PHOENIX — It's March in the Valley, and that means it's time for music and festivals. The McDowell Mountain Music Festival, also known as M3F, is now underway in Downtown Phoenix. As always, it's bringing big crowds.
“It’s not like any other music festival," said Mara Sturans of Phoenix.
"It's not, it's so unique," added ASU student Emma Phillips.
Thousands of people from near and far came together at Margaret T. Hance Park Friday night for the start of M3F.
“It’s so much fun to hang out with the local people into the same music scene!” Haydee Sainc of Phoenix.
“We’re from Albuquerque," said Sabrina Sosa.
Friday featured artists like San Holo, Local Natives, LANY and headliner Bon Iver.
“We’ve been doing it for 17 years now," said festival manager Heather Rogers.
Rogers, though, says a lot has changed in those 17 years.
“We put a lot of thought into it so that we bring different music that don’t come to Phoenix normally. They might just skip right over Phoenix. We like to keep it eclectic," Rogers said.
The festival is a go despite decisions to cancel other large festivals like Ultra Music Festival in Miami and South by Southwest in Austin.
"We've thought about it and talked about it because we want everyone to be safe but adding [hand sanitizer stations] and doing double cleanings, we feel we're okay," Rogers said when asked if they considered canceling the event.
Saturday's lineup includes names like Snakehips, Sofi Tukker, The Growlers and headliner Rufus du Sol.
Stick Figure was originally scheduled to play Sunday, but on Thursday, the band announced it was canceling its appearance. In an Instagram post, the band wrote, "We are bummed, as we were looking forward to seeing you all. We hope you still attend the festival as there are lots of amazing bands playing."
Sunday will still feature artists like Greensky Bluegrass and The Green.
“It exposes you to music maybe you haven’t heard before and of course some of your favorite bands come through and that’s really cool," Sainc said.
Organizers say the festival isn't just about the music. It features live art, silent discos, yoga, drum circles, shopping and lots of food and drinks.
Kids under age 10 get in for free, and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., they can experience a Kid Zone filled with activities catered to children.
Up to 25,000 festival-goers are expected over the course of the three-day event and for many of them, it's M3F's underlying cause that draws them in. One hundred percent of the proceeds go back to local charities.
“If you like good vibes and you’re down for a good cause like come out, it’s a great atmosphere to be in," said Chase Lawless of Tempe.
Attendees can bring in sealed or empty reusable water bottles, umbrellas, low-backed chairs, blankets, hula hoops and selfie sticks.
The festival does not allow pets, outside drinks or food, weapons, laser pens, or professional photo or video equipment without a press pass.
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