Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

GLENDALE CIVIC CENTER

5750 W Glenn Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301 The event takes place just East of the Civic Center

Saturday 10am-5pm

FREE ADMISSION

Whether you’re cruising through our vintage car show, savoring the best local flavors, or grooving to top-notch music, there’s an adventure at every turn. The excitement revs up with the Lowrider Hopping Contest, where the coolest cars battle it out to see who can bounce the highest. Not your speed? Try your hand at the Community Pinewood Derbyor explore local crafts in our bustling Artisan Zone. Kids and families can enjoy creative arts and crafts, while everyone is invited to hop on a free trolley tour for a historical ride around Catlin Court.

Cap off your day with heart-pounding performances at our Main Stage, featuring the raw talent of young musicians from Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center Showcase and a lineup that includes everything from blues to rock and Latin grooves.

It’s not just a festival; it’s a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and cultural heritage—right in the heart of Glendale. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience; it’s the perfect way to kick off the new year!

EVENT FEATURES

BBQ COMPETITION

VENDORS & BEER GARDEN

ARTISAN & COMMUNITY VENDORS

LIVE PAINTERS & ARTS EXPERIENCES

FEATURED ARTIST

Juan Morales: Painting New Perspectives in Downtown Glendale

Join us at the heart of the Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest where local legend, Juan Morales, will be transforming two 360-degree shipping containers into vibrant canvases alive with color and culture. Juan brings his deep roots from Murphy Park, a stone’s throw away from where he’ll be painting live, right in the neighborhood that raised him.

A proud Chicano artist, Juan has been captivated by the power of paint since he was 13 years old. With six years of professional mural work under his belt, he continues to leave a bold, indelible mark on Glendale—his hometown. Juan’s art is more than decoration; it’s a heartbeat of the community, fostering connection, ownership, and a profound sense of pride.

Through his dynamic murals, Juan aims to touch hearts and inspire positivity across cultures. His creations are not just visual spectacles; they serve as therapeutic landscapes that foster joy and community spirit. As Juan lights up the town with his art, he invites everyone to embrace their origins and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Glendale.

Experience the transformation live and let Juan Morales’ murals move you to see your world in a whole new light.

@johnny_the_murales

MAINSTAGE LINEUP

Soul Persuasion

Latin Funk and R&B

Performing 10 AM

Soul Persuasion is a dynamic 7-piece band delivering a vibrant mix of Latin, R&B, Old School and Funk. Founded in 2006 by multi-talented musician Jim Contreras (vocals, keys, trumpet), the Phoenix-based group brings powerhouse performances to venues like Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Wigwam Resort, and annually hosts community fundraisers for local organizations. With a lineup of seasoned musicians—trumpeter Art Sesma, guitarist Paul Aldama, bassist Mark Gonzalez, drummer Robert Gonzalez, guitarist Louie Santellan, and vocalist Deborah “Debi” Dominguez—Soul Persuasion’s sound is polished, versatile, and unforgettable. Having released two cover CDs, they seamlessly fuse genres, creating live music experiences that are as soulful as they are high-energy.

New Destiny

Classic Rock

Performing 11:45 AM – 1 PM

​Bringing that old-school funk since 1978, New Destiny is a Phoenix-based band known for delivering timeless grooves and infectious energy. Specializing in old-school funk, R&B, and pop covers, they have been a local favorite for over four decades. With their dynamic performances and danceable tunes, New Destiny continues to light up live events and venues across Arizona, keeping audiences on their feet and the music alive.

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center Showcase

​Performing 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center Showcase takes the stage from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., spotlighting emerging talents from Arizona’s next generation of musicians, including performances from Lizzie, Znora, and Rib. These rising stars are winners from Alice Cooper’s renowned “Proof is in the Pudding” music competition.

Lowrider Hopping Competition

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM

​Get ready for the ultimate showdown at our Lowrider Hopping Competition, hosted by lowrider legend Frank Castillos! This high-energy event is where custom cars and hydraulics take center stage, showcasing incredible artistry, precision, and gravity-defying hops that will have the crowd on their feet. Experience the vibrant spirit of the lowrider community as drivers and crews compete to see who can hit the highest heights and claim the top spot. From the stunning chrome details to the electrifying atmosphere, this isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the passion that drives the lowrider lifestyle. Bring your friends, feel the excitement, and witness lowriders in action like never before!

The Sugar Thieves

Blues

Performing 3:45 PM – 5 PM

The Sugar Thieves bring a fiery blend of American roots music to every stage, captivating audiences with their high-energy performances and soulful artistry since 2006. With deep roots in blues and a fearless exploration of jazz, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, their sound is a dynamic celebration of Americana at its best. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Meridith Moore and the gritty, heartfelt guitar of Mikel Lander, this Phoenix-based band has shared stages with legends like Taj Mahal, B.B. King, and Willie Nelson. Backed by an all-star rhythm section, The Sugar Thieves deliver unforgettable performances, whether in intimate dive bars or on grand festival stages, always leaving listeners uplifted and wanting more.

REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Pre-Registration Discount Available Until January 24, 2025

(Limited Day-of Event Spaces available)

The third annual event will take on a whole new experience in 2025, set against the vibrant Glendale Civic Center Plaza backdrop. This festival combines an exciting blend of vintage automobiles, live music, local artisans, and interactive experiences. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, music and art lover, or just looking for a fun-filled day with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include a judged classic car show with over 25 categories, a BBQ competition with mouthwatering flavors, and lively performances from an eclectic mix of musicians all day long, including our headliner at 3:30 p.m.

Car Show includes Classics, Hot Rods, Lowriders, Motorcycles, Custom Bikes, Race Cars, and More. Custom Trophies will be awarded made by Arizona sculptor, John Benedict.

Any questions about the application, please email matt@saaca.org or call 520-274-2758.

DOWNTOWN GLENDALE EXPERIENCES

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS EXPERIENCES

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

FREE TROLLEY TOURS OF HISTORIC CATLIN COURT

PINEWOOD DERBY & FAMILY FRIENDLY ARTS ACTIVITIES

Kids Zone with arts & crafts, jumping castles, and creative activities for children and families to enjoy, include a Pinewood Derby, face painting, wooden car painting activities, crafts, and more!