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Don't miss Paris Is Burning

One of the most influential queer documentaries ever made comes to The 418 Project on June 5th.

Experience the legendary Harlem ballroom scene through the stories of icons like Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, Venus Xtravaganza, and Willi Ninja in a film that continues to inspire generations through its celebration of community, resilience, and radical self-expression.

June 5th
7:30 PM
The 418 Project — Small Theater
$10 advance / $15 at the door

Advance tickets are available now—grab yours and join us for this special Pride Month screening.

PARIS IS BURNING

June 5th
7:30 PM
The 418 Project — Small Theater
$10 advance / $15 at the door

Join us for a Pride Month screening of the iconic documentary Paris Is Burning—a landmark film exploring New York City’s Harlem ballroom scene of the 1980s through fashion, performance, voguing, and chosen family.

Featuring legends like Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, Venus Xtravaganza, and Willi Ninja, the film remains one of the most influential works of queer cinema ever made.

Come celebrate Pride Month with us through an unforgettable night of film, community, and queer history.

June 5th
7:30 PM
The 418 Project — Small Theater

Join us at The 418 Project for a special Pride Month screening of Paris Is Burning, the groundbreaking documentary exploring New York City’s Harlem drag ball scene during the 1980s.

Through intimate interviews and unforgettable performances, the film captures the creativity, resilience, and radical self-expression of Black and Latinx queer communities who built spaces of belonging, beauty, and chosen family in the face of racism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty, and the AIDS crisis.

Featuring legendary figures including Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, Venus Xtravaganza, and Willi Ninja, Paris Is Burning remains one of the most influential documentaries ever made—shaping conversations around ballroom culture, voguing, gender, fashion, performance, and queer identity for generations to come.

More than thirty years later, the film continues to resonate as both a powerful historical document and a celebration of community, artistry, survival, and self-invention.

$10 advance / $15 at the door

Come celebrate Pride Month with us through one of the most iconic and influential queer films ever created.

June 19th • 7:30 PM
📍 The 418 Project
$10 advance / $15 at the door

Juneteenth Celebration — Sun Ra Double Feature

Join us for a special evening celebrating the visionary world of Sun Ra with screenings of SPACE IS THE PLACE and the new documentary SUN RA: DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.
Blending jazz, Afrofuturism, philosophy, experimental cinema, and radical imagination, Sun Ra created an artistic universe unlike anything before or since. From the surreal sci-fi landscapes of Space Is the Place to the expansive legacy explored in Do the Impossible, this double feature honors an artist whose influence continues to reverberate across music, art, and culture.

Come experience a night of visionary cinema, music, and imagination at The 418 Project.

Link in our bio to get your tickets!

PARIS IS BURNING
June 5th • 7:30 PM
The 418 Project
$10 advance / $15 at the door

Ballroom culture. Chosen family. Fashion. Performance. Survival.

Join us for a Pride Month screening of the legendary documentary Paris Is Burning—an intimate and iconic look into New York City’s Harlem drag ball scene of the 1980s. Featuring unforgettable figures like Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, Venus Xtravaganza, and Willi Ninja, the film captures the creativity, resilience, and radical self-expression that shaped ballroom culture and continues to influence art, dance, fashion, and queer culture today. More than a documentary, Paris Is Burning is a celebration of identity, community, and the power of creating space for yourself in a world that often refuses to make room.

Come celebrate Pride Month with us through one of the most influential queer films ever made.

Intro to Tango
Wednesdays • 5:30–6:30 PM
The 418 Project

Join us each Wednesday for an introduction to Argentine Tango, a dance rooted in connection, movement, music, and
presence.

Taught by Yuki and Aaron, this donation-based class is open to all experience levels—no partner or previous dance experience necessary. The first half of class focuses on
foundational technique, while the second half explores sequences, steps, and core tango concepts. Along the way, participants are also introduced to the rich cultural and
historical roots of Argentine Tango.

Originating in Buenos Aires and danced in cities around the world, tango is both a social dance and an evolving art form
centered on communication, improvisation, and shared movement.

Whether you’re completely new to tango or looking to deepen your practice, this class offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and move together.

First Fridays is a monthly gathering
rooted in community, creativity, and
shared experience.
Each month, our space transforms
into a hub of live performance and
local artistry—featuring musicians,
dancers, poets, visual artists, and
makers from across Santa Cruz. It’s a
place to discover new work, connect
with artists, and be part of a space
where creativity is alive and evolving.
Come as you are. Stay awhile. Be
part of it.
Free + open to all
5–9 PM

These are some of my favorite silly opening moments from my new slanted pole act that I performed with @dual_demons. The end is my favorite bit. I got so much positive feedback about this new piece and it was so much fun to put together!

I’d love to find another opportunity to perform this piece again and develop it further!

Cover photo by @mx.wolfe

A space to share your work.
A space to try something new.
A space to be in community.
We’re looking for artists for First Fridays, June 5th—from live performance to visual art and everything in between.
✨ Free tabling for visual artists
✨ Open performance slots
Apply through the form in our bio.

🎤 MIC DROP! @__.mic.drop.__ is back — ALL the Way Open.

Last Sunday, May 31st, we’re bringing the room alive with two powerhouse features: Gregory Speed Sr @grownmanspeed & Joseph Jason Santiago LaCour @josephjasonsantiagolacour .

Come for the poetry.
Come for the music.
Come for the stories that kick the door open and leave the mic smoking.

✨ Writing Workshop at 4:15
🎤 Open Mic 5:30–8:30
📍 The 418 Project
155 South River St, Downtown Santa Cruz @the418project @downtownsantacruz
📝 5 minute sign ups

Bring your poem. Bring your song. Bring your truth.
This stage is for ALL of it.

#mıcdrop #allthewayopenmic #santacruzpoetry #the418project #openmic

We’re thrilled to welcome Ellen Wagner as The 418 Project’s new Creative & Community Outreach Director ✨

Ellen joins us during an exciting season of growth, bringing over 20 years of experience in creative direction, design, education, and community-centered programming. A multidisciplinary artist, educator, and founder of Eldenwa Designs, her work is rooted in the belief that creativity can be a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and transformation.

From leading campaigns for global brands like Nissan and Adidas to creating hands-on workshops and youth-focused creative spaces, Ellen’s path has always centered on intentional, accessible, and purpose-driven art.

Now based in Santa Cruz, Ellen brings her passion for sustainability, storytelling, and community engagement to The 418 Project—helping expand our creative programming and deepen opportunities for people of all ages to learn, connect, and create together.

Please join us in giving Ellen a warm welcome

Calling all high school and college folx.
Come party with us at YOUTH PRIDE!

What: Drag performances, food, arts & crafts, and more
Where: The 418 Project
When: Sunday June 7th, 2pm - 4pm (after the parade)

#SantaCruzPride2026 #SantaCruzYouthPride #SupportDragArtists

@the418project @zimin_ig @xinistra_ @ladyguineapinks @downtownsantacruz @santacruzparksrec @santacruzcoe @diversitycentersc