As Justin Timberlake once famously proclaimed, it’s gonna be May, and for music fans in Colorado, this can only mean one thing: The Red Rocks summer concert series shall soon begin. Like each year, there will be dozens of acts performed all through the summer months, and unless you decide to repurpose your tuition money, you probably won’t be able to make it out for all of them. With this in mind, here’s a smattering of a few events that are likely to be well worth the price of admission:

Vampire Weekend / Of Monsters and Men – Monday, May 2
Sold out? Yes.
Current going price on Craigslist? $75-$100.

One of the season’s earliest lineups also happens to be one of its most solid. In support of its upcoming and much-anticipated third record Modern Vampires of the City (set to drop on May 14), East Coast indie champions Vampire Weekend are set to roll into Morrison with one of Iceland’s most promising new emerging artists, Of Monsters and Men, in tow. As I happily know from experience, both of these groups put on absolutely fantastic live shows, and the idea of seeing them together on a warm May night is almost irresistible. Unfortunately, because the show sold out rather quickly, you’ll have to have to buy tickets second-hand, but if you’re going to break the bank, this is the show to do it for.

The Postal Service – Thursday, May 30
Sold out? No.
Starting price on Ticketmaster? $47.65 with fees.

In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the group’s smash-hit debut album, Give Up, everyone’s favorite indie-pop crossover will hit Red Rocks at the end of May. While Give Up’s timeless success almost makes this show worth it for nostalgia alone, initial reviews of the band’s live performances (which feature background vocalists Jenny Lewis and Laura Burhenn) have been glowing. So travel back to 2003, grab yourself a ticket and be ready to enjoy what will surely be a fantastic and much-needed study break.

Global Dance Festival – Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21
Sold out? No.
Starting price on Ticketmaster? $55.90 per night with fees.

For those who like their electronic with a little more oomph, you might wanna consider the visceral Global Dance Festival, always a wonderful mix of great electro and sheer spectacle. While the full lineup has yet to be announced, headliners will include local electronic duo EOTO and Oakland-born fusion group Beats Antique on Friday, Savoy and Sander Van Doorn on Saturday and experimental group MiMoSA rounding out the festival on Sunday. Tickets are still widely available, so if you’re looking to have a sweaty night of electronic delinquency, consider this year’s Global Dance Festival.

A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor – Thursday, July 18
Sold out? No.
Starting price on Ticketmaster? $45.65 with fees.

And for something completely different—the night before the drunken and drug-infused mayhem of Global Dance is set to begin, the classic face-for-radio Garrison Keillor will be coming out to Red Rocks for a live recording of his Americana-inspired NPR variety show, “A Prairie Home Companion.” While it’s certainly a different cup of tea from some of the other acts on this list, attendees are sure to be in for a friendly and enjoyable night of storytelling, folk music and comedy. Definitely one to bring the parents to.

fun. / Tegan and Sara – Wednesday, August 21 & Thursday, August 22
Sold out? Yes.
Going price on Craigslist? $60-$100.

Another solid headliner-opener combo, another sold-out show. While this is another one that might clean out your wallet, it’s definitely one to consider if you’re a fan of light-hearted indie pop, fun. is sure to put on a rousing and soaring performance, while indie darlings Tegan and Sara are always a nice way to start a night off. Expect lots of lights and lots of singing along.

The National / Local Natives – Tuesday, September 17
Sold out? No.
Starting price on Ticketmaster? $50.70.

One of the final shows of Red Rocks’ summer concert series might very well be its best. On the heels of its new record, the depressive baritone post-punkers of The National are paying us Coloradans a visit, and are sure to put on a fantastic performance. Perhaps even more exciting is the return of Local Natives, who released a truly gorgeous sophomore record earlier this year and last came to Colorado in support of a little-known band called the Arcade Fire — they sure can pick ‘em. If you’re looking to see a fantastic duo but don’t want to break out an extra $50 for scalpers, this is the show to do it. Best of all, the show’s so late in the season that any out-of-state friends you might have will be well available (and it’s not like anyone has any actual homework that early in the quarter).