Cosmic Solstice: A Celebration of Light, Love & Local Resilience
March 4, 2025
Submitted by Elizabeth Kowalski | Neon Rose Productions & Charlotte New Music
In the spirit of radical creativity, mutual aid, and regenerative culture, December’s Cosmic Solstice celebration emerged as an example of cultural first response—an offering of light and joy during one of the darkest seasons for Western North Carolina.
On December 21, 2024—less than three months after Hurricane Helene’s devastation—a collective of artists, DJs, and organizers gathered in Asheville, NC to host Cosmic Solstice, a global livestream of music, art, and movement. Broadcast live on YouTube, the event united communities across nine cities, with Asheville-based performers energizing the stream and satellite parties in places like Chicago, Charlotte, D.C., and Martha’s Vineyard lighting up the Global Light Grid in a shared celebration of joy and solidarity.
The Impact: Over 72 people joined in Asheville, many from communities still coping with grief, loss, and infrastructure breakdown. The event was free to attend—offered as an act of love and community-powered art.
The event raised $819 (donations still welcome via givebutter.com/cosmicsolstice), but its true currency was in connection, visibility, and care.
“Cosmic Solstice wasn’t just a party—it was a ministry. The people of Asheville have been through so much. What they needed most was joy, hugs, and the feeling that someone showed up for them.”
—Elizabeth Kowalski, Producer
“Even hosting a small stream party in Charlotte with hula hoops and a silent art auction felt meaningful. It reminded me why I do this work—bringing joy into spaces that are still healing.”
—Katie Hopkins, Align and Spiral
This effort reflects a deeper ethic of showing up with and through communities—not for them. It was a moment where response met resilience, powered by creativity, collaboration, and deep listening—hallmarks of values-driven, community-rooted work.
🌱 What’s Next: From Solstice to September
The Cosmic Solstice team is now co-creating a healing festival in Asheville to honor the anniversary of Hurricane Helene in late September 2025. It will serve as both a memorial and invitation—to gather, to remember, and to continue the slow work of rebuilding with dignity and joy.
🎟️ Want to support or get involved?
Visit www.neonrose.productions to join the email list and receive updates as plans unfold.
📸 Photos + Videos from the December event →
💛 Support the campaign →
Burners Without Borders has long recognized that not all emergencies come with flashing lights. Some come in silence—grief, disconnection, and displacement. Events like Cosmic Solstice remind us that resilience is cultural, and that healing can look like a dance floor, a livestream, or a simple act of showing up.
This event wasn’t just a party—it was a response and a step toward regenerative culture, where creativity and presence become pathways to collective healing. We don’t have to fix it all—we just have to keep showing up with community at the center.