naked bike traffic during the parade. The official parade is also amazing and starts at 1, and the tail of the bike parade stays ahead of it to entertain the crowd. Everyone heading down to watch should bring some cash to throw in the hat to help fund the parade effort. There are no corporate sponsors or motor vehicles allowed in the parade, only human-created and human-powered art. The Fremont Solstice Parade is just the best.

The parade route starts on Leary Way NW at N 39th Street, curves left onto N 36th Street, then turns right onto Evanston Ave N before ending near N 35th Street by the rocket. Riders will ride in loops ahead of the official parade 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 at Gas Works, but it's definitely recommended to bring your own to ensure you have the colors you need. You should also bring your own brushes because, well, you don't know where those other brushes have been. 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 skip sunscreen your painted design will be tanned onto your body for the rest of summer. It's midday on the summer solstice, literally the strongest sunshine of the year. For best results, use a less-oily sunscreen and let it soak in before painting.
• 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 legendary 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!