30 Nov 21st-Nov 27th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Drop the Beat Here’s the M3F Fest 2025 lineup. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN M 3F Fest is bringing in some big names for its next edition, including iconic dance-punk act LCD Soundsystem, French elec- tronic music duo Justice and electropop duo Sylvan Esso. The two-day springtime music festival at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix announced its 2025 lineup on Nov. 13, and it’s just as eclectic as ever. M3F Fest, originally known as McDowell Mountain Music Festival, will take place Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8. The not-for-profit event, which donates 100% of its proceeds to local chari- ties, typically features an eclectic mix of artists and acts from a variety of genres, ranging from indie, EDM and pop to R&B and reggae. The history of M3F M3F Fest was originally launched in 2004 as McDowell Mountain Music Festival. Organized and promoted by Phoenix- based Westpac Construction Inc., the homegrown event debuted in Scottsdale with an estimated 2,000 people in attendance. M3F has evolved over the past two decades, moving locations, changing its name, and growing into one of the Valley’s largest music festivals, with tens of thou- sands attending and more than 30 acts performing. The first festival showcased sets by David Crosby, Keb’ Mo’, Derek Trucks and Little Feat. Over the years, artists including Bon Iver, Flaming Lips, Odeza, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Dwight Yoakam, Slightly Stoopid, The Shins and many more played the event. In earlier itera- tions, M3F featured more local bands, including Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Wyves, Banana Gun, Sara Robinson and A scene from the 2018 edition of M3F. (Photo by Jacob Tyler Dunn) the Midnight Special, Fayuca and Decker. One thing that hasn’t changed about M3F is its mission: Promoters have donated 100% of the event’s proceeds to charity. M3F co-founder John Largay told Phoenix New Times earlier this year that it makes M3F unique among Arizona music festivals. “If we value M3F and we think it’s good for the community, then it’s our job and our obligation to speak up for it,” Largay told New Times. M3F Fest 2025 lineup The complete lineup for the 2025 M3F festival in Phoenix is: LCD Soundsystem, Justice, Sylvan Esso, Alvvays, ALEXSUCKS, alice.km, Arc De Soleil, BADBADNOTGOOD, Beach Weather, Braxe + Falcon, Chloe Tang, Confidence Man, Dev Lemons, Doss, BAYNK, Eggy, Frost Children (DJ Set), Girl Talk, Goldwax Reviva, Hippie Sabotage, Leisure, Luna Luna, Mindchatter, Monster Rally, Orions Belte, Pariah Pete, Ricky Montgomery, Slow Pulp, The Strike, Summer Salt, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (DJ Set) and UPSAHL How to get tickets to M3F 2025 in Phoenix Tickets for M3F 2025 music festival in Phoenix are available now at m3ffest.com. Two-day general admission tickets are $175 per person (plus fees and taxes). Two-day VIP tickets are $330 per person (plus fees and taxes) and include a compli- mentary festival lanyard, express entry, exclusive cocktail options and food selec- tions and access to front-of-stage viewing areas and air-conditioned premium restrooms. James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. (Photo by Ruvan Wijesooriya) ▼ Music
