With two weeks until the gates open for the 2023 edition, it’s time to make a game plan for the highly-anticipated M3F Fest.
The two-day event, which is North America’s most celebrated non-profit music festival, takes place at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. M3F donates 100% of festival proceeds to charity with a record $1.2 million donated last year and $4.4 million donated since 2004.
As one of Atlas’ favorite events of the year, M3F is always jam-packed with amazing music, delicious food, and plenty of shopping and activities. There’s so much to see and do, so consider this your cheat sheet so you can map out your perfect weekend.
The Basics
- When: March 3rd and 4th
- Where: Margaret T. Hance Park (Get directions here)
- Who: Maggie Rogers, Jamie xx, Polo and Pan, Quinn XCII, and many more
- Tickets: Start at $90 (Buy tickets here)
The Lineup
Over the past decade, M3F has evolved from a jam band heavy festival into an event with wider appeal but still true to its eccentric roots. Every year features a carefully curated lineup that promises good vibes, and the 2023 edition is no different with mood boosting pop and groovy electronic acts.
Our picks? We’re so happy you asked.
Maggie Rogers: This supernova visited Phoenix in 2018 with just a few singles in her catalog and well before Heard it in a Past Life skyrocketed her to stardom. With influences of R&B and folk woven into her pop sensibilities, she’s sure to delight the masses closing out Friday.
Peach Pit: The Canadian quartet is coming back to the desert and will be coaxing the indie trash out from the shadows. (Not a complaint.)
COIN: Every time COIN visits the Valley, it’s an immersive experience. The aesthetic is detailed, the dance moves magnetic, and the emotion palpable. If you hear a collective scream of, “You can crash my car tonight!” you’ll know where to go to catch the rest of the dance party.
Becky Hill: Scheduling this British dance music queen at the same time as Maggie Rogers is a crime. Best known for her powerhouse voice on collabs with David Guetta, Joel Corry, and other EDM artists, Becky Hill’s set is a guaranteed serotonin shot to the system.
The Knocks: Ever wanted to go to the disco? This is your chance. The Knocks may not be stage performers, but that adds to the house party energy they create with their groovy tracks and collabs that span a massive genre spectrum.
The Food
One of the best parts about Phoenix’s events ecosystem is the food trucks and pop-up kitchens that become staples of every festival or gathering. And after last year’s record-breaking attendance, M3F is taking no chances on its food offerings in 2023 with double the number of vendors.
Per the festival’s Instagram, here are some options to expect:
- Shake Shack
- Love Acai Bowls
- White Mountain Food Co.
- Freak Brothers Pizza
- Hot Bamboo
- Froth Coffee Roasters
- Dough Riders
“Our focus this year is not only providing more options but also a wider variety that include health-focused, gluten free, vegan & vegetarian choices,” the fest says.
The Experience
Beyond the music, M3F places huge emphasis on the holistic experience with art installations, artisan vendors, and unique cocktails to wash down all that tasty food. The emphasis on local contributions adds to the desert aura of the event.
“Our installations are inspired by the beautiful Arizona landscape,” the site says. “This year you will find experiences that are reminiscent of iconic spots like Estrella Mountain Park, Antelope Canyon, Chiricahua National Monument, and Emerald Cove.”
In the Ponderosa Vendor Village, you’ll find tents hawking wearable items as well as home goods, tchotchkes, and physical copies of the music floating through the air. There are also brands that offer free samples or small items like stickers, so you’ll probably leave the village with more than memories.
#EveryTicketCounts
M3F aims to manifest three pillars — Community, Culture, and Charity — and donates all proceeds from the event to charitable causes supporting the arts, the environment, the community, and education. That’s why they say, every ticket counts. And with the launch of the M3F Fund that supports these charities year-round, the festival has expanded its impact.
Some beneficiaries of the fund include:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- Boys Hope Girls Hope
- Pacific Salmon Foundation
- Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue
The Countdown Is On
For more information, the M3F website and Instagram account provide all the details on what you can and can’t bring, which brands are doing activations, what merch will look like, and so much more.
In the meantime, check out our recaps of M3Fs past:
- M3F Fest 2022: Beloved AZ festival returns for massive weekend of music and culture
- M3F Fest 2020: Phoenix flocked to the fest with Bon Iver, RÜFÜS DÜ SOL, many more
Festival season is back, and we couldn’t be happier about it. We’ll see you at M3F 2023!
