25 photos from Phoenix’s annual Oak Street Alley Mural Festival

We love this My Pet Monster-themed piece. Neil Schwartz Photography

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One of the most colorful stretches of metro Phoenix is a tiny portion of Oak Street. Between 14th and 15th streets, the narrow thoroughfare is covered in murals of every color and style.

While the street is drivable, it shuts down once a year for the Oak Street Alley Mural Festival, a free neighborhood celebration.

On March 15, folks of all ages crowded the alley for a day of live mural painting, live music, DJs, vendors and fun. Participating artists included Baconcat, Antonio Rascon, Liv Barney, April Howland, Tszabo, Done4, Dyer, Enuf, Yukue, Cogs and Vyal. Musical performances were provided by Royal Echo, Thee MadCaps, Rad Staey, Soley Duncan, Instagon, Mato Wayuhi, Ekoe, Just Chris and Mike Cause.

Here's a look back at the event.

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It was a beautiful day for an outdoor event.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Music filled the air at the festival.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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We love the colors in this mural by Paige Reesor.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Artists created new work throughout the day.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Checking out a mural by bacpac.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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A mural featuring a very good boy (or girl).

Neil Schwartz Photography

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We love the attention to detail.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Live music and tunes by DJs provided the soundtrack to the day.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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A wonderful "Wizard of Oz"-themed work.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Every week will be shark week on this stretch of wall.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Artists came prepared with a rainbow of spray paint colors.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Well-behaved pooches were welcome at the event.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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The Dreaded Barber was on hand to give fresh cuts.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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This Lucretia Torva mural is a longtime presence in the alley.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Trippy, man.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Oak Street Alley Mural Festival merch was available for purchase.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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The festival was a good place to catch up with friends and neighbors.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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A work in progress.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Watching the artists work is one of the best parts of the festival.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Taking a ride down the alley.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Checking out the goods.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Beginning a work at the festival.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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Shh ... artist at work.

Neil Schwartz Photography

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The Oak Street Alley Mural Festival is a beloved neighborhood tradition.

Neil Schwartz Photography