As the New Year approaches, I can’t help but admit that one of the first things that comes to my mind is the fact that the music festival season is approaching.
I know I’m not the only one that doesn't want to miss these amazing weekends, full of the casual artist holograms, shoving things down our shorts to pass security, finding some random guy's shoulders to get on top of for a better view, and oh ya, of course, the music.
While (unfortunately) most of these are still on my bucket-list, here is what I believe is the perfect music festival guide for 2016.
1. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (Coachella Valley, Calif.)
April 15-17, April 22-24, 2016
I know you’ll read this and think: of course, some white girl from LA is recommending Coachella. However, all crop tops, flower headbands, and teenage girl stereotypes aside, Coachella is not a festival to miss.
Hundreds of performers from all different genres with palm trees and ferris wheels to color the scene.
2. Stagecoach (Coachella Valley, Calif.)
April 29-May 1, 2016
Where all the country lovin’ folk gather at the same venue as Coachella. Lineup released soon.
3. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, La.)
April 22-May 1, 2016
What’s better than a jazz music festival in the birthplace of jazz itself?
Hundreds of jazz artists, craft makers, and traditional New Orleans food vendors gather in the Big Easy.
4. Sunfest (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
April 27-May 1, 2016
Florida’s largest waterfront music festival.
5. Hangout (Gulf Shores, Ala.)
May 20-22, 2016
Combination of a beach vacation and a music festival. The name is the epitome of the experience you are expected to have.
6. Sasquatch! (George, Wash.)
May 27-30, 2016
Artists of different genres and comedy acts in a intergalactic campground.
7. EDC (New York, N.Y.) (Las Vegas, Nev.)
New York: May 14-15, 2016
Las Vegas: June 17-19, 2016
Starting at 7 p.m. and going to 5:30 a.m., EDC's crazy atmosphere will definitely be able to keep you awake.
8. Sweetlife (Columbia, Md.)
May 30-31, 2016
Powered by the company Sweetgreen, food is a big part of this festival. Last year, you could see artists like Tove Lo, Vance Joy, Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris and The Weeknd. This year’s lineup will be released soon.
9. Governor’s Ball (Manhattan, N.Y.)
June 3-5, 2016
It’s the east coast's version of Coachella. Hundreds of performers of all genres, karaoke booths, lawn games, art installations, bars, and craft tables.
10. Bonnaroo (Manchester, Tenn.)
June 9-12, 2016
You can't walk five feet without someone yelling "Happy Bonaroo!" This festival has such a unique homey atmosphere ironically placed in a psychedelic decorated campground.
11. Firefly (Dover, DE)
June 16-19, 2016
Intimate festival filled with coffee houses, hammock-hangouts and the famous Beercade.
12. Electric Forest (Rothbury, Mich.)
June 23-26, 2016
The name says enough. The campgrounds are a completely unique experience, covered with tree houses, art installations made out of plants and flowers, and a waterpark.
13. Essence (New Orleans, La.)
June 30-July 3, 2016
Predominately R&B and soul music. This festival is a combination of music, motivational speakers and conversations about culture.
14. Newport Jazz Festival (Newport, R.I.)
July 29-31, 2016
Some of the best jazz artists/groups, accompanied by many craft artists and food vendors, gather in Rhode Island.
15. Outside Lands (San Francisco, Calif.)
August 5-7, 2016
Just the taste of the bay area that you need. Mainly alternative and indie music heard while you, not only explore the festival grounds but also Golden State Park.
And that's not it! Part 2 coming out next week!
All photos courtesy of Chaoticbass.com.
