With astronomical gas prices and even higher airline tickets costs, many Americans are scaling back their vacations this year. But with the 7th Annual Dfest Conference and Music Festival July 25-26, Oklahomans don’t have to stray far to catch all the fun of a festival, but without the high prices.

According to AAA, the national average shows gas prices have increased nearly 19 percent from last summer, and in Oklahoma alone, gas prices are at a record high. However, an annual AAA survey showed Tulsa is the least expensive city to stay during a vacation out of the 49 large U.S. cities surveyed.

“Tulsa’s Dfest has all the fun of a summer vacation — culture, music, food and fun, but hardly costs a thing. So why not go on a staycation this year instead of a vacation?” said Davit Souders, Dfest Head Talent Buyer and Production Coordinator.

Dfest boasts the cheapest festival prices when compared to the top festivals in the nation.

“To see some of our headliners at other local venues could cost you anywhere from $25 to $200, and other major festivals in the nation can cost more than $500, not including gas,” said Angie Devore-Green, Dfest Co-Founder. “Dfest is an amazing festival, but is accessible to regular folks. It’s a world-class music experience for less than half the price, and you can even ride your bike to the festival grounds.”

Most vacations require lodging and frequent gas tank refills. With Dfest, filling up your tank will cost more than the festival, Devore said.

According to AAA 2007 Gas Watcher’s Guide, the average American gets 24.4 miles per gallon, with average gas prices running $3.91 per gallon. Here’s how Dfest stacks up to other nationally renowned festivals for Tulsa:

About DFEST

The seventh annual Dfest is the Midwest’s largest music festival and most comprehensive music conference. Featuring 11 stages in downtown Tulsa’s Blue Dome District July 25-26, Dfest will feature renowned national acts, including The All-American Rejects, The Roots, The Disco Biscuits, Clutch, Paramore, Zappa Plays Zappa, Ghostland Observatory, moe., Helmet, Phantom Planet, Edison Glass, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, AM, Ty England, Ravi, The Apples In Stereo, Joshua James and Cory Chisel. In addition, Dfest will feature 130 unsigned artists and more than 40 conference panelists. More than 60,000 music enthusiasts are expected to attend the two-day event that highlights more than 20 musical genres. Tickets are on sale now at www.okctickets.com and www.dfest.com.

Dfest, Oklahoma’s largest music festival, on Wenesday announced the first list of confirmed headlining acts and bands for their seventh appearance here in Tulsa. The Dfest festivities take place July 25-26 in the Blue Dome District of downtown Tulsa. The historic district is lined with local supported drinking holes and locations to sit and relax while listening to some groovy tunes.

Dfest weekend in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma is going to be sick! An estimated 150 bands will perform this year during the two day festival, organizers said. The festival also has a keynote presentation given by Martin Atkins, author of the indie rock gospel bible, “Tour Smart and Break the Band. Atkins also known for his work in post-modern-punk and industrial artists: Public Image Ltd., Killing Joke, and Pigface.

Even if you decide to miss the conference speaker; don’t miss the music! Be sure to visit OKCTickets.com for advanced purchase information and a special discount for ordering early. If you purchase your tickets online, use discount coupon code: okctix to save an additional $5.00 off ticket prices. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door; and of course — gets you admission for both days of the festival.

Who’s playing?

This year’s lineup consists of some great local and national acts! If we hear of any additional acts or headlining artists playing — we will keep you up to date. This is what we know so far.

• Paramore
• Ghostland Observatory
• Zappa Plays Zappa
• Helmet
• The Disco Biscuits
• Edison Glass

As far as regional and local bands performing at Dfest, there are a ton. However, this list is only partial and there will be more bands announced in the next coming weeks. So check back often to see who’s added.

• 40engine
• Adam’s Attic
• Admiral Twin
• Animate Objects
• Annie Minogue
• Astellaway
• Before Dawn
• Blake O.
• Callupsie
• Cat-a-tac
• Cavedoll
• Cheyenne
• Colourmusic
• Congress of a Crow
• Crocodile
• El Paso Hot Button
• Gentlemen Auction House
• Ghosts
• Glister
• Greg Summerlin
• Hush Hush Commotion
• Jesse Aycock
• Leopold and his Fiction
• Love In October
• Mama Sweet
• Matt Stansberry Band
• Maxtone Four
• Motive For Movement
• PDA
• People Noise
• Ravi
• Red Dirt Rangers
• Ruthie Bram
• Ryan Lindsey
• Sam and The Stylees
• Scott Goldman
• Sir Threadius Mongus
• Sleeperstar
• Slorder
• Soulfege
• Sparky Quano
• Stars Go Dim
• Stop Revolt!
• Taddy Porter
• The Abdomen
• The Boxing Lesson
• The Compulsions
• The Effects
• The Feed
• The Forms
• The Randies
• The Starkweather Boys
• The Uglysuit
• Unwed Sailor

If we have missed any of the headliners or bands that should be listed; please let us know! We want to make sure we stay on top of Dfest this year — so we could use all the support available in making sure we are up to date.