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Dance or Die: A Drag Rave
Oct 30, 2026 · The 418 Project
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Dance or Die: A Drag Rave
Live Drag Rave + DJ + Dance Experience
Date & Time
Oct 30 2026 (Friday)
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Location
The 418 Project
In the: Large Theater
Want to volunteer or trade work for entry?
Volunteer with us
About This Event
Get ready for the BIGGEST DRAG EXPERIENCE SANTA CRUZ HAS EVER SEEN, Santa Cruz’ very own hit drag show DANCE OR DIE: A Drag Rave – Serving Cult RETURNS to The 418 Project in the large theatre for a special HALLOWEEN EDITION.
Get ready for a night of high octane sounds and drag performances from top talent in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. Leave your life’s problems outside.
Are you ready to get your life?
Follow @wedanceordie and @squeebster for all things DANCE OR DIE!
Tickets $20
Featured Artists & Lineup
3 Artists
Dance or Die Collective
Headliner
Santa Cruz grassroots queer performance collective creating spaces of freedom, punk energy, and spiritual enrichment through drag.
DJ DEATHTONOKIA
DJ Set
Resident selector powering the room with unrelenting techno, electro, and house grooves.
Squeeb (Sam Bennaroch)
Host
Resident emcee, producer, and performer keeping the crowd energized and unhinged.
Event Schedule
Times and locations across the venue
9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
DJ DEATHTONOKIA
9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Dance or Die Collective
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Doors Open & Opening DJ Rave Set
Gogo dancers and high-octane techno/house by DJ DEATHTONOKIA.
10:00 PM – 10:45 PM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Drag Show: Act 1
Main showcase sets hosted by Squeeb with local and Bay Area drag stars.
10:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Squeeb (Sam Bennaroch)
10:45 PM – 11:00 PM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Intermission & Community Contest
Community audience contest (costume, dance, or kissing) and party break.
11:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Drag Show: Act 2 & Feature Finale
High-voltage finale performances and guest spotlights.
11:45 PM – 12:00 AM
Large Theater Mega-Rave Stage
Closing Rave & DJ Outro
Open dance floor and closing rave set by DJ DEATHTONOKIA.
Visiting The 418 Project: What to Expect
House guidelines to ensure a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone
We are committed to a safe, welcoming environment where everyone is treated with cultural and personal respect across all backgrounds and identities. We hold the highest standards for consent—in movement, touch, and conversation. Always check in first, honor boundaries, and ensure that consent is clear, voluntary, and ongoing.
As a community-run non-profit collective with a small staff, we cannot clean everything after every event. Please help us care for the space by picking up after yourself, placing recycling and compost in the bins provided, and treating every room with kindness so it remains welcoming for the next gathering.
We have a filtered water bottle refill station on-site, so feel free to bring a refillable bottle. All restrooms are all-gender, ADA-accessible, and located conveniently on the ground floor.
To ensure everyone can breathe and move comfortably—especially community members with chemical sensitivities and asthma—The 418 Project is a low-fragrance space. Please refrain from applying perfumes, scented colognes, or strongly scented lotions before attending.
As an artist-driven non-profit collective, we believe movement and art should be accessible to all regardless of financial circumstances. Many events feature sliding scale tickets, and we offer work-trade opportunities for community members who wish to volunteer in exchange for admission.
All Event Dates
Select a date to view individual details or reserve tickets
Plan Your Visit
Venue & Accessibility
The 418 Project is located in downtown Santa Cruz. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space for all dancers, artists, and community members.
Address: 155 S. River St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Accessibility: Ground floor entrances & all-gender accessible restrooms
Parking: On-street parking & nearby River Street public garage
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Upcoming at The 418 Project
Oct 30 · 9:00 PM
Dance or Die: A Drag Rave