Courtesy of M3F Fest/Amanda Karas
M3F is an annual music festival that takes place in downtown Phoenix's Margaret T. Hance Park. The festival usually occurs over a weekend in March and features a diverse lineup of musicians and bands, primarily in the genres of indie, rock, and electronic music.
In addition to the music, M3F festival also offers a variety of food and beverage options, as well as art installations, local vendors, and other entertainment activities.
The festival was started in 2004 as a charity event to raise funds for the Phoenix Children's Hospital, and since then, it has raised millions of dollars for local charities.
Overall, M3F festival is known for its community-driven focus, sustainability initiatives, and celebration of music and arts.
Courtesy of M3F Fest/Neil Schwartz
Attending a music festival can be an exciting and exhilarating experience, filled with live music, fun activities, and new friendships. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend M3F in Downtown Phoenix, and it was an unforgettable experience.
As I walked into the festival grounds, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy and colorful atmosphere thanks to the multiple art installations and festival goers repping their best outfits. The music started bright and early on Friday, perfect for soaking up the beautiful weather, some sunshine, and impeccable vibes. Bouncing from stage to stage all offered seemingly unlimited good times, but the standouts were Neal Francis and The Knocks.
Friday ended with a bang, provided by Maggie Rogers! At the main stage, I found a spot near the front of the crowd, surrounded by thousands of other festival-goers. The coolness of the night was starting to settle, but Maggie was just beginning the heat things up. The music was electrifying and her performance was tantalizing, getting the crowd involved from the very start.
Courtesy of M3F Fest/Angela Rose Photography
Thinking Friday couldn't be topped, I was equally blown away by the Saturday lineup. EVAN GIIA owned one of the afternoon time slots, bringing seemingly unlimited energy and banger after banger. Her surprise meet & greet afterward was also one of my favorite moments of the weekend. EVAN GIIA's exuberance carried the festival forward until Purple Disco Machine and Jamie xx brought the stage down. You couldn't ask for a better 1-2 punch to close out the weekend.
As the festival came to a close, I felt a sense of sadness and nostalgia, knowing that this incredible experience was coming to an end. But I also felt grateful for the memories and new artists that were soon to fill my playlists. Attending M3F was an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to do it all over again next year.