The premier New York summer event for Deadheads and jam band enthusiasts is back. The Circus of the Dead Festival will be returning to Lee’s Campground in Saratoga Springs on June 21 and 22 for a literally jam-packed weekend of performances celebrating the spirit of the Grateful Dead.
2024 marks the second year of Saratoga Springs’ spin on their annual Circus of Life Festival, Circus of the Dead, which stemmed from a visit by Dead and Company in 2023 while they were on their final tour. While the Grateful Dead will sadly not be touring in Saratoga Springs this year, or anywhere for that matter, this year’s festival is still set to deliver an experience for Deadheads of all ages.
Highlights among the bands set to perform include high-octane new-funk electrofusion and dance band Kung Fu, never-before-heard supergroup Uncle Vin’s Band, featuring Vinnie Amico, Nate Wilson, and Al Schnier from moe.., Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits, and Max Verna of The Ominous Seapods. This extraordinary supergroup promises a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration that will blow your mind and leave you craving more. Plus don’t miss genre-bending one-man band Keller Williams, who’s playing a must-see Dead Infusion set. Multiple performances will also include light shows and other visual effects. 16 other bands are billed to play during the densely packed two-day festival.
Beyond the performing artists, a variety of activities and attractions for guests will be available during the weekend. Art installations and workshops, food and merchandise vendors, circus acts and performances and LED walls, lasers and light shows will all be present to enhance everyone’s experience.
General admission tickets cover both days of the weekend and also include the ability to tent or car camp. Tickets for no-camp single days are also available, as well as early arrival and RV passes. General admission tickets are $176.88, and single-day tickets are $74.64.
Full Lineup:
Friday
Dead Stage:
Dr Jah & The Love Prophets – 12:30-1:45 PM
Creamery Station – 2:30-3:45 PM
The Deadbeats – 4:30-6:00 PM
Keller Williams – 6:45-8:15 PM
Kung Fu – 9:00-11:00 PM
Jam Legacy Stage:
What? – 1:15-2:45 PM
Jabbawaukee – 3:15-4:45 PM
Lazy Bird – 5:15-6:45 PM
Residual Groove – 7:30-9:00 PM
Saturday
Dead Stage:
Monkey & The Crowbar – 11:00-12:15 PM
The Brass Machine – 1:00-2:15 PM
The Wheel – 3:00-4:15 PM
Neon Avenue – 4:45-6:00 PM
Leon Trout – 6:45-8:00 PM
Uncle Vin’s Band – 9:00-11:00 PM
Jam Legacy Stage:
Rob Glassman Band – 1:15-2:45 PM
Caylin Costello Band – 3:15-4:45 PM
Guess Method – 5:15-6:45 PM
Kale – 7:30-9:00 PM
More information about the Circus of Life Festival can be found here.
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