M3F, also known as the McDowell Mountain Music Festival was established in 2004 and is a 100% nonprofit music festival. In keeping with the spirit of giving back, the festival adopted 3 C's: community, culture, and charity.
This was my first year attending the festival - it was one of the best experiences of my life, and here's why.
The Environment
The festival took place in Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. There were three stages, Rattlesnake, Coyote, and Saguaro.
Upon entering the festival, festival-goers found dozens of vendors, selling anything from food and drink to merch and henna tattoos.
There was an intense sense of community in the air, and the perfect 70-degree weather made it even better. Following the sunset, fairy lights lit up the trees lining the rows of vendors, and the stages lit up the rest of the park.
People were spread across the grass on blankets and chairs enjoying the food, music, and atmosphere of the festival.
The People
The goal of this festival was to give back to the community, and everyone that I met embodied this. People of all ages were in attendance and everyone was considerate, friendly and more than excited to converse with a complete stranger. I saw strangers taking care of strangers, and friends and families bonding. I was lucky enough to attend this festival with two of my best friends.
The Artists
This year's headliners were Odesza (Friday), Empire of the Sun (Saturday) and Umphrey's McGee (Sunday).
Some of my other favorite sets were Mt. Joy, The Knocks and Jungle.
While I genuinely loved every set that I watched, Odesza put on the best show I have ever seen. The music, visuals, and choreography were outstanding.
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