Festival Recap: M3F Returns to Phoenix for the 2024 Festival Season

Courtesy of M3F Festival // Shelby Pine

M3F Festival touched down upon Phoenix, Arizona, at the beginning of March, bringing with it a weekend of musical fun. Bathed in sunshine and blessed with perfect spring weather, the festival set the stage for an unforgettable start to the month.

Renowned for its commitment to being a 100% non-profit festival, M3F showcased their care and creativity throughout the weekend. From an array of culinary foods to mesmerizing art installations made for Instagram-worthy moments, every detail seemed curated for an amazing time. The festival also hosted a vibrant vendor village, offering attendees the chance to take a piece of the experience home with them.

Hosted at the Steele Indian School Park, the venue proved to be the ideal canvas for the festival. Complementing the grounds was the affordable parking at a nearby parking garage, offering festival-goers both convenience and peace of mind. Moreover, the scheduling of performances across three distinct stages ensured minimal conflicts, allowing attendees to enjoy virtually every act on the lineup. The strategic placement of the main stages in close proximity made it possible to transition between performances, ensuring that no sets were missed.

M3F kicked off on Friday, March 1st, setting the tone for an electrifying weekend. The air was infused with pulsating rhythms as Motel Club and Coco & Breezy took to the stage, treating the crowd to infectious DJ sets. Against the backdrop of a sunset, Arlo Parks mesmerized audiences with an electrifying performance at the Vista Stage, leaving spectators in awe. Meanwhile, over at the Daydream Stage, Dayglow delivered an exuberant set, captivating listeners with hits like "Can I Call You Tonight?" and "Hot Rod."

As the light vanished in the sky, indie rock sensation Hippo Campus commanded the main stage, their infectious energy prompting fans screaming their songs as loud as they could. For a change of pace we transitioned to the Daydream Stage once more, where SG Lewis injected funk and groove into the night with a dynamic DJ set, which featured fan favorites like "Feed The Fire" and "Vibe Like This."

The eagerly anticipated headliner, Dominic Fike, took the stage delivering a performance that left no doubt as to the festival's enduring impact. With a nod to M3F's noble mission as a non-profit endeavor, Fike teased new music, ensuring anticipation.

Courtesy of M3F Festival // Shelby Pine

Day two came with renewed excitement as attendees returned for another day of music. At the Cosmo Stage, Valley delivered an incredible performance, setting the tone for the day ahead. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Poolside took the stage, filling the atmosphere with infectious spring and summer vibes.

As night fell, DJs took control, with Gordo having the entire crowd bouncing at his set. Duke Dumont further elevated the energy, showcasing his abilities in the electronic space and leaving audiences in awe. Rounding off the evening, the mellow sounds of indie group Roosevelt provided the perfect culmination, ensuring that the festival concluded on a high note, leaving unforgettable memories.

M3F Festival offered an unparalleled experience, made distinctive by a perfectly curated lineup spanning a wide variety of genres. As attendees left, they did so with plenty of incredible memories and excitement for M3F to return in 2025.

Josue Cambara