Despite packed crowds last year, the 2024 Fremont Solstice Parade will return to a shortened route it used in 2022. But that won’t stop hundreds of people from stripping down, painting their bodies and biking together ahead of the parade as they have for decades (you can learn more about the history of the ride in my book).

The parade starts at NW 39th Street and Leary Way, but bike riders are gathering at Gas Works Park around 12:40 p.m. and then riding over to the parade start from there. The bike riders will start riding loops through the parade route at 12:50, 10 minutes before the official parade starts. There is no officially-organized paint party, so folks should either paint at home or at Gas Works Park before the ride. Here’s the timeline from the Solstice Cyclists website:

Morning: Paint up, then ride to Gas Works Park.

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12:40 -12:45 Form up at Gas Works

12:45-12:50 Ride from Gas Works Park to parade route

12:50-1:30? Loop on parade route as desired, then exit to Gas Works or beyond.

Tips for first-time riders

If you have never ridden in the parade before, the Solstice Cyclists FAQ is full of helpful information and advice. But here are some major items to know:

This event happens in public, so that means 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.

The best “paints” to use are face paints and theatrical make-up liquids and cakes. The Solstice Cyclists list these brands as some popular options, though there are more:

• Mehron
• Diamond FX
• Wolfe FX
• Kryolan Aquacolor
• Ben Nye
• Snazaroo

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. It will flake off.

Apply sunscreen and give it time to soak in before applying paints. It’s the afternoon of Solstice weekend, the strongest sunlight of the entire year. If you have skin that tans and burns and don’t wear sunscreen, you’ll have your painted design imprinted as tan lines for the rest of summer.

Make sure you have a way to carry your clothes with you on the ride so you can get dressed at the end.

A plastic bag or saddle cover for your bike seat is a good idea.

Be creative, express yourself and have fun!