You wake up to soft gray skies and the electrifying thought that M3F Fest kicks off today. A light drizzle taps against your window—just enough to remind you to toss a rain poncho and an extra sweater into your bag. You stretch, throw on your favorite band tee, and can practically hear the distant bass lines pulling you toward Margaret T. Hance Park (300 E Indian School Rd).
By the time you reach the festival grounds, you can feel the charged buzz in the air. It’s already filling up with clusters of friends huddled under umbrellas, swapping out-of-office stories. Someone calls out, “Don’t forget—gates open at 1:00PM today!” Then you spot the signs for the official rideshare pickup and drop-off at 3rd Street, just off Indian School Road, teeming with newly arrived fans. Bikes whiz past toward the valet station near N Central Ave, and no cars are braving the entrances on Central or 7th—festival policy keeps those routes blissfully foot-traffic only.
Inside, there’s a rainbow of ponchos and patchwork jackets, and the light rain soon makes way for the sun. You check the set times:
Over on the Vista Stage, everyone’s hyped for The Hourglass Cats (1:30–2:00PM) to kick things off, with Late Night Drive Home taking over at 2:30PM. Later, you’ll be back to see Summer Salt (3:50–4:40PM) and, under the evening glow, Alvvays (7:30–8:30PM).
At the Daydream Stage, you’re eager for Pariah Pete (2:00–2:30PM), then it’s Dev Lemons (3:10–3:50PM), and BADBADNOTGOOD (8:30–9:30PM) once night falls.
The Cosmic Stage has Alice KM (2:00–2:30PM), Braxe + Falcon (3:10–3:50PM), and an energetic DJ set by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (4:40–5:30PM). Later, Hippie Sabotage (8:30–9:30PM) will keep the crowd moving.
Over at Valley Stage, STPHN (1:00–2:00PM) is on early, followed by Mo (2:35–3:05PM), Hyperbella (5:35–6:20PM), and more regional gems as the day unfolds.
By late afternoon, the chill starts creeping in. You wrap yourself in that extra layer you almost forgot, just in time to see the swirling lights of the evening sets. Your friends converge at the main thoroughfare lined with mouthwatering food stands: everything from Indian Frybread to Bulldog Burgery and sizzling Island Noodles. You grab a warm bite, then head for one of the many beverage stops offering craft cocktails, local beer, and thirst-quenching non-alcoholic favorites—there’s something for everyone, including new sampling stations you spot along the pathways.
As the night deepens, you and the crowd surge toward the Vista Stage once more. The energy crescendos with LCD Soundsystem (9:35–10:50PM). Their final notes leave the festival grounds swirling with excitement and anticipation for tomorrow. “See you bright and early—gates open at 12:00PM on Saturday!” someone calls.
You head home, your feet pleasantly sore and heart still racing from the day’s music. Already, you’re counting the hours until you’re back for Day Two to catch acts like Justice (9:30–10:50PM), Sylvan Esso (7:30–8:30PM), and countless others. The city lights reflect in the puddles on the street, and the crisp night air reminds you: it’s only just begun.
Festival Reminders
Location: 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Friday Doors: 1:00PM
Saturday Doors: 12:00PM
No On-Site Parking: Use Valley Metro or Rideshare (pickup/dropoff at 3rd Street & Indian School)
Bike Valet: Available near N Central Ave entrance
ProTip: Expect some rain and cool temps; umbrellas and ponchos are allowed—dress warmly and stay dry!
Food & Drinks: A huge lineup of vendors plus craft cocktails, local brews, and non-alcoholic options. Check out the sampling stations too!
So sleep well, recharge, and get ready to lose yourself in the music. M3F 2025 has officially begun—and it’s going to be legendary.
