How Phoenix’s M3F Festival is Creating an Impact Beyond the Musical Experience
By Anna Montoya-Gaxiola
BG Image by Neil Schwatrz
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Photo by Brianna Lee
One of Arizona’s most anticipated music festivals, M3F, is returning to the Valley the first weekend of March. This nonprofit festival has been donating 100% of its proceeds since 2004. Since its inaugural festival 20 years ago, its immense growth has been reflected through its attendees and donations.
The main goal of M3F is to create a long-lasting positive experience. Its message has always been based on the “three C’s: community, culture, and charity.” In 2023, the M3F Fund was created as an outlet to continue the value of charity. This project has crafted unimaginable opportunities for nonprofit organizations in need of funding. The message of “every ticket counts” is literal. When attendees purchase a ticket, the money is circled back into the community.
Although M3F has seen rapid growth, its values have only changed by offering possibilities on a larger scale.
“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, we still operate under the same guiding principles, but we’ve surely grown!” according to the M3F website.
The opportunities are truly endless in M3F’s book. The festival’s lineup includes talent from around the world, including Grammy-nominated artists like Dominic Fike and Elderbrook to local artists.
As attendees dance to the sounds of SG Lewis, Dayglow, Lane 8, and many more, they are making a positive change to other nonprofits.
With over 4 million dollars in donations, M3F fans have created a progressive change to beneficiaries like Rosie’s House (https://m3ffund.com/beneficiaries/rosieshouse), Friends of the Verde River (https://m3ffund.com/beneficiaries/friendsofverde), Boys Hope Girls Hope (https://m3ffund.com/beneficiaries/boyshope) and many more.
Regardless of its growth, M3F has proved time and time again that its morals haven’t changed. This music festival is a home for all people; stretching from rave, dance, and music lovers to community builders.
