March is packed with exciting music festivals that are sure to satisfy your every melodic craving.
However, some events are better than others, and we’d hate for you to land on a dud.
Today, we’re bringing you three of the hottest tickets to hear all your favorite musicians and those waiting to be discovered.
Let’s hit it!
About March Music Festivals
Throughout March, the music festival scene will begin heating up. Many folks are ready to shake off the winter blues and party down to the sounds of their favorite artists.
From Phoenix, Arizona, to Savannah, Georgia, you can hear everything from country and bluegrass to EDM. In fact, you might want to take a road trip and enjoy more than one.
You can start in the desert Southwest on the first weekend of March. Then, follow the sonic grooves eastward through Austin, Texas, and keep trekking until you hit the Atlantic. After all, it’s hard to resist the spirit of adventure, especially after a long, cold winter.
Here are three major music festivals taking over the country in March to give you an idea of what’s out there!
#1 M3F: McDowell Mountain Music Festival
McDowell Mountain Music Festival, also known as as M3F, takes place March 1st and 2nd at the Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, Arizona. This is the first year in the new location, which was necessary to accommodate the growing event.
In previous years, organizers struggled with a lack of capacity. That shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the spacious new venue.
This family-friendly function features a Kids Zone where little ones can burn off steam. You’ll also find local vendors selling handcrafted goods and yoga classes where you can unwind before big names take the stage. Additionally, food trucks and local restaurants will be nearby to keep you well-fed.
This year’s artists include Dominic Fike, Poolside, Dayglow, Hippo Campus, and Lane 8. Past artists, such as Ben Harper, The Roots, The Shins, Beck, Kurt Vile, and Slightly Stoopid, have performed at previous M3F events.
Doors open at 1 pm Friday and Saturday. You can snag single-day passes for about $100 or weekend tickets for around $150. One- and two-day VIP access is also available.
Find your base: 7 Best RV Parks in Phoenix, Arizona
What Makes M3F Special?
What sets M3F apart from other festivals is that it’s 100% non-profit. Since its creation in 2004, they’ve donated $5.2 million to various causes.
For example, the M3F Fund gifted $100,000 to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s music therapy program, $75,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and other donations to various community organizations like Arizona Helping Hands, Phoenix Rescue Mission, and Desert Foothills Land Trust.
Pro Tip: Check out the M3F website for ticket information and available hotel packages.
#2 SXSW Music Festival
South by Southwest might be the most iconic March music festival. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, this isn’t your average concert. In fact, it’s the biggest event of its kind on the planet. What began as a platform to showcase lesser-known artists has exploded into a global phenomenon. These days, around 300,000 people attend the annual affair.
From March 11th to 16th, hundreds of performers from around the world will flaunt their skills at about 75 venues in downtown Austin. The city’s convention center serves as a central hub for the event, but you can catch shows at bars, clubs, churches, public spaces, and even trailers scattered around town.
While many artists are up-and-coming, others are household names. Lo Moon, Azahriah, STRFKR, and The Black Keys are just a few. However, SXSW doesn’t usually announce the full lineup until a week before the party starts. You just have to trust they’ll deliver. The good news is they always do.
Previous performers include Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Public Enemy, Alabama Shakes, and Coldplay. No matter who shows up, you’ll surely see someone you enjoy.
On their website, you’ll find a ton of entry options, from badges to wristbands, all of which allow different levels of access. We hear you can also catch plenty of free events around Austin, although they may or may not be officially sanctioned by the powers that be.
What Makes SXSW Special?
The music fest is part of the greater SXSW conglomeration, including professional conferences, interactive exhibitions, and the legendary film festival. This is the place to be for anyone in the media industry and beyond.
You might spend your days hearing talks on the future of psychedelic research or attending screenings of never-before-seen movies. Attend the Creative Industries Expo for insight into cutting-edge technology. Or learn how the music industry is embracing artificial intelligence.
If it’s in the budget, we suggest getting a Platinum Badge, which will give you access to every aspect of the event.
Explore more with the Lonely Planet Pocket Austin Travel Guide!
#3 Savannah Music Festival
You might expect Atlanta to host Georgia’s biggest musical arts event, but you’d be mistaken. Instead, hundreds of artists travel from around the world to Savannah for this 17-day extravaganza.
The Savannah Music Festival runs from March 23rd to April 13th and features stunning venues like the Savannah College of Arts and Design, Lucas Theatre for the Arts, and the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
Headliners for this event include Samara Joy, North Mississippi Allstars, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Madison Cunningham, and Oumou Sangaré. Altogether, about 500 performers will take the stage. Accordingly, these artists come from Mali, South Africa, India, the Canary Islands, and everywhere in between.
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What Makes Savannah Music Festival Special?
Organizers offer tons of ways to save money on tickets for these shows. First, they’ve curated several bundles based on genre and date. If you only care to hear jazz performances, or the only showtime that fits your schedule is 12:30 pm, there’s a discount for you.
To expand the reach of classical musicians, patrons 40 and under can get $20 tickets for many concerts. Additionally, all Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools students, along with one adult chaperone, can get into general admission shows for free.
Know Before You Go: Visit the Savannah Music Festival website for a complete list of deals!
March Music Festivals are a Springtime Treat
Folks hoping to broaden their horizons and catch acts from all genres and walks of life should consider hitting March’s many music festivals. These events offer countless opportunities to hear up-and-coming names and old favorites.
If your schedule is free, this is a great time to take a cross-country road trip! You’ll have lasting memories of unbeatable performances for years to come.
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