A multi venue music festival? Mostly free? With a retro theme? Enter Arcade Music festival. This mixes SXSW with a bit of their visual counterpart across the river, Blink. The Arcade tunnel is the centerpiece; picture a stage not at the end of a tunnel, but in the middle. An immersive experience where everyone is a part of the art. The audience are not merely fans but participants.

The rest of the festival is in a multi venue, SXSW style format. Light installations will not be limited to the tunnel. There is an entry fee for the tunnel. The rest of the festival is free. The other venues include Second Story, Revival Vintage Spirits, Madison Live, Old Towne Tavern, Glass Monkey, Galaxie, West 6th, and Ripple Wine Bar.

The two day festival takes place this Friday and Saturday August 8-9th in Covington, KY.

There are over 40 artists and there are many we want to check out, but below are some we think are worth seeing that immediately jumped out from the lineup:

Coastal Club

The alternative pop-rock collective blends synthpop with in your face rock. It’s all meant to make you dance and think, but not do the latter too much (overthinkers, rejoice!). Coastal Club appears at 10pm on the Arcade Tunnel mainstage on Friday.

Silvis

Silvis is one of the leading names out of the current indie rock movement in Columbus. They separate themselves from the crowd by carving out their own lane of polished grooves and memorable hooks, with shimmering production. Silvis appears Saturday at 8pm on the Second Story stage.

Moony

This Nashville based artist is trailblazing with gritty synthpop, with industrial and glam influences. Some may compare his image to Bowie or Gaga. Moony comes into the territory of difficult topics aggressively and without apology. If you feel uncomfortable – good. But the goal is for you to have fun along the way. Moony appears Friday at 8pm on the Second Story stage.

Trauma Illinois

This band is pure rock and roll with a punk spirit. This is the Ramones and AC/DC with a modern twist. If you’re looking for a band in the Tuned Up universe to compare them to – Carver Commodore is a good one. Trauma Illinois is loud and unapologetic. The band appears Friday at 9pm on the Arcade Tunnel mainstage.

Forealism

A father son duo. Surreal outfits. Infectious bass music. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Abby Vice

This artist performs piano driven trip hop, resulting in a sweeping soundscape that’s equally suitable for zoning out or dancing your heart out. She performs on Saturday at 9:30 on the Ripple Street stage.