American funk bassist, vocalist, and producer Nik West.In less than a week, on Sunday, June 21, summer officially makes its entrance with the summer solstice—the longest day of the year. This Saturday, June 20, the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will begin its welcome to summer with its annual signature summer event, Solstice, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

While the popular music, art, and dance event had sold out, CMA officials announced early this week that additional tickets are now on sale for Solstice.

The all-inclusive event is for guests 21 or older, and a ticket covers unlimited food and beverages, including beer, wine, premade Watershed cocktails, and canned cocktails, during the energy-filled night of music and art. Food and beverages are available both indoors and out.

CMA director of performing arts Gabe Pollack says he is particularly excited about this year’s Solstice event, with entertainment and attractions to suit virtually every taste and style.

“I view the night as a ‘choose your own adventure’ at CMA,” he says. “With the special exhibitions open; the permanent galleries activated with speed talks by CMA staff members; live music outside [and] a DJ dance party inside; plenty of photo ops with projections, floral arrangements, and décor; and all-you-can-eat and drink, there is so much to squeeze in to make your night unforgettable.”

For example, this year, Solstice’s main stage is a vibrant celebration of North America’s multicultural mosaic. Cirque FLIP Fabrique, based in Quebec, Canada, kicks off the outdoor entertainment on the museum’s south terrace. The group will perform acrobatics on top of a retrofitted school bus.

“At Solstice, we know that people really love global music, dancing, and the projection mapping so guests can expect those core elements again,” he promises. “That said, each year we experiment with fun activations and different types of entertainment. By including FLIP Fabrique, a cirque troupe from Quebec, we are keeping the focus of the lineup international, but broadening it beyond just music.

Cirque FLIP Fabrique will perform acrobatics on top of a retrofitted school bus.“FLIP Fabrique performs acrobatics on a retrofitted school bus that will be placed right next to the main music stage, and they will get the crowd warmed up for the musical acts that follow,” Pollack continues. “This year we are [also] serving premade summer cocktails with rum, vodka, and gin, in addition to all of the canned beverage options from years past.”

Live music sets from Daymé Arocena, a Cuban performer and youngest Latin-American musician invited to complete the Signature Artist program at the Berklee College of Music; Mexico City native Son Rompe Pera; and American singer, songwriter, and bassist Nik West follow. These three electrifying musical acts showcase African diasporic party music, including Afro-Latin jazz, cumbia, and funk.

“Having Grammy nominated Cuban vocalist Daymé Arocena, Mexican punk cumbia band Son Rompe Pera, and funk bassist Nik West—who has performed with Prince, Quincy Jones, and John Mayer—is an eclectic lineup that is uniquely Solstice,” observes Pollack. “It’s mainstream and edgy at the same time and allows folks to sonically travel the world. In addition, NicNacc and Eso will be spinning a DJ dance party all night long in the museum’s atrium.

Pollack says he is excited about this year’s celebration—with a combination of global and cultural experiences with an experimental flair on the entertainment.

Prolific Cleveland DJs NicNacc and Eso, famous for their monthly dance parties, will take over the museum atrium. Alessander Lee, costume designer of the Cleveland Ballet, and Cleveland Ballet dancers will parade the grounds of the museum wearing Lee’s newly created costumes, titled “Threads of Becoming.”

The Cleveland Museum of Art's Summer Solstice is an annual tradition.Projections, light displays, and decorations will electrify the museum.

“While I like people watching at Solstice, and seeing everyone dressed up experiencing the museum in a festive environment, what I really love is bringing folks together to dance and celebrate music and culture from all parts of the world,” says Pollack.

Visitors can experience the CMA late into the night, with flash talks presented by museum staff in select permanent collection galleries and extended entry times for the current ticketed exhibitions, “Manet & Morisot” and “Martin Puryear: Nexus.”

“Thanks to a great-looking forecast this weekend in Cleveland, the CMA is pleased to welcome more guests for this previously sold-out event. We invite you to join us for great art, music, dancing, and fun both in the Ames Family Atrium and out on the south terrace.”

Tickets are $175 and can be purchased online, or by calling (216) 421-7350.