Visual Arts

Annual Alt Fest art night lit up Mesa Arts Center

Drone shows, light installations and hands-on activities delighted guests.
By Jennifer GoldbergMarch 31, 2026
Lauren Strohacker's "Terra Occasio" projected coyotes onto the walls on Mesa Arts Center at this year's Alt Fest.

Paul Dietzenbach
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The annual Alt Fest event drew thousands of people to the Mesa Arts Center campus for a free evening of art, music and exploration.

Themed around art, light, and technology, the March 13 event offered both installations to appreciate and interactive stations for all ages.

Activities included painting with Liberty Wildlife; blacksmithing and glass-blowing demonstrations; a doodle wall; and more.

Here’s a look back at the event.

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Alt Fest offered hands-on activities for all ages.

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Jennifer Goldberg is the Senior Editor of Culture at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in February 2016. In her role, Jennifer writes and publishes profiles of both local and regional musicians, previews upcoming performances and provides guides on the best of Phoenix’s entertainment scene. She also oversees the Best of Phoenix. Jennifer previously worked for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. During her career, Jennifer has received awards from the Arizona Press Club, the Arizona Newspaper Association and the American Jewish Press Association. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in English from Arizona State University.

jennifer.goldberg@newtimes.com

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