Granted, we don’t have CMJ, but October is still shaping up as one of the best months for live music in Southern California. Last week, the Ooh La La festival satisfied lovers of French music, and next week will see Italian rappers, bands and DJs descend upon L.A. for “Hit Week.” But the largest event is undoubtedly Filter Magazine’s Culture Collide festival, which will feature a slew of international acts.

Over 40 acts from places as diverse as Switzerland, Denmark, Poland, Norway, Australia, and Israel are in town, as the four-day party kicks off tonight. The number of bands is especially impressive, given that all access passes are just $20. Here are three acts we recommend you don’t miss.

Denmark’s The Asteroids Galaxy Tour (pictured top) are probably the band that will surprise people the most. Their party-ready tunes take over the Echoplex on Friday night. (Some of you have likely heard The Asteroids’ “Golden Age,” because it appears in a Wieden + Kennedy-produced Heineken commercial that has been airing worldwide for quite some time now.)

On the same bill Friday is Portugal’s The Gift, who are huge in their native Lisbon and rarely play the States. 

Another must is Saturday night, when Holland’s De Staat, recently nominated for a prestigious Edison award for their stellar album “Machinery, ” take over the Echoplex.