M3F Festival returned to Phoenix, Arizona, this past weekend, bringing an eclectic mix of music, community, and its signature nonprofit-driven mission. The M3F team turned Steele Indian School Park, nestled in the heart of uptown Phoenix, into a festival landscape hosting four different stages. This year’s edition was a tale of two vastly different days. Day one was drenched in rain and mud, while day two was bathed in sunshine.
Weather Woes & Redemption
Weather played a massive role in shaping this year’s experience. Day one was an absolute struggle, with persistent cold rain turning the festival grounds into a muddy mess. Don’t even get me started on the windchill that cut straight to my bones! Attendees were forced to find shelter wherever they could, and simply moving through the festival became an exhausting task. I struggled to relax and enjoy the festival vibe.
Thankfully, by day two, the sun came out, and much of the mud dried up before the doors opened. The energy completely shifted, with attendees finally able to roam freely and enjoy the festival as intended. The overall vibe of the whole festival felt welcoming and comfortable, which was a sharp contrast from the day before.
Range of Talent Across 4 Stages
This year saw the addition of the Valley stage, a place for rising artists to show their talent. Found at the festival’s entrance, this stage was set against the edge of the lake, providing beautiful visuals at night. Returning this year were the Vista, Daydream, and Cosmic stages. Cosmic featured only DJs, which is where many of the ravers spent their day. Daydream was larger and set up to allow full bands to play. Vista was the mainstage, where LCD Soundsystem and Justice played unforgettable sets.
A Subpar Experience & Disappointing Accessibility
Having attended M3F multiple times before, I can confidently say that this was one of the weaker years. The rain was obviously out of the festival’s control, but the overall execution, especially regarding the accessibility experience for disabled attendees, was disappointing. Even with much of the mud dried up on day two, large sections of the festival remained closed off.
The accessibility accommodations were mixed at best. Beyond a single set of guardrails with a handwritten “ADA” sign, there was little effort to ensure disabled attendees could navigate the grounds. Most areas beyond the paved pathways were essentially inaccessible, making it frustrating and disheartening for those who needed better accommodations.
Restrooms were at least plentiful, never having to wait more than a minute at the busiest of times. There were also a large number of ADA restrooms clearly labeled and readily available, which was vital for those in wheelchairs or with small children.
Past M3F events have been plagued by questionable layouts for food vendors, with one year creating a narrow entrance/exit into a semi-circular “food court” area (which caused lines to intersect and made for a frustrating experience). This year had none of those issues, with instead a long row of food options available and more options than I’ve previously seen.
Top Performances: Justice, LCD Soundsystem & More
Despite the logistical setbacks, there were some incredible performances that made the weekend worthwhile.
- Justice – The most anticipated act of the weekend, their presence was undeniable, with fans rocking their merch all throughout day two. Their set delivered exactly what the crowd wanted.
- LCD Soundsystem – A multi-generational fan favorite, they put on an electrifying show that proved why they remain such a powerful force in live music.
- Beach Weather – A personal discovery and a delightful surprise. I hadn’t heard of them before, but their laidback sound and strong stage presence immediately won me over.
- Girl Talk – A high-energy throwback set that felt like a 2010s frat party in the best possible way.
- Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Another unexpected highlight, bringing infectious energy and an engaging performance that had the crowd hooked.
Technical Difficulties & Atmosphere Shifts
Day one’s muddy conditions weren’t the only challenge—technical difficulties also plagued some performances. Ricky Montgomery’s set was delayed due to equipment failures, but fortunately, he was able to perform later in the evening. The crowd energy was a direct reflection of the weather. Day one felt drained and sluggish, with many attendees just trying to endure the conditions under multiple layers of clothes. Day two, on the other hand, felt like the true spring festival experience—bright, energetic, and full of life, which is what I remember past M3F events to be. Families were in full force for day two, with children playing with bubbles and having a great time, which was a much-needed breath for this all-ages event.
Courtesy of M3F Festival // Neil Schwartz
Nonprofit Presence & Final Thoughts
M3F’s nonprofit mission was still visible, with multiple organizations tabling and spreading awareness throughout the weekend. While M3F did not give me the full festival experience I had hoped for, knowing that all my contributions were being used for great causes made it still worthwhile.
Final Rating: B-
While there were many standout performances and a beautiful second day, it was partially overshadowed by a difficult first day, lack of accessibility, and technical hiccups. M3F has always held a special place in our hearts. So even with this year’s difficulties, you can be sure that we are looking forward to what the 2026 edition will bring!
Courtesy of M3F Festival // Traveler Trippy