On Saturday, October 27, the historic Coronado Neighborhood Association is hosting WayneFest at Coronado Park, 1717 N. 12th St. WayneFest, being held for the first time, is a local music and food micro-festival created to share Coronado’s passion for art with the rest of Phoenix.
Like the colorful murals that brighten many of the walls in the neighborhood, the music reflects the eclectic texture and character of this artistic community, with a lineup that features local bands like Fairy Bones, Las Chollas Peligrosas, House of Stairs, Gus D. Wynns & the Breakers, and Black Market. Included with the price of the ticket, all festival goers also get to sample food from Gallo Blanco, Welcome Diner, Bri, AZ Pops and Ollie Vaughn’s, as well as beer from Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Waynefest mural by Maggie Keane
Talking to WayneFest’s creator Michael Logan, you can tell the festival truly comes from a place of love and enthusiasm.
“The goal of Waynefest is to get people to look inward and recognize and appreciate what’s already here in the neighborhood,” Logan said as he drove his golf cart around the Coronado area and waved to a woman walking her Labrador retriever.
Logan – who is also the founder of the neighborhood’s popular Porch Concerts – lives down the street from Coronado Park and plays guitar in a local band. He says his love of Coronado’s history is part of what inspired him to create and curate the festival. “Waynefest is cool because we get to show this festival is just a point in time. It’s also about recognizing the neighborhood’s past and getting excited for the future. I mean, Bob Hoag from The Ataris lived right there!”
Logan drove up the sidewalk of Coronado Park and pointed to where the festival’s stage was going to be set up; the backdrop of the stage is going to be a mural painted by neighborhood artist Maggie Keane, who painted the WayneFest mural pictured above. “One of the themes I’m working with is discovery,” Logan said. “I want people attending this thing to discover not only all the great bands, but discover this amazing park as well. One of the oldest historic parks in Phoenix.”
Although the festival coordinators aren’t making any money off the event, $1 of every ticket is being donated to the North High School Brass Band, and the rest goes to the Coronado Neighborhood Association and the featured artists. Logan says he isn’t interested in profiting. “None of the people involved are making a dime on this, it’s just a way to support the art and showcase the art and celebrate the art.”
You may need to move quickly if you want a ticket, though – the intimate event is limited to 1,000 people. Kids tickets are $10, and adult tickets are $20.
For transportation, WayneFest is very bike friendly. They have partnered with the Phoenix Spokes People who will be running a bike valet.
If Logan’s enthusiasm is any indicator, then WayneFest is sure to be a vibrant event, and a unique addition to Phoenix’s artistic culture.
If you go
Event: WayneFest
When: Saturday, October 27, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Coronado Park, 1717 N. 12th St.
Tickets: Limited to 1,000! Buy on Eventbrite.
