Here's Your 2016 Music Festival Guide

We break down which U.S. music festivals you should spend your hard-earned money on.

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Complex Original

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As the popularity of music festivals continue to rise each year, according to Eventbrite one in every five millennial attends at least one every year, more and more festivals are starting to pop up all across the world. We're here to shine a spotlight on the local ones worth spending your hard-earned money on. Or your parents hard earned money.

South by Southwest is more than just a music festival, it's an experience with film and interactive portions that brings people from all over the country together to learn, listen, and eat BBQ. This year music acts like Anderson .Paak, Tory Lanes, and Vince Staples are set to perform with many other surprise special guests. Plus, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle will be delivering keynotes this year too so get your tickets quick before it sells out. 

​You likely already know everything there is to know about Coachella. From Madonna's uncomfortable make-out session with Drake, to Tupac's hologram performing on stage to big name surprise performances by acts like Kanye West and Beyoncé, Coachella really needs no introduction. This year acts like Calvin Harris, LCD Soundsystem, A$SAP Rocky and Ice Cube will take over the desert but people don't just go to Coachella for the music, they go for the people watching. Whether it's Justin Bieber getting kicked out by security or the end of the Jenner girls' friendship with Selena Gomez, it's a who's who of Hollywood all in one place. 

Governor's Ball Festival held on Randall's Island in New York City is quickly becoming a go-to festival since launching back in 2011. With former acts like Kid Cudi, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer and The Black Keys, there is something for everyone. This year's line-up is being led by headliner Kanye West while other acts like Jamie XX, Action Bronson, Beck and many others hit the stages. 

While initially the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival sprung up with a focus on jam bands and folk rock, it's quickly becoming known for much more. From acts like Kanye West to Kendrick Lamar to Jay Z, it's now a must-stop on the music festival circuit. This year stand outs like J. Cole and Tame Impala will take over the main stages while people party and dance the weekend away.

The 1st annual Panorama festival hits Randall Island's Park this summer. Being touted as the "east coast Coachella," Panorama is coming out the gate strong with headliners like Arcade Fire, Kendrick Lamar, and LCD Soundsystem. If it's anything like its sister festival Coachella, this will be a sure-fire win for New York City.

The popularity of Lollapalooza has increased so much that is it now global with festivals in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Germany, and Colombia. For our purposes, we'll focus on the OG location: Chicago. A line-up has yet to be announced but that hasn't stopped fans from speculating who will perform based off the performers scheduled in other countries. Radiohead, Disclosure, and Kanye West are among the names being thrown around so keep your ears open for a confirmation in the coming months. 

Other festivals to keep in mind are Outside Lands in San Francisco in early August and the only festival we're spotlighting outside of the U.S.: OVO Fest in July. Neither festival has released a line-up at this time but rest assured, if you don't want to have major fomo while scrolling through your timelines, these are ones to keep your eyes on. Stay safe out there kids. 

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