Coming of age: The Trunk Space turns 21

Although slightly belated by a month, The Trunk Space will celebrate its 21st birthday on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hello Lincoln in Downtown Phoenix.

It's a little strange to think of the longtime all-ages venue as being old enough to buy its own beer, especially since booze has never been part of The Trunk Space's thing, but here we are in 2025 celebrating what many young people think of as the first really important birthday.

"I've been going to Trunk Space since 2005, but in 2017 I stopped being shy and introduced myself to (founder) Steph (Carrico), and I eventually started running sound there and got on the board," says Connor Adams.

For a musician and sound engineer like Adams who plays drums in local favorites, Treasure Mammal, and dozens (if not hundreds) of people like him, a place like The Trunk Space has been a boon for creativity, relationship and confidence building, and, maybe most importantly, fun. Over the last two decades, the DIY venue has graced a Lutheran Church and a venerable space on Grand Avenue next to the Bikini Lounge. Even though The Trunk Space is still searching for its next permanent home, there is a considerable legacy to celebrate on Saturday night.

"The Trunk Space is a welcoming environment. I was a kid looking for my place, wandering around places like Modified (Arts) and the other art gallery spaces, and I found Trunk Space. I learned how to be an artist myself there," says Adams.

To help The Trunk Space celebrate, Adams and the rest of the board have put together a great show with the help of the Wastoids and Hello Merch, who were happy to host the shindig at their warehouse location just west of 7th Avenue on Lincoln Street.

In addition to Treasure Mammal, the show will feature Celleste, Wiccan Babysitter (featuring Ben Gallaty from Andrew Jackson Jihad), Vintage Clothes, Dadadoh + The POC, and Nick Noodle and the Angelhairs. In addition to the bands, there will be vendors, too.

"Tickets are available on the Trunk Space website for $15.06 in advance which alludes to the 1506 (NW) location on  Grand Avenue and then $20 at the door," says Adams before confirming that a portion of the proceeds will go to pay the bands and a portion will help The Trunk Space find a new home.

Trunk Space Belated Birthday Bash happens Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are available here. Hello Lincoln is located at 850 West Lincoln Street in Phoenix, Arizona. This event is all ages.