Lights, camera, fashion! The countdown to the largest indie music, fashion, art, and design festival in Sacramento is officially under way.

Launch 2012 is a weeklong celebration of the overlaps and influences of art, music, fashion, architecture and design festival in Sacramento that showcases local, national and international artists.

Launch originally appeared as a one-day collective of the arts under one roof, but 2012 marks the first year Launch becomes a multi-day cultural extravaganza.

Event coordinator and Launch founder, Michael Hargis,  used Launch to showcase his intrigue and passion for art and architecture along with his love for Sacramento.

After experiencing South by Southwest, a weeklong fashion and music festival the Treasure Island Music Festival, a weekend of indie music in the bay area, and Coachella, a three-day music festival, Hargis said he wanted something similar for the city of Sacramento. So, he set out to make his vision a reality.

“With all the different principles we’re showcasing, it’s hard to do it all in one night,” Hargis said. “Doing it in the span of days gives a chance for all the individual principles and individual designers to be the heroes showcased on those days.”

According to Hargis, planning for Launch 2012 started about a year ago and involved the collaboration of more than 20 people among multiple agencies.

“Wednesday and Saturday will probably be the two biggest events people-wise,”Hargis said, “but the best for the city are the Friday and Saturday event.”

This year, Launch will include music guests Chromeo and DJ Shadow, local fashion designers Miss Velvet Cream and Lindsay Rickman, and art from multiple local artists.

As a way to give back to the city, Hargis said there are multiple opportunities for people to enjoy free events throughout the week.

“We’re trying to give a lot away to the city to show our love,” Hargis said.

Clay Nutting, co-producer/co-coordinator of Launch 2012, said this year’s launch includes more music and more events than previous years of the festival. Nutting said the goal of Launch has always been to put local talent on display the way it hasn’t been done in Sacramento.

“We have a lot of creative talent here in Sacramento,” Nutting said. “We wanted to showcase our talent here over multiple days focusing on different aspects of art.”

Here is a rundown of Launch 2012 events:

Monday, July 23, at 6 p.m.  Hot Italian, 1627 16th Street, will be transformed by  Model Citizens NYC will be displaying the work of local, regional and international designers of furniture. This is one of the many free events offered by Launch.

Tuesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. for $6-$10 at Bows and Arrows, 1815 19th Street, the audience will be shown several short films accompanied by the live music of local musicians. Also on Tuesday at 9 p.m, at Dive Bar, 1016 K Street,  Le Twist will be offering a free  show of eclectic music playing everything from the ‘60s to today’s hits.

Wednesday, July 25, at 5 p.m. is a preview of the musical festival on Saturday. Launch architects are transforming the front of the MARRS building in Midtown, 1050 20th Street,  to create a backdrop for local independent musicians to perform. Also on Wednesday, at 8:30 p.m. for a $10 cover, King Tuff, Jaill, and The Coathangers will perform at Harlow’s, 2708 J Street.

Thursday, July 26, for $10-$17 cover fees, designers will face off at 6:30 at Ace of Spades,1417 R Street,  in a round-robin design competition in front of an audience to win accolades and prizes.

Friday, July 27, at 7 p.m. is the Launch international fashion show at the Historic Landmark Building at 1011 10th Street. The audience will enjoy designers from “Project Runway,” Alexander McQueen, and Dubai designer Furne One. Cover fees are $40-$65 due to limited space.

Saturday, July 28, is the Launch Music Festival at 11 a.m at Cesar Chavez Plaza. For a $30-$45 cover fee, the audience will enjoy Chromeo, DJ Shadow, GroupLove, The Joy Formidable, and many more artists along with local designer fashion shows, and art.

“We do it because we love this,” Hargis said. “We’re not some big promotion company. We’re fans ourselves.”

For more information on Launch 2012, check out the Launch 2012 website or the Facebook page.