The warmer part of the year is upon the northern hemisphere and that means many things. Of them include the start of music festival season. And since there are more festivals than one can keep track of, we've gone ahead and compiled some of the biggest and best that 2016 has in store. You can plan your festival itinerary through most of May below by seeing where, when, and who's performing at each. They are ordered by date, starting with the most recent. We'll have Part 2 ready for you next Monday. You should also note that TomorrowWorld in Georgia has been canceled this year due to financial issues with the parents company SFX Entertainment. Tomorrowland will continue as scheduled in Belgium and Brasil.
Tell us in the comments below which festivals and acts you're most excited to see!
SXSW
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 15-20
Who: Future, Santigold, Jamie XX, Anderson Paak, French Montana, Daedalus, and many more.
What started out as an outlet for new artists to get on a big stage for the media world and their fans, SXSW has grown to one of the largest and most anticipated events of the year. It's 10 days of the most forward thinking music, technology, and film.
Ultimate Music Experience
Where: South Padre Island, TX
When: March 16-19
Who: DJ Snake, Kaskade, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Porter Robinson, and many more.
UME is dedicated to covering all the subgenres of Dance music. And with some of the biggest DJs booked for four days on an island, this festival is sure to make some serious noise.
Ultra
Where: Miami, FL
When: March 18-20
Who: Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, Hardwell, The Prodigy, Purity Ring, Armin Van Buuren, Yellow Claw, Chainsmokers, and many more. You can view the full lineup HERE.
Hyped as one of the biggest Dance music festivals in the states, Ultra has only stepped up its game every year. Be sure to look over the lineups beforehand to plan out your days in the sunny city of Miami. And bring sun block lotion!
Euphoria
Where: Austin, TX
When: April 7-10
Who: Dillon Francis, STS9, Juicy J, Bassnectar, Eric Prydz, Waka Flocka, Grizzly, and more.
This camping themed festival is jam packed with Hip-Hop, Dance, Rock, and everything in between. If you get tired, just head over to the Yoga tent and stretch out for a little bit.
Minus Zero
Where: Winter Park Resort, CO; Stratton Mountain, VT
When: April 2-3; April 9-10
Who: Deadmau5, Kaskade, Gorgon City, Diplo, Lunice, and more.
This unique festival incorporates winter sports with music. Attendees are encourage to wear their snow gear as they take the ski lifts and enjoy some of the best Dance music around, across three resorts.
Coachella
Where: Indio, CA
When: April 15-17, 22-24
Who: LCD Soundsystem, Jack U, Disclosure, Zedd, A$AP Rocky, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, and many more. You can view the full lineup HERE.
Since expanding to two weekends, Coachella has drawn a large crowd out in the desert for a fully immersive experience. Be sure to check out all of the art that will be around when you can't stand all of the hipsters at the stages.
Tomorrowland Brasil
Where: Itu, Parque Maeda
When: April 21-23
Who: Armin van Buuren, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Axwell & Ingrosso, and many more. You can view the full lineup HERE.
It's only right that Tomorrowland expanded into one of the biggest consumers of Dance music. They also have one of the best steakhouses, Rancho da Picanha, on site for hungry fans.
FORM
Where: Acrosanti, AZ
When: May 13-15
Who: Skrillex, Bonobo, Four Tet, Ryan Hemsworth, and more.
Taking place in the deserts of Arizona, FORM is a meeting place for music lovers, technology geeks, and artists. It's free to attend after applying or you can become a patron, which allows your donation to go towards funding the interactive festival. This man made city is a sight to see.
EDC New York
Where: Citi Field, NY
When: May 14-15
Who: Adventure Club, Afrojack, Dada Life, David Guetta, TJR, DJ Snake, Zedd, Oliver Heldens, and more.
EDC is focused on giving the people something to do other than just see their favorite acts perform. Each city features some kind of mix of technology with an element of nature--fire, air, water, earth. Be prepared for carnival rides, art, performances, and more.
Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 20-22
Who: Calvin Harris, The Weeknd, Flume, Chainsmokers, 3lau, Big Grams, Bro Safari, and more.
Probably one of the chillest festivals around, Hangout is meant for you to just bro out with your friends on the beach with some great tunes. There is a craft beer backyard, hammocks, a wedding chapel, art, carnival rides, and tons of seafood.
Sasquatch
Where: Quincy, WA
When: May 27-30
Who: Disclosure, Major Lazer, Caribou, Jamie XX, Baauer, M83, and more.
With Live Nation supporting, Sasquatch takes place in remote Washington state. The picturesque setting in The Gorge has earned the festival several awards and even more Instagram worthy moments.
Movement
Where: Detroit, MI
When: May 28-30
Who: Kraftwerk, Boys Noize, Richie Hawtin, Claude Vonstroke, and more.
Detroit has become the beloved home of Dance music over the years so it's only right that they continue to host Movement. There will be areas to showcase new DJ and production equipment/software as well as art installations.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
