MadFest Returns to Ahwatukee for a Weekend of Good Vibes
As the desert evenings grow cooler and our neighborhood calendars fill with fall festivities, we are always on the lookout for events that truly bring our community together in meaningful, inclusive ways.
This November, Ahwatukee has a truly unique and vibrant celebration to look forward to. The Third Annual MadFest Music Festival is returning to the heart of our neighborhood, promising a weekend dedicated to connection, creativity, and the thriving local arts scene.
Founded by John and Sarok, the visionaries behind Mad Hatter Kava, MadFest is a free, two-day, all-ages celebration built around a beautifully simple idea: bringing people together, creating meaningful connections, and having a great time without alcohol.
The Details at a Glance
- What: Third Annual MadFest Music Festival
- When: Friday, November 6 (5:00 PM to 11:00 PM) and Saturday, November 7 (12:00 PM to 11:00 PM)
- Where: Mad Hatter Kava, 15425 S 48th St, Suite 116, Phoenix, AZ 85044
- Admission: Completely free and open to the public
- The Vibe: A 0-proof, family-friendly festival celebrating live music, local artists, small businesses, and cultural experiences.
More Than Just a Music Festival
At its core, MadFest is about redefining what a community gathering can look like. In a world where so many social events revolve around alcohol, Mad Hatter Kava is intentionally creating a welcoming space where people can enjoy the music, meet new faces, support local creators, bring their families, and simply be present.
Music takes center stage throughout the weekend, with over 14 bands performing across multiple genres. Saturday’s highly anticipated headliner is The Conveyors, Arizona’s own original reggae band, who will close out the weekend with their signature, feel-good sound. The impressive lineup also features local favorites like Jess Maes, John Retro, Taide Band, and the Bitter Creek Band, which notably features Mad Hatter Kava co-owner John Fitch.
But the magic of MadFest extends far beyond what happens on stage. Attendees are invited to explore more than 15 local vendor and artisan booths, discovering handmade goods and supporting small businesses right in our backyard. You can enjoy food trucks serving a variety of delicious cuisines, watch captivating hula dance performances, experience a traditional kava ceremony, and participate in fun, hands-on crafts throughout the weekend.
As the sun sets, Mad Hatter Kava will offer special craft drink menus, and after-party DJs will bring even more energy to the celebration, keeping the good vibes flowing late into the night.
The Heart of Our Community
Events like this are exactly what make Ahwatukee such a special place to live. They highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of our local business owners and provide a platform for artists who might otherwise go unnoticed.
“MadFest is all about bringing the community together in a safe, uplifting space where everyone can enjoy great music, good food, and positive vibes,” said co-owner Sarok Shareef. “We are excited to create a tradition that reflects what Mad Hatter Kava stands for.”
That stands for connection. It stands for community. And it stands for the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.
Whether you are a die-hard music lover, a parent looking for a fun, safe weekend activity with the kids, a local creative wanting to showcase your work, or simply someone looking for a new way to connect with your neighbors, there is room for you to make this weekend your own.
Plan Your Weekend
Because this is a two-day event, you have the flexibility to drop in on Friday evening to kick off your weekend, or make a full afternoon and evening of it on Saturday.
Come for the music. Stay for the community. It is an invitation to step outside the usual routine, discover something new, and experience what happens when music and community come together in a space where the focus is not on what is missing from the drinks, but on everything that brings people together.
