Golden Sound Fest has always been awesome. It's a grassroots music festival that punches well above its weight. Our quiet little mountain town has had the pleasure of hosting this event since the summer of 2013 and it brings in some seriously talented acts with bigger names than you'd think we should have here.

Largely it's because of the guys who've given this event life since the beginning know a thing or two about great bands and have the connections to bring them to us. But let's not forget about one of the most important aspects of a festival experience - the atmosphere.

The easy-going vibes of the community of  Golden sets the tone. There simply ain't no hustle-bustle here. The festival itself always delivers with high-caliber acts and amazingly fun performances, and yet it simultaneously always has a relaxed, welcoming feel to it.

The Golden Sound festival has seen a variety of venues but this year it has expanded to feature its main event as an all-ages, family-friendly outdoor event at Keith King ball fields, which in my opinion is the coolest feature about this year's event

The gates of the main event open at 11 am on Saturday, with music starting at 12 noon and going until 10 pm, did I mention it's family-friendly?!? Kids 12 and under attend for free with an accompanying adult! I'm personally very excited that my friends-with-children have the opportunity to experience the amazing line-up of acts this year without having to worry about finding a babysitter. Tell your kids, tell your wife, it's going to be a good time for everyone!

A variety of food and drink vendors, local artisans, a beer garden, secure bike parking, shuttle service to town, views of the mountains, adjacent playground and walking/biking trails that connect to town makes for a comfortable, fun and safe experience for everyone who attends.

When the outdoor music ends at 10 pm on Saturday it's time to start your migration to downtown Golden where there will be more music ready for you at the Rockwater and Riverhouse! Sorry for yelling. I think I'm just excited about getting to see 16 bands for a super affordable price.

Speaking of great value - you are going to be blown away by the music. This festival doesn't do "filler", every acts is guaranteed to be a good time. If you don't feel like tapping your toes, swaying your hips or straight-up dancing to the blues-y offerings when the Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer take the stage, you might wanna check your pulse. The Wooden Sky is a seriously great live band, I cannot wait to hear their tunes fill the mountain air. Don't forget to grab your best buds and kids-at-heart and let loose when the Honey Tongues set up on stage, that gang is some straight-up fun. This is just 3 or the 16 acts, plus everybody's favourite Ricky Diamonds will be our gracious host for the day!

Tickets are available online at goldensoundfestival.com or in person at Darkside in Golden. Full festival passes are $50 in advance or $60 at the gate. An evening pass (valid for entry to the Rockwater & Riverhouse; Friday and Saturday night) is available for $20. A daytime pass for the outdoor venue at Keith King Memorial Park is $40. For more info, full lineup and a complete schedule visit www.goldensoundfestival.com

See you there!