By John Luteran, Image courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Art
Nothing says Cleveland like tipping back a few cocktails and dancing the night away on the steps of an otherwise dignified and august cultural institution. Pretentiousness? Puh-lease.
Such is the case with Solstice, an annual fundraiser at the opulent Cleveland Museum of Art. World music, thumping DJs, dancing, performers and hundreds of your newest Cleveland BFFs await you at this annual fete, which takes place on the lawn of the beloved cultural institution on the longest day of the year.
If you didn’t know, the Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world welcoming 770,000 guests annually, and the fourth richest in the country with a $755 million endowment. It’s known throughout the world for its collection of Asian and Egyptian art and hosts a permanent collection of 61,000 works from artists across the globe. For over a hundred years, it’s been the cultural cornerstone of Cleveland.
So, it’s only natural that they would throw the dopest party of the summer on their front lawn.
The Art of Getting Down
Image © Larry E. Highbaugh, Jr.
Solstice is billed as a music festival, which is technically accurate since it features musicians and acts from all corners of the globe over multiple stages on the museum's sprawling campus in University Circle. Be prepared to break a sweat, because you’re going to be dancing through the shortest night summer has to offer along with other artists and performers right beside you.
This year’s lineup features high-energy brass and horn sections from Da Land Brass Band, Balkan Paradise Orchestra, El Laberinto del Coco and Mexican Institute of Sound. In the atrium, It’s a Vibe brings the party with DJ sets from Sound on Tape, Corey Grand and Knyce. Expect light displays, late-night gallery access, flash talks and a peek at the CMA’s blockbuster exhibit, "Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow."
The CMA will light up with stunning projection mapping by Cleveland artist Kevin Jackson, known for his one-of-a-kind visuals. For Solstice, he creates custom projections inspired by the museum’s collection and the evening’s music.
Like many of the best music festivals, you might come for the music, but be prepared to stay for everything else.
No Punch and Cookies Here, Friend
Have you ever been to a music festival that also offers upscale cuisine? If not, you’re about to officially live your best life. Solstice always offers a menu of elevated, but easy-to-eat dishes that will stand head and shoulders over other party food you've encountered. Grab a cocktail, craft beer or wine from the full-service bar to help you get loose for all that dancing we talked about. While you’re at it, grab a water and stay hydrated.
The Museum is your Oyster (Wait What?)
Image © Larry E. Highbaugh, Jr.
Solstice is kind of like one of those rec center lock-ins where you get to run around the gym all night having fun – but way swankier and with adult beverages. The doors to the museum and its galleries remain open throughout the event, allowing attendees to browse one of the greatest collections of art in the world well into the night. There’s really nothing like it.
The Hottest Ticket of the Summer
Image © Larry E. Highbaugh, Jr.
Unlike the museum’s permanent gallery and their other signature summer event, Parade the Circle, Solstice isn’t free. This is one of the toughest tickets to get on the Cleveland social calendar and they go fast. Museum members get first dibs Monday, April 28, then general public onsale begins Tuesday, April 29. Tickets are $150 and include entry, food and beverages throughout the night.
Also, you might want to ditch those cargo shorts for the event. This is the Cleveland Museum of Art, after all.