Music festivals are all about lineup and vibe, and McDowell Mountain Music Festival checks both those boxes and then some. The nonprofit event brings major headliners to downtown Phoenix (for example, Avett Brothers, Beck, and Widespread Panic), all while being an exemplary model of how music festivals should treat their guests. Beer and cocktails are high quality and reasonably priced. Ticket packages go on sale early. There are no intrusive security pat-downs, no obscenely priced bottles of water. McDowell Mountain Music Festival is everything a great festival should be, providing the best fan experience in Phoenix and, above all, great music.