From the Editor:
Welcome to WE NXF, The Nextgen Art of Local Discovery.
WE NXF was created to spotlight the talent and the experiences shaping our communities in real time. The artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, designers, and visionaries building culture, alongside the spaces, gatherings, traditions, and everyday moments that give that culture life.
We believe local is foundational. It is alive. It is layered. It is constantly evolving. It is where connection happens and where identity is formed.
In every issue, you can expect discovery. The names you will soon know. The places worth walking into. The scenes already thriving. The stories that deserve to be seen and felt.
As Editor, my goal is to scout what is rising, honor what is established, and create a platform that bridges newcomers and natives. A place where talent is valued and experiences are shared.
Cheers to Issue 001
This is just the beginning.
Stay curious for something intentional. Something worth watching.
— Lionel Reddick Jr.
Editor-in-Chief
The Art of Local
Local is not small.
Local is foundational.
This publication will:
• spotlight real creators and ideas in real time
• celebrate experience over promotion
• document culture before it’s labeled
This publication will not:
• recycle the obvious
• center trends detached from place
• treat Phoenix as a backdrop
We document momentum.
We value depth.
We move with purpose.
This is WE NXF.
The Art of Local.
The Pulse
Right now in Phoenix:
(What’s happening right now in Phoenix)**
Valentine’s & Festivals Energy Still Rolling
Arizona Taco Festival One of Arizona’s biggest food festivals returns with dozens of taco vendors, margaritas, live music and family-friendly activities. Come hungry and plan to stay awhile.
Music & Community Vibes
23rd Annual Melrose Street Fair and Classic Car Show - 2026 Featuring local and independent artisans, food trucks, live musicians, entertainment zone, car show, craft beer garden and local businesses along 7th Ave.
Baseball + Pop Culture Converge
Innings Festival A combo of baseball legends, live music and food experiences — a festival with something for fans of sports and tunes alike.
Art & Seasonal Traditions
Arizona Renaissance Festival – Gold Canyon A full medieval village with jousting, comedy shows, crafts, costumes, and hearty fare. Great for families and immersive day trips.
The Scout
(Person/space worth knowing this week)**
Walter Studios — a creative hub where local photographers, organizers, and visual makers gather for experimental music shows, curated art nights, and community events. Its energy is grassroots, unpredictable, and deeply tied to Phoenix culture. Perfect for quick behind-the-scenes storytelling, collaboration mashups, and meeting creative minds who are shaping the city before it trends.
The Experience
(Where to step into Phoenix culture this week)**
Here are experiences happening this week that are perfect for exploration, social content, and genuine local engagement:
Night Music Scene
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Sunday Market Vibes
Hit the Phoenix Public Market on Saturday morning (artisan vendors, video-ready moments, local food + design).
Cultural Movement
The World Championship Hoop Dance at Heard Museum celebrates Indigenous culture with expressive movement — a story-rich experience for video and reflections.
Urban Creative Space
Spend an afternoon at a local shared workspace or café in Roosevelt Row — this neighborhood is already a magnet for creators and collaborators.
These aren’t random listings — they are moments where stories happen.
Stay Tuned
Next week, we take you into hidden creative incubators and after-dark experiences — places that are shaping Phoenix culture but are still off people’s regular radar.
We’ll spotlight spaces behind the scenes, the creators underground, and communities building without waiting for an invite.
This is only the beginning.
Stay tuned.