Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

MCASD’s "Avant Garde Ball" is back.

Join us on Saturday, May 2 from 8PM-12AM, for the return of San Diego’s ultimate, museum-wide party celebrating this year’s theme—Larger Than Life.

Chaired by MCASD Trustee Lorenza Fabre Vega and Bruno Meli, the Ball is for the next generation, those who give new meaning to contemporary art, music, and fashion. The theme, Larger Than Life, means bigger, bolder, and boundary-breaking.

Inspired by Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys and The Dean Collection Presents: Hometown Heroes, the Ball zooms in on what thrills the Deans the most.

“The thing that we're most excited about in Giants is Hometown Heroes. It's very special to us because it's one thing for us to bring something to San Diego. It's another thing to celebrate what's already in San Diego." 

—Swizz Beatz, Remarks at Giants Preview Party

This year's Avant Garde Ball spotlights San Diego, paying homage to Hometown Heroes and celebrating favorites of Chairs.

All proceeds directly support MCASD's dynamic programming and exhibitions.

Please note: The Avant Garde Ball is a 21+ event.

Hometown Heroes Meet and Greet

Meet local photographers Chata, Oscar Cruz, and MJ Pimental, featured in The Dean Collection Presents: Hometown Heroes. Chat with the artists in the galleries to learn more about their experiences in creating some of The Dean Collection’s newest acquisitions.  

Fanatics Fine Art One-of-One, Artist-Designed Jerseys
Ahead of the first-ever World Cup hosted by Mexico, US, and Canada, Fanatics launches one-of-one jerseys at the Avant Garde Ball designed by artists Alex Alpert, Cavier Coleman, and JPO!

View—and bid on—five exclusively designed pieces celebrating San Diego's binational energy and Fanatics Fine Art's dedication to highlighting the creative spirit of sports.

The Rosin Box Project (TRBP)

Push the limits of how dance is experienced through immersive performance art by San Diego’s own contemporary dance company, The Rosin Box Project. TRBP will activate event spaces with an interactive performance inspired by the theme, Larger Than Life. 

A rising leader and resource in the creation, production, and education of contemporary ballet in San Diego, TRBP is dedicated to innovative, authentic, and artist-driven work that allows for deeper human connection.

Barrio Logan Food Vendors

Bringing the flavor of Barrio Logan to the night, favorites Alchemy Choose Thy Poison, Hayes Burger, Fish Guts, and more host signature bites from their famed neighborhood establishments.

In addition, the Ball will be open bar.

IN JACOBS HALL

Saint Misty

Saint Misty, a synth-pop artist, fuses glossy hooks, electric energy, and unapologetic self-expression. Blending punk attitude with ’70s/’80s pop nostalgia, her music transforms personal stories of queer identity and liberation into irresistible, dance-floor-ready anthems.

The Fazes

THE FAZES are a queer, POC, female-fronted band delivering disco grooves, punk energy, ’80s flair, and a futuristic edge. With two releases, two tours, and multiple San Diego Music Award nominations, their electrifying live shows have earned them a reputation as Southern California’s underground stars. 

IN AXLINE COURT

Goldie

Blending rare funk, soul, disco, and house, Goldie is a celebrated Vinyl-Only DJ and record store owner that brings a raw, analog energy to every set. Her all vinyl-ethos and energy have earned her slots at legendary venues from New York to L.A.

Xochi

XOCHI is a DJ and selector from the San Diego-Tijuana region, spinning beyond the algorithm to create seamless blends of dance music and vibrant LATAM rhythms. Their sets move effortlessly between genres, delivering sound-saturated, infectious, and dynamic energy. 

BY THE IRWIN WINDOWS

Lydon & Faeth

Lydon & Faeth are two electronic artists from San Diego who specialize in playing groovy live house and breakcore music.

IN THE VIP LOUNGE

Carrington Kelso

A Black, queer storyteller, Carrington Kelso came to San Diego with nothing but a leap of faith. What followed is a pulsing, cinematic blend of Pop, R&B, and electronic energy—music built for movement and release. 

General: $162 for Members / $180 for Non-Members

VIP: $486 for Members / $540 for Non-Members

Exclusive Avant Garde Ticket: $75
Upgrade your membership to MCASD’s next generation membership group, Avant Garde, to gain access to this exclusive discounted ticket price, now until May 2.

VIP experience upgrades include an exclusive VIP lounge featuring a private musical act, private bar, and elevated bites

Lorenza Fabre Vega and Bruno Meli

Lorenza Fabre Vega and Bruno Meli share a deep commitment to creativity, community, and the power of culture to bring people together. They are honored to serve as Co-Chairs of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s Avant Garde Ball, supporting an event that celebrates artistic innovation and the next generation of creative voices.