Rooted in a deep love of music, the arts, and the community around us, M3F was founded with the purpose to give back. The idea was simple: two thousand fans, hundreds of lawn chairs, one stage, grandma’s cooking, and 100% of proceeds donated directly to charity. Twenty years later, the fest still operates under the same guiding principles, but has surely grown!
M3F takes pride in supporting the community as one of the only 100% non-profit Music Festivals. In 2022, the event welcomed 30,000+ guests and donated over $1.2 Million ($4.4 Million+ since our inception) to local charities. M3F’s charitable giving focuses on four main categories: Arts, Community, Education and the Environment.
2024’s edition features dozens of acts across three stages in Phoenix’s Steele Indian School Park, the new home for M3F that can better accommodate its massive fanbase.
Ahead of the festival, we’ll give you the scoop on what not to miss, starting with five must-see artists.
Valley: Saturday, 5pm, Cosmic Stage
Indie pop darlings Valley are an Atlas favorite, and they’re bringing their sunny vibes to the Cosmic Stage on Saturday evening. The quartet just released songs that got lost in translation, the deluxe version of last year’s Lost in Translation, which means we’ll hear some new twists on the songs we fell in love with in summer 2023. Get ready to bounce around with a fun-loving crowd, who will undoubtedly know all the words to the whole set.
SG Lewis: Friday, 9pm, Daydream Stage
SG Lewis joins M3F alumni San Holo, Big Wild, and Two Feet as an artist who seamlessly blends the beats of electronic dance music with the sensibilities of a musician. He’s worked with everyone from Elton John to Dua Lipa, but it’s his own talent that will be in the spotlight at M3F. Last year’s AudioLust & HigherLove was one of our honorable mentions for album of the year, and we expect to see a high energy set that feels like a sparkly disco.
Dayglow: Friday, 7pm, Daydream Stage
Hearing a Dayglow song feels like stepping inside Tumblr in the late aughts (in the best way.) The project of Sloan Struble, Dayglow makes summer-y indie pop that is perfect for a stroll down the boardwalk, a picnic in the park — or a sunset slot on a Friday night. Struble has been touring 2022’s People in Motion on and off since its release, but he’s still selling out every show here in the Valley. The fans will be out in full force, and they’ll welcome anyone with open arms.
Poolside: Saturday, 6pm, Vista Stage
For the ultimate chilled-out beat-driven set, don’t miss Poolside on Saturday evening at the Vista Stage. Producer-songwriter Jeffrey Paradise takes elements of soul, funk, and disco to create a low key style of dance music, one that appeals to anyone who wants to let loose without getting rowdy. We expect to hear the best of last year’s Blame it All on Love and plenty of Poolside mixes of collaborators Milky Chance, Miami Horror, Foster the People, and more.
Arlo Parks: Friday, 6pm, Vista Stage
After Arlo Parks canceled her most recent tour that was scheduled to stop in the Valley, this is our redemption. We’re looking forward to her gentle pop sounds and contemplative lyrics, an opportunity to slow down amidst the chaos of a music festival. And as a bonus, Parks released My Soft Machine late last spring, which means the fans have had enough time to familiarize themselves with the lyrics and become a chorus to accompany the set.
Don’t miss M3F Fest, happening March 1-2 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, AZ! Buy your last-minute tickets here!
Story by Taylor Knauf