Ferry Corsten is just one of several world-class DJs rocking the Global Dance Festival this weekend at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

The hills are alive in Denver this weekend. The big-ticket Mile High Music Festival sets up camp for two days in Commerce City, but that’s not the only gig in town. For the club crowd, the place to be is the Global Dance Festival on Saturday at Red Rocks. With nearly 20 DJs on two stages, and about 10,000 happy beat-freaks sandwiched between the rocks, it’s a full night — and morning — of celebrating Colorado’s electronic-music scene.

Still, even Ha Hau — one of the dance festival’s producers, with Triad Dragons Entertainment — was a little nervous about clashing with the Mile High fest. “At first, with the magnitude of acts they were doing, we were assuming there’d be some kind of conflict,â€? Hau said. “For the size of our event, I’m sure it hurts a little a bit.â€?

Nonetheless, Hau is expecting another sellout crowd this year — and soon. “It’s going to be a sold-out event no matter what,� he said. “We’ve sold more tickets this year than last year at this time, at a faster rate.� Return ravers will know what to expect from this year’s dance festival. Hau said they haven’t messed around much with their original formula. What he’s most excited about is the music, of course.

“We’ve never had before, and he’s one of the top DJs on the planet,� said Hau of this year’s headliner. “And we have one of the hottest producers out there right now, Deadmau5. He’s a young star and he’s never played here in Colorado. … All his tracks are just incredible.�

Other big names on the main stage include JunkieXL, Steve Smooth and Dieselboy with J Messinian. The second stage features tons of local talent from all over the electronic-music spectrum.

Tickets may be scarce, but don’t be deterred just yet. Visit ticketmaster.com to check for $65 general-admission tickets. If they’re out, Hau says there are plenty of $300 VIP packages still available. Raid that savings account if you must.

The GDF starts at 5 p.m. Saturday and rages until 1 a.m. Sunday. The unlucky souls who miss the show at Red Rocks can party for the festival. Friday at The Church (1160 Lincoln St.) is the official GDF Preparty with San Diego’s Jon Bishop and local DJs including Kostas, Hycloud and Dragon vs. Trajikk. The cover for the 18-and-up party ranges from $10 to $15, though ladies 21 and older get in free.

Then, after the GDF, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, the up-all-nighters can keep rocking at the official after-party. Starting at midnight, four stages’ worth of DJs will spin until 6 a.m. at City Hall Events Center and Two A.M. (1144 Broadway). Monday is going to be rough.

– CANDYLAND –

Got a sweet tooth? Addicted to sugar? Martini Ranch (1317 14th St.) is your best bet. Tonight’s “Candy� party is a tribute to all that is colorful and bad for your teeth.

Absolut martinis and candy-inspired shots are $5 all night. Bubbly Moet et Chandon champagne is offered in a two-for-one special. There’s also a bottle-service special of $160 Grey Goose vodka or Crown Royal whiskey. With all the mixers included, you can make your drink as sweet as you like. Just be sure to keep your next dentist appointment.

– Kathleen St. John

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