Navigation

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

The beloved event that blends live painting, music and vendors brightened up the unique stretch of road in central Phoenix.
Image: We love this My Pet Monster-themed piece.
We love this My Pet Monster-themed piece. Neil Schwartz Photography

With 4 days left in our summer campaign,
we have a new $10,000 goal!

Phoenix New Times members have already contributed more than $7,000 - can you help us hit our new goal to provide even more coverage of current events when it’s needed most? If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal
$10,000
$7,500
Share this:
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

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.
click to enlarge
It was a beautiful day for an outdoor event.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Music filled the air at the festival.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
We love the colors in this mural by Paige Reesor.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Artists created new work throughout the day.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Checking out a mural by bacpac.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
A mural featuring a very good boy (or girl).
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
We love the attention to detail.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Live music and tunes by DJs provided the soundtrack to the day.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
A wonderful "Wizard of Oz"-themed work.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Every week will be shark week on this stretch of wall.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Artists came prepared with a rainbow of spray paint colors.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Well-behaved pooches were welcome at the event.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
The Dreaded Barber was on hand to give fresh cuts.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
This Lucretia Torva mural is a longtime presence in the alley.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Trippy, man.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Oak Street Alley Mural Festival merch was available for purchase.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
The festival was a good place to catch up with friends and neighbors.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
A work in progress.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Watching the artists work is one of the best parts of the festival.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Taking a ride down the alley.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Checking out the goods.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Beginning a work at the festival.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
Shh ... artist at work.
Neil Schwartz Photography
click to enlarge
The Oak Street Alley Mural Festival is a beloved neighborhood tradition.
Neil Schwartz Photography