McDowell Music Festival

Scottsdale Charity Event Features Music From Around the World

At the McDowell Music Festival, variety is the spice of life.

For music fans, this popular outdoor music festival offers a wide variety of music styles including classic rock, reggae and blues from international and national acts and local bands too.

The 2011 festival dates are April 29, 30 & May 1st.

Besides being a great party, the festival is a grat feel-good activity too.

That's because one hundred percent of the proceeds from the McDowell Music Festival goes to charity. The two beneficiaries for 2011 are Phoenix Day Family & Learning Center and Ear Candy, a non-profit organization that promotes music education for children.

The 2011 band line up includes George Porter Jr., The Paper Snowmen, Edward Sharpe, Martin Sexton, Xavier Rudd, and Particle among others.

In 2010, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival moved to a new location and added a third day of music.

As last year, the 2011 festival will be held at the northeast corner of 68th Street and Mayo Boulevard next to The Compound Grill.

The McDowell Mountain Music Festival had been held at the large WestWorld equestrian facility in Scottsdale. However, due to economic concerns, the festival moved in order to reduce costs.

The McDowell Music Festival has acts that range from reggae to rock

Although the location may have changed, the festival has retained it's interesting features including a silent auction/raffle, marketplace and Kid's Zone. The acoustic stage and drum circle will be inside The Compound Grill.

Ticket prices range from $135 for a 3-day pass to $20 for the special after-hours show. There are special youth passes too.

Scottsdale Hotels

If you are interested in staying at a hotel while attending the McDowell Music Festival, there are three North Scottsdale hotels:

Sleep Inn At North Scottsdale Road: (16630 N. Scottsdale Road)
Part of the Choice Hotels chain, this low key property is slightly less expensive than some of the other lodging in the area. Plus it's a partner with the festival, so this is where the bands are staying. Rooms have free high speed internet and coffeemakers. Some rooms also have a microwave and refrigerator. A daily continental breakfast is complimentary and the hotel is pet-friendly. Free shuttle to and from the festival.

Springhill Suites Scottsdale North: (17020 N. Scottsdale Road)
Studio suites have a sofabed, mini-fridge, microwave and in-room coffee. Complimentary amenities include free wireless internet, deluxe continental breakfast and heated pool.

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale: (16620 N. Scottsdale Road)
One bedroom suites have private balconies, coffeemaker, microwave, refrigerator and LCD flat panel TV. Complimentary amenities include high speed internet access, hot breakfast, swimming pool and fitness center.

If you looking for something more luxurious, try one of the three Scottsdale resorts. We have stayed at each of these resorts and we recommend them.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa (6902 E. Greenway)
A modern style resort with a large pool, golf and excellent dining at the resort's Deseo's Restaurant. More dining and shopping at the Kierland Commons shopping district is just one block away.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road)
A green oasis with 10 pools and a white sand beach, 27 holes of golf, Spa Avania and Native American cultural experiences. Finding this hidden resort is worth the effort.

One of the 10 pools at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

Fairmont Scottsdale (7575 E. Princess Drive)
Mexican colonial-style architecture, lushly landscaped grounds and fountains give a Spanish style flare to this over 600-room resort. Extensive amenities include 4 swimming pools, 2 golf courses, Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak restaurant and the wonderful Willow Stream Spa.

Fast Facts: McDowell Mountain Music Festival

This information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the festival organizers before making reservations and/or travel plans.

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