The McDowell Music Festival, also known as M3F Festival, is a festival where the music is secondary to its mission. Every bit of your ticket price is given back to the community, funding underprivileged sections of the arts, education, and the environment. Some of the organizations the M3F Fund benefits include Elevate Phoenix, Free Arts for Abused Children, Friends of the Verde River, and Ivy Brain Tumor Center. Thus far, over $4.4 million has been raised and donated to local charities.
M3F prides itself on honoring the grounds it occupies. Art installations take inspiration from the surrounding Arizona landscape. Some of the structures mirror Estrella Mountain Park and Antelope Canyon landmarks in Arizona. Also, there is the Ponderosa Vendor Village which is uniquely inspired by the Ponderosa Forests in northern Arizona. It will be filled with dozens of Arizona vendors as well as artists creating live on site. The lines can get long here, and if you get overwhelmed, you can take a break at a drum circle, a yoga class, or by coloring on huge coloring pages.
Now, for the music. Fans who enjoy a mix of alternative and dance/electronic are in for a treat. This year’s M3F Festival lineup includes giants in their respective genres, such as Maggie Rogers, Jamie xx, Toro y Moi, and Channel Tres. There will be three stages flanked by the typical festival crowd: normie music fans in jean shorts and their harder core, Burning Man-adjacent brethren dressed in the fringe and flash tats a la mode. Last year, one entrance was manned by an art car that spouted fire. Nice guys like to have fun, too.
The Specs
- In 2022, over 30,000 guests attended and donated over $1.2 Million.
- Single-Day GA costs $101.55
- 2-Day GA costs $156.56
- Single-Day VIP costs $194.33, and 2-Day VIP is sold out.
- Here’s Fifty Grande’s guide to Arizona.
FAQs
Where is the festival located? On the east side of Margaret T. Hance Park at 1200 N 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. The entrance is located on Portland St. and 1st St.
What does my ticket include? Every General Admission ticket grants free access to Valley Metro Light Rail. VIP ticket includes a reserved entrance, two VIP viewing areas, upgraded culinary options, and private, air-conditioned bathrooms.
What gives me access to the festival? Your RFID wristband will be your best friend for the entire festival. This gains access to the festival, any food/drinks purchased, and more. No digital copies or physical tickets are allowed to enter the festival.
Where do I park? There is no parking at the venue. However, concertgoers are encouraged to use the Valley Metro, Uber/Lyft, or simply walk to the festival if they stay nearby.
Will there be water available? There will be a free water filling station at the festival. Bring those water bottles.
