As a local and long-time finder of all things cool in Phoenix, I have some tips, tricks and secrets to share with those driving in and/or camping in Downtown Phoenix for the McDowell Mountain Music Festival.

First, let’s get you oriented. The campgrounds are south of the festival grounds (across East Moreland Street between 1st and 2nd Streets). Everything listed here is walking distance from the campgrounds. Here’s the map!

For those earlier hours before the show starts (that’s to say gates open at 11am, shows start at 12 noon) you may want to take this opportunity to check out the underground cool that exists in Downtown Phoenix.

825 N. First St.

(Walk 3 blocks south on 1st Street)

If you are in the mood for down-home thick cut bacon, omelets and hot cakes. This is a great place to hit. It is a locals favorite and may even be regionally famous, so get there early. The wait later on in the morning is obnoxious. But I love Matt. His food is worth the wait (if you got it in you to wait).

10 W Vernon Ave Phoenix, AZ 85003

(A bit of a walk up Central, but it’ll be gorgeous out. Go get some exercise!)

Don’t take it from me, read the Yelp reviews. Great doughnuts real close to you there at the campground.

214 E. Roosevelt St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

(Walk 2 blocks South on 1st Street to Roosevelt. Take a right and it’ll be on the north side of the street before you hit 2nd St.)

Cool place to hang out. If the attached gallery is open you can take in some fine art. They have free WiFi and a pretty good latte.

110 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

(Walk 2 blocks South on 1st Street to Roosevelt. Take a right. It’s right there)

If you want to catch lunch out before going into the show, Short Leash is the locals’ favorite. Try the fried pickles. They even have vegan hot dogs.

128 E. Roosevelt St.  Phoenix, AZ 85004

(Walk 2 blocks South on 1st Street to Roosevelt. Take a right and it’ll be on the north side of the street before you hit 2nd St.)

Hours: 10am-2pm

Just like it says: Bistro. Eat and enjoy. They have a full bar so you can get your Hair-o-the-dog here.

1125 N.3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003

(From campground, walk one block south on 1st St. to Portland. Walk East (take a right) on Portland and walk 4 blocks to 3rd Ave)

Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Maybe after walking up to get a doughnut you might want to walk into the Japanese Friendship garden to center yourself for the day. It’s peaceful and beautiful. A must see.

1221 N. Central Ave., 85004

(You can see it from the festival grounds. Walk the grass East toward the big, cool looking building on Central Ave.)

Library opens at 9am

For you book worms and architecture lovers out there, our central library has a lotta books and magazines, some comfy places to sit and relax and if you just want to walk around in a neat building (designed by our hometown hero Will Bruder) take in all 5 floors. There’s an art collection, gift shop and the 3rd floor is for teens decorated in hot colors and cool furniture.

If you’re not taking in the various late night music shows associated with the Festival, walk around late night and grab a drink and maybe even see some other live music. Here are the bars and restaurants that are open until 2 am.

105 W Portland St Phoenix, AZ 85003

(From campground, walk one block south on 1st. St. to Portland. Walk East (take a right) on Portland and walk to Central Ave. It’s on the Southwest corner. Look for the red-orange patio furniture).

Cool. Casual. Yummy food. Nice outdoor patio.

914 N 5th Street & Roosevelt

(Walk 2 blocks South on 1st Street to Roosevelt. Take a right and walk on Roosevelt down to 5th St. Take a right and walk south until you see it on your right.)

Music every night. Lots of beer and wine.

901 N 4th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

(Walk 2 blocks South on 1st Street to Roosevelt. Take a right and walk on Roosevelt down to 3th St.and take a right—3rd splits and turns into 4th St. Take 4th street until you see it on your left.)

Dance clubby at night. If your in the mood, you might like it. Good food until 10pm

308 N. 2nd Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85003

(This is a longer walk, especially at night, so depending on how much energy you have after the show the walk isn’t terrible. And it’s safe. Walk over to Central Ave and take a left (south). Walk 9 short blocks to Van Buren. Take a right and walk to 2nd Ave. Take a right (north) and you’ll see it immediately. The MMMF late night shows are there but you needn’t pay to get in. Hang outside at the bar and enjoy the live music as it’s piped into the bar area.)

Have round-the-clock fun!