Whether you’re a die-hard indie fan, an EDM head, or just looking to spend a weekend covered in glitter and mud, 2016 is shaping up to be a legendary year for live music. From desert reunions to massive anniversary bashes, the global festival circuit is more stacked than ever.
If you’re planning your travel calendar, these are the five music festivals you absolutely shouldn’t miss in 2016.
1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Where: Indio, California, USA
When: April 15–17 & April 22–24
Coachella isn’t just a festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon. This year, the desert is buzzing for two major reasons: the long-awaited reunion of Guns N’ Roses (with Slash and Duff!) and the return of dance-punk icons LCD Soundsystem.
Why go: Beyond the headliners, 2016 marks the first time a DJ takes a primary headline slot, with Calvin Harris set to close out Sunday night. Throw in the iconic Ferris wheel, high-fashion street style, and surprise guest appearances, and you have the definitive start to the festival season.
2. Glastonbury Festival
Where: Pilton, Somerset, UK
When: June 22–26
Glastonbury remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the UK music scene. 2016 features a lineup that spans generations, with Coldplay, Muse, and the record-breaking Adele headlining the Pyramid Stage.
Why go: Glastonbury is more than just the music—it’s a city that rises out of the mud for five days. Even if it rains (and let’s be honest, it probably will), the atmosphere in the Green Fields or the late-night chaos of Block9 is something every music fan needs to experience at least once.
3. Tomorrowland
Where: Boom, Belgium
When: July 22–24
If your heart beats at 128 BPM, Belgium is your mecca this July. This year’s theme, “The Elixir of Life,” promises to transform the festival grounds into a mystical, botanical wonderland.
Why go: Tomorrowland is famous for the most elaborate stage designs in the world. 2016 features a B2B set from Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz that is already the talk of the electronic community. It’s an immersive, international fairy tale that truly has to be seen to be believed.
4. Lollapalooza: The 25th Anniversary
Where: Grant Park, Chicago, USA
When: July 28–31
To celebrate its quarter-century milestone, Lollapalooza is expanding to a four-day format for the first time. The lineup is a massive tribute to the festival’s alternative roots and its modern evolution, featuring Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lana Del Rey.
Why go: It’s a 25th-birthday bash in the heart of the Chicago skyline. With over 170 artists across eight stages, the sheer scale of the anniversary celebration makes this the must-attend North American event of the summer.
5. Primavera Sound
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: June 1–5
For those who prefer a more curated, “tastemaker” vibe, Primavera Sound is the gold standard. Located right on the Mediterranean coast at Parc del Fòrum, the 2016 roster is a dream for indie and alternative lovers, featuring Radiohead, PJ Harvey, and Tame Impala.
Why go: Unlike many festivals that require camping in the dirt, Primavera lets you enjoy world-class music by night and the beautiful city of Barcelona by day. Plus, seeing Radiohead perform songs from A Moon Shaped Pool with the sea breeze in your hair? Unbeatable.
Pro Tip: Tickets for these are moving fast (or already sold out on the primary market), so keep an eye on official fan-to-fan exchanges if you’re looking to snag a last-minute pass!