by: Amanda Savage
As July’s oppressive heat rains down on most of the country, a poolside festival in Las Vegas and events in the Mile High City and upstate New York offer a sweet escape. This month Camp Bisco, the Mad Decent Block Party, The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase and Global Dance Festival at Red Rocks host some of the best lineups and experiences in the nation.
If you’re planning your trip, dreaming of attending or going to stream the live sets from home, here’s what you shouldn’t miss in music festival madness this month:
Camp Bisco – Mariaville Lake, N.Y.
Wednesday, July 11 through Saturday, July 13
The annual three-day music and arts festival is a one-of-a-kind festival experience. In its 12th year, Camp Bisco creates an interactive experience for attendees. It’s a sort of summer camp for adults—there’s onsite camping zones divided by color and a color wars series of events over the three-day period. Festival-goers can enjoy other attractions like yoga and meditation sessions, hooping seminars and arts and crafts workshops. This year the festival will debut the Camp Bisco Airbag, a three-story free-fall experience, as well as a new game area and Ferris wheel. Also new this year: new showers and refresh stations with power outlets and mirrors. VIP and Platinum tickets are sold out. General admission for the three days is $185-$199. Saturday-only tickets are $90. If you’re flying, long distance shuttles from Albany, Baltimore, Boston, New York and Philadelphia are available. This is an 18-and-older event.
Don’t miss: The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar, Passion Pit, Animal Collective, STS9, Flux Pavilion, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Boys Noize, Tommy Trash, Excision presents Destroid, Destructo, Congorock, Designer Drugs, Dirtyphonics, Project 46, Seven Lions.
Mad Decent Block Party – Las Vegas
Saturday, July 20
The Mad Decent Block Party stops in Sin City this month, for an all-day event at the pool at the Encore Beach Club at the Wynn. Diplo, Zeds Dead, Dillon Francis and other artists from Mad Decent Records for a day of sexy swimwear, sun, fun beats and booze. Ladies presale tickets are $32, guys presale are $52 and tables are available for $1,500.
Don’t Miss: Anyone
Underground Music Showcase – Denver
Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21
The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase welcomes its 13th year with 350 music, comedy and spoken word acts, 320 of which are locals.
“We are extremely excited for the 2013 UMS. Our team has worked very hard to put together a compelling mix of national and local independent performers. These acts demonstrate our commitment to providing four days of terrific live performances,” event director for the UMS, Kendall Smith, said in a press release.
UMS takes place in the Baker District on South Broadway in Denver and spans a variety of venues, galleries and restaurants.The main stage festival area is located at Broadway and Archer streets.
Proceeds from the Underground Music Showcase benefit Denver Post Community Foundation, which supports metro-area agencies in the subjects of arts, youth, education and human services.
Don’t miss: Ark Life, Epilogues, Hollow Talk, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, Brave Song Circle, Mudhoney, Small Black, Cults, Bleached, Baywood, Born in the Flood, The Fresh & Onlys, Speedwolf and Lord Huron.
Global Dance Festival – Morrison, Colo.
Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21
Global Dance Festival at Red Rocks brings a bass-heavy lineup to the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Three-day general admission tickets are sold out, but single-day general admission and VIP tickets are still available for $56 and $88. VIP tickets include access to the first 10 rows of the stage and a collectible laminate pass. The festival starts at 3 p.m. each day, and all ages are welcome.
The 868-acre Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is located 15 miles outside of Denver. It was once included as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Don’t miss: Beats Antique, Mimosa, Sander van Doorn, Griz, Carnage, Seven Lions, K Theory, Signal Path, Bass Physics
Follow Amanda on Twitter @Amanda_Savage
