Manhattan isle to get electric

NEW YORK

Electric Zoo Festival: While this may sound like an animatronic wonderland of motorized animals, Electric Zoo is the new Labor Day weekend gathering of electronic musicians at the 24-acre Randall’s Island Park on the East River between Manhattan and Queens. While some of these nocturnal denizens of beer-stained, late-night clubs may not be accustomed to dancing or playing their electro-thing-a-ma-bobs in sparkling daylight, Electric Zoo’s astounding lineup should help change the mind of sunlight skeptics. Headliners at the debut festival include superstar DJs Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Ferry Corsten, Benny Benassi, Danny Tenaglia, Roger Sanchez, Luciano, Robbie Rivera, Tiga, and Everything But The Girl’s Ben Watt. Tickets for the festival are $55 each day, or $100 for the weekend. Randall’s Island Park, www.electriczoofestival.com.

JULY 17-18

GREENFIELD

Green River Festival: There was a time when we scoured the planet looking for the coolest international events, but tough times call for a certain measure of belt tightening, and this summer we’re tightening all the way to Greenfield. To be fair, the scenic town is a charming micro-city and worthy of a trip. But since this column is focused on night life, we’re sending you all the way to Western Massachusetts for the Green River Festival. This year’s gathering boasts a surprisingly strong lineup of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Kathleen Edwards, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women, and Justin Townes Earle. Until July 12, the discounted weekend ticket price is $45. The day of the festival, weekend passes will sell for $60. Greenfield Community College, www.greenriverfestival.com.

JULY 17-18

COMMERCE CITY, Colo.

Mile High Music Festival: Any festival that can get Tool and Thievery Corporation on the same bill wins our approval, even if it takes place at the drably named Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (naming rights have officially gone too far). The Mile High Festival, which takes place outside Denver, also includes performances from Gogol Bordello, Gomez, The Fray, Incubus, The Black Keys, and Ben Harper. A two-day pass is $162.50. There are several hotel packages available on the festival’s website. www.milehighmusicfestival.com.

JULY 21-26

NYON, Switzerland

Paléo Festival: Once an annual gathering for folk-loving hippies in the 1970s, this sprawling festival now hosts bands ranging from Placebo to the Ting Tings. Other acts playing the al fresco series of concerts include the Prodigy, Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, Moby, and TV on the Radio. Tickets for each night are $54-$63. For all you last-minute Larrys, organizers will put 1,000 tickets on sale each day of the festival to give everyone an opportunity to attend. www.2009.paleo.ch

PLAN AHEAD

SEPT. 30-OCT. 4

MONTREAL

Pop Montreal: While the lineup is still being cemented for this year’s edition of the epic musical gathering, the festival is so far slanting toward classic sounds. Confirmed acts include the Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., Lou Barlow and the Missingmen, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Loudon Wainwright III and Os Mutantes. The complete lineup will be revealed over the next two months. Until Aug. 31, you can buy a discounted Super Pass, which allows access to more than 150 festival shows for just $150. The shows take place in venues across the city. 514-842-1919, www.popmontreal.com.

CHRISTOPHER MUTHER

Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; check online to confirm. Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com.