M3F Festival: Where Music Meets Meaning—A Look at the 2025 Lineup and Community Impact

By Stella Violet

Photo Courtesy of M3F Festival // Credit: Shelby Pine

The M3F Festival, North America’s most celebrated nonprofit music festival, will return to Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 7-8, 2025. This year’s lineup features headliners LCD Soundsystem and Justice, with additional performances from Sylvan Esso, Alvvays, BADBADNOTGOOD, and more. 

Since its founding in 2004, M3F has donated 100% of festival proceeds to charity, raising $6 million to date. The 2025 festival will mark the 22nd year of the event, known for its diverse lineup of indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more. 

LCD Soundsystem and Justice are set to headline the festival, bringing their unique sounds to the Phoenix crowd. 

LCD Soundsystem, led by James Murphy, is known for its blend of indie rock and electronic music and has become one of the most influential bands of the 21st century. They have beautifully captured the spirit of New York City in the early 2000s and quickly became pioneers of the dance-punk genre. 

Their breakthrough hits include “All My Friends” and “Dance Yrself Clean.” The band's recent activity has garnered significant attention, including a sold-out residency in Los Angeles and the release of “x-ray eyes,” the first single from their highly anticipated upcoming album. 

Fans can expect the familiar themes of nostalgia, youth, and dance-inducing rhythms that define their sound, along with new material that continues to push musical boundaries. 

Photo Courtesy of M3F Festival // Credit: Shelby Pine

Justice, a French electronic duo of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, has earned acclaim for their bass-heavy sound and genre-blending style. Their breakout hits “D.A.N.C.E” and “Genesis” helped launch their career, and their latest LP Hyperdrama has been praised for its collaborations with notable artists such as Tame Impala, Thundercat, and Miguel. 

Fans can expect a captivating live show filled with their signature gritty sound and explosive on-stage energy. 

Other acts on the 2025 lineup include Sylvan Esso, Alvvays, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (DJ Set). Additional performances feature artists such as Dev Lemons, Summer Salt, and UPSAHL, with emerging talent from bands like Luna Luna, Hippie Sabotage, and Rick Montgomery. 

Photo Courtesy of M3F Festival // Credit: Amanda Karas 

M3F’s philanthropic efforts continue to be a cornerstone of the festival. Since its beginning, the festival has supported local charities by donating 100% of the proceeds. In 2024, M3F raised $750,000, with notable contributions including $140,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital and $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. 

Through the M3F Fund, nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support initiatives that align with M3F’s pillars of Community, Education, Arts, and Environment. 

In addition to its monetary contributions, the festival has supported various local initiatives such as the annual Turkey Drive with St. Vincent De Paul and the ‘Skate and Create’ program with Cowtown S.K.A.T.E., which introduces children to both skateboarding and graphic design. 

Photo Courtesy of M3F Festival // Credit: Shelby Pine

Tickets 

Tickets for M3F 2025 are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.m3ffest.com