McDowell Mountain Music Festival (m3f)

M3F does not offer on-site RV camping, so festival guests will want to look for options nearby.

Although the valley is a favorite destination for RVing between November through April, camping inside of the Phoenix metro area is challenging to find year-round. Most of the places that permit RV camping are located on the outskirts of the city. Keep in mind that the RV parks in the metro area may have age restrictions. When making your reservations, be aware that 55+ age restrictions may impact your ability to stay at some RV parks. 

The Phoenix area also has several state and county parks, most of which are located on the outskirts of the valley. Spaces fill quickly at these parks, so it is best to book your site as soon as the booking window opens. March is still peak-season for winter residents, and local accommodations can be at a premium during this time, so planning ahead will secure you the best spot for the most reasonable price.

Most of the Phoenix metro area prohibits golf carts and other OTVs on the streets within city limits. Some residential golf RV communities and RV parks permit golf carts inside of the covenant areas, but the rules and regulations for each community vary. It is best to ask about golf carts and other toys before riding anywhere that may be uncertain territory. People staying in downtown Phoenix may use the rentable bikes and city-sanctioned motorized scooters if they are available.

March is beautiful in the Valley of the Sun. Since the festival is an outdoor event, it is best to pack lightweight clothing that you can layer. Although you may be tempted to wear flip flops to the festival, it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes for walking. During the day it’s not uncommon to wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts, but once the sun sets, the warmth of the day dissipates and the nights may feel chilly. Consider packing a light-weight hoodie that’s easy to tie around your waist.

M3F is all about fun. Pack your crazy costumes, an empty refillable water bottle, picnic blanket, selfie stick, small umbrella, low-backed portable chair, and bring a backpack without wheels to carry everything you need with you. If you want to have more fun, bring an LED-lit hula hoop with you and add a little light to your experience.

Part of attending music festivals is spending time outside in the elements. Prepare yourself by bringing sunscreen, aloe vera gel, and SPF lip balm with you. If walking or standing for long periods is hard on your feet and legs, pack bandaids, pain killers, and Epsom salt. At the end of the day, a warm tub of water with a dash of Epsom salt works wonders on the feet.

If you are staying in an RV, it's easy to pack a few necessary food items just in case you get hungry. Fill your propane refrigerator with drinks and food like cut-up vegetables and already prepared meals that don't require reheating. Keeping drinks in the fridge helps to regulate the temperature while away from home, and they also help to hydrate you after a long day outside. If you decide that cooking is something you want to enjoy, keep your meals simple. Bring a lighter just in case you want to use the propane stove. Sometimes propane stoves need a little assistance to get going.

Downtown Phoenix is known for its specialty restaurants and one of a kind cuisines. Visitors have options ranging from breakfast and brunch restaurants to upscale dining overlooking the city. If you venture outside of the city center, you will have even more restaurants to choose from such as chain bar and grills, fast food restaurants. If you enjoy Mexican food and taco shops, you are in luck. There is generally a Mexican food restaurant within a few miles of wherever you stay for the night. Ask the locals where the best mom-and-pop restaurants and taco trucks are in town because they are often delighted to share their favorites.

If you like to have a variety of choices for food and drink, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival is for you. Bring a refillable water bottle and access the different water filling stations to stay hydrated in between visits to the beverage tent. Every year, various food trucks come to the event offering food choices from vegetarian and gluten-free options to traditional foods like tacos and burgers. Most vendors accept cash and charge, and there will be ATMs on site for people who need to withdraw money. As the event nears, a complete list of vendors will be available on the event webpage.