Lightning In a Bottle's 2016 Lineup Is Finally Here, and It's Delightfully Eclectic

Article by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarus

Wed January 20, 2016 | 00:00 AM


Eleven years into their festival ballgame, The Do LaB's Lightning In a Bottle has become one of the most anticipated events of any self-respecting festie's summertime shenanigans. Since last year's first-ever sold-out LIB, organizers have been teasing us with sweet memories of our 2015 experience and promises of an even better 2016, thanks to the fest's dreamy aftermovie, and its just-released news of an entire first day without music.

Today, The Do Lab dropped the biggest bombshell with its 2016 lineup for the May 25-30 event, which showcases a delightfully eclectic array of performers and hints at yet another sold-out LIB in 2016. You've got powerhouse names like Grimes, Jamie XX, Chet Faker, Four Tet, and Cashmere Cat rounding out the more well-known headliners, and other fantastic, up-and-coming acts like The Polish Ambassador, Ibeyi, Big Gigantic, TOKiMONSTA, Guy Gerber, Moderat, Emancipator Ensemble, and more rounding out the fine print. 

"As always with our lineup, we're trying to branch out as much as possible and bring new and exciting artists into our world, while at the same time staying true to our roots and making sure our longtime fans are happy," says Do LaB cofounder Jesse Flemming. "It's always a challenge, but we're pretty excited about this year's offering."

From experimental to world-class house to art pop, there's truly something to which everyone can get down. 

Lightning In A Bottle 2016 Lineup

Photo by: The Do LaB

This year also sees more female acts on the lineup than ever before, including 2016 performances from Alina Baraz, Marian Hill, Hundred Waters, Mija, Rubblebucket, Magda, the aforementioned Ibeyi and TOKiMONSTA, and Francesca Lombardo, in addition to headliner Grimes. We've always loved the strong female presence at LIB – thanks in part to cofounder Dream Rockwell – and love even more that the 2016 lineup reflects that.

Following the explosive success of LIB's 2015 event, anyone yearning to attend this year should grab tickets now – especially seeing as how the fest is already halfway sold-out. 

"Selling out in 2015 was a pretty amazing experience for us and all the signs are pointing to an even earlier sellout in 2016," says Flemming. "But we're mostly focusing on improving the attendee experience. We've already added more shade, ground cover and bridges. Now we're focusing on creating more interactive experiences to get lost in when you're not taking in the music shows."

From all the large-scale, Burning Man-inspired art to the handy foot bridges (who else remembers before these existed?!), immersive environments and much-needed chill zones, LIB is always upping its reputation as a major player in the U.S. festival scene.

"We just keep our heads down and keep evolving and pushing forward," continues Flemming. "A lot of festivals are now introducing ideas that are clearly inspired by the work we've been doing, so we're trying to stay ahead and keep coming up with new and exciting ideas."

Is it May yet?