The 418 Project: New Years Eve Gathering in Gratitude 2025 – Santa Cruz, CA

Ring in the New Year with an Artist-Led Mega-Party Like No Other!

Join us for an unforgettable night of celebration, creativity, and community as we concoct the brightest New Year – together with you! Dance the night away with the electrifying sounds of Sitar Power and MaMuse, contribute your memories and dreams to our mesmerizing collective constellation sculpture, and indulge in delicious Chai or cocktails at our vibrant bars. Be captivated by an open mic, and experience the thrill of midnight aerial dance and spoken word as we welcome in 2025.

Want to feel like a VIP? Treat yourself to a VIP table for the ultimate experience, or grab a general admission ticket—either way, you’re supporting working artists and helping bring to life The 418 Project’s vision: a world where everyone can feel safe, connected, and celebrated.

Our Star-Studded Line-Up:

Large Theater Mega-Dance Party: Get ready to dance like never before at our high-energy mega-dance bash! Featuring pop-up dance performances, an exclusive VIP lounge, spoken word poetry, a breathtaking midnight aerial performance, and so much more.

• 8:30 PM – MaMuse: Get your groove on with MaMuse, the soulful folk revival duo who will bring their full band to the stage, delivering powerful lyrics and rollicking rhythms that will have you singing, dancing, and feeling the good vibes.
• 9:45 PM – Sitar Power: Prepare for a musical journey with Ashwin Batish, master sitar player, who blends traditional Indian music with electrifying rock fusion. Featuring Meena and Keshav Batish, plus legendary players like Myron Dove (Santana) and more, this high-energy set will have you moving and grooving until the roof is shaking!
• 11:45 PM – Midnight Countdown with MaMuse: Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in 2025 with MaMuse’s late-night prayerformance and dance set, an unmissable moment to usher in the New Year with love and joy.
• Aerialists Cloud Mirage Circus will delight you with their lighter-than-air antics
• Belly Dance Troupe Shekinah grace the stage, bringing their mesmerizing rhythms and tribal energy.
• Spoken Word virtuosos Lex Is Word, Julian Blackmon and Mic Drop! host Jessie-Marie share their poetic perspectives.

Small Theater Chill and Art Play Zone with Liminal Space Collective: Step away from the dance floor and into our cozy, relaxed space. Take in some downtempo live music, explore visual art, and add your personal expression to our Constellation of Memories and Dreams for the Future. The Liminal Space Collective’s friendly docents will provide everything you need to express your hopes for 2025 and your reflections on 2024. Your creations will become part of a floating sculpture, displayed at The 418 Project through June 2025.

Oasis Lobby: Sip on custom cocktails from Movin and Shakin and Chai from India Joze, take a selfie in our Photo Casbah, groove to our soundscape by DJ Electric Tomcat, and discover the unexpected, as wandering artists spark new connections throughout the night.

The Party Continues Indoors: While it might be rainy and chilly outside, inside our warm and inviting multi-theater arts center, you’ll feel the heat as you celebrate in your finest NYE attire—feel free to wear that festive little number and those high heels!

Arrive early, get your drink tickets, and take advantage of our free coat and bag check—all conveniently located in one easy spot. And don’t worry about parking—we’re next to a 500-space garage for hassle-free access.

If the weather turns unpredictable, we’ve got you covered with generators to keep the party going without a hitch.

This New Year’s Eve, come be part of something truly special, where music, art, and community collide in an unforgettable celebration. Join us to ring in 2025 with warmth, creativity, and joy!

December 31st – January 1st. Tickets: $20 – $1200.

Doors Open 8:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time, GMT-08:00)

Age 16 and over, please. Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Age 21 and over to purchase alcohol

Please purchase tickets at the highest price you can afford: This is a fun-d raiser!

Tickets are limited! Get your tickets now:

• $30 Low Income-limited, please only purchase if you need this
• $40 Early Bird
• $50 General Admission ($60 at the door)
• $200 VIP mini table for two ($100/person) Be at the center of it all: a reserved mini table for two near our dance floor for an excellent view of performances.
• $400 VIP Reserved mini table for four ($100/person) Skybox views at our reserved table for four, in the comfort of our VIP lounge
• $1200 VIP Reserved table for six ($200/person) Our very best VIP Reserved table for six in the skybox. Includes table service, snacks, drinks, and dessert delivered to your table.
• $20 Artist (application required, email tickets@the418project.org)

  For Reserved Seating, please use the Buy on Map option to select your own seats. For table seating, you must buy all seats at the same table. Note the map is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect the exact venue layout.

  For General Admission Seating, do not use the Buy On Map option.

Public safety protocols will be in compliance with local guidelines at the time of the event.

This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.calhum.org.