The Big Dance returns on Friday, May 15, 2026 for a twilight celebration of music,
dancing, and after-hours wonder. Expect candlelit florals, midnight waltzes, and a ballroom that feels
like it opened somewhere between a dream and a secret garden.
Wander through a botanical wonderland where chandeliers shimmer like constellations and every hall echoes with a different rhythm. For nearly three decades, the Big Dance has transformed our campus into a realm of mystery and magic. Join the 28th annual celebration of dance, discovery, and the spirit of the garden.
Botanical splendorMystical garden glamour28 years of traditionSoft-soled shoes only
Tickets
Stanford students: $15
General public: $30
Financial aid: Available upon request for students.
This night is brand new, but it belongs to a long tradition. The archive carries the history forward,
from early years in the nineties through decades of dancing, dressing up, and staying far too late with friends.
Browse the photo archive for a glimpse of past Big Dance eras, then imagine this year's enchanted garden
joining that story.
Thank you to our sponsors: Jay Wang, Ernestine Zou, and Anonymous. Thank you to Richard Powers for DJing. Thank you to the Stanford Department of Theatre and Performance Studies for making this possible.
Contact
Reach the organizers
here
for event questions, volunteer signup, or help with financial aid.
