A quinceañera is a celebration of family and friends—and a statement that the young woman of the day is ready to start taking on the responsibilities of an adult in her community. Solidarity for Sanctuary: Quince Night, a party in Highland Park this weekend, gives everyone a chance to enjoy a take on the fun trappings of a quince (over-the-top dresses: fully encouraged), while acknowledging the role we all have in taking responsibility for vulnerable immigrant communities around us.

The event is the brainchild of Alexis Chavez and Johan Moreno, who formed their new production company, Wldcard just to bring it to life.

“It was August of 2017, Johan and I were discussing how much fun quinceañeras were back in the day. We both share this experience because of our Mexican-American culture,” Chavez says. “The same day, we also brought up the issue of the DACA repeal affecting undocumented youth in Los Angeles. We were concerned and felt responsible to take action because we did not know what the future held for our undocumented friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.”

That set them on the path to finding a crew of collaborators—including Councilman Gil Cedillo—who were united by the cause. “We wanted to stand up for our undocumented brothers and sisters, using the power of music and art,” Chavez says.

The conversation about DACA and TPS recipients isn’t an academic discussion here. At least 14 percent of “Dreamers” live in L.A. All of the proceeds raised by Solidarity for Sanctuary will be donated to the L.A. chapter of the Central American Resource Center, which works with under-resourced DACA and TPS recipients of all origins, funding renewal fees and providing vital services.

Quince Night includes live performances by emerging musicians Omar Apollo, Brainstory, Temporex, and Hana Vu. Dance floor tunes come courtesy of DJ sets by Florista, a co-founder of the all-Latinx OYE Fest, and Que Madre, a member of Chulita Vinyl Club, an all-vinyl DJ collective for women of color.

Photograph courtesy of Solidarity for Sanctuary

Even the venue for the party is significant: Quince Night takes place at Lodge Room, which, before it’s recent conversion to a hip music venue, was a space rented out for many quinceañeras, including several Chavez attended in her own youth.

“People can expect to relive some of those good ol’ quinceañera memories or experience a quinceañera for the first time,” Chavez says of the upbeat party vibe. “We will have a giant cake, a big balloon arch, and some of those throwback hits that you look forward to dancing to at a quince.”

But if you don’t still have your own quince dress tucked into the back of a closet, Chavez says not to worry. “We’re encouraging our guests to wear quince-themed attire, but in all seriousness, we just want people to show up. You don’t have to be dressed a certain way. Everyone is welcome.”

RELATED: Nine L.A. Activists You Need to Follow on Social Media

Stay on top of the latest in L.A. food and culture. Sign up for our newsletters today.