Rockin' through 2016: A preview of Chicago, suburban music fests

One of the great things about living in the Chicago area is access to a variety of music festivals. With national events such as Lollapalooza and more regional ones such as Blues on the Fox happening right in our collective backyard, we will never lack opportunities to see world-class live music.

As you begin your planning for 2016, here is a handy guide to the major local festivals - when they're happening, what kind of music they specialize in and more. In most cases, the acts have not yet been announced.

Enjoy!

Tomorrow Never Knows

<b>Dates:</b> Jan. 13-17

<b>Location:</b> Multiple venues in Chicago, including Metro, Schuba's Tavern and Lincoln Hall

<b>What it's known for:</b> A mix of rising and established indie-rock acts.

<b>This year's lineup:</b> Includes Wild Belle, San Fermin, The Go! Team

<b>Tickets:</b> On sale now. Price varies by show and venue. Go to tnkfest.com.

Blues on the Fox

<b>Dates:</b> June 17-18 (20th anniversary celebration)

<b>Location:</b> RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora

<b>What it's known for:</b> Top-shelf blues acts from Chicago and beyond

<b>Past headliners:</b> Mavis Staples, North Mississippi Allstars, Joe Louis Walker, Jimmie Vaughan

<b>Tickets:</b> On sale soon. Go to riveredgeaurora.com.

Pitchfork Music Festival

<b>Dates:</b> Not yet announced, usually held during three days in mid-July

<b>Location:</b> Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago

<b>What it's known for:</b> Contemporary indie and hip-hop acts

<b>Past headliners:</b> Run the Jewels, the Breeders, Sleater-Kinney, Superchunk, Pavement

<b>Tickets:</b> Weekend passes and single-day tickets on sale soon; last year, passes cost $180 and single-day tickets were $65. Go to pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

Vans Warped Tour

<b>Dates:</b> July 23

<b>Location:</b> Not yet announced; held at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park last year (when it was known as the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre)

<b>What it's known for:</b> Young pop-punk and ska bands

<b>Past headliners:</b> BoyMeetsWorld, Knuckle Puck, Less Than Jake, Youth in Revolt

<b>Tickets:</b> On sale in March; started at $39.50 last year, go to vanswarpedtour.com.

Country Thunder

<b>Dates:</b> July 21-24

<b>Location:</b> Country Thunder East, 2305 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

<b>What it's known for:</b> A mix of rising and established country acts

<b>This year's lineup:</b> Includes Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line

<b>Tickets:</b> Four-day passes on sale now for $160, single-day tickets on sale soon. Go to wisconsin.countrythunder.com.

Lollapalooza

<b>Dates:</b> July 28-31

<b>Location:</b> Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago

<b>What it's known for:</b> Big mainstream headliners and up-and-coming bands

<b>Past headliners:</b> Paul McCartney, the Cure, Eminem, Metallica, Mumford & Sons

<b>Tickets:</b> On sale in the spring; four-day passes will be $335, single-day tickets $120. Go to lollapalooza.com.

North Coast Music Festival

<b>Dates:</b> Sept. 2-4

<b>Location:</b> Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago

<b>What it's known for:</b> Contemporary electronic, rock and hip-hop acts

<b>Past headliners:</b> The Chemical Brothers, the Roots, Twin Shadow, De La Soul

<b>Tickets:</b> Limited three-day passes on sale now for $99. Single-day tickets on sale soon. Go to northcoastfestival.com.

Riot Fest

<b>Dates:</b> Sept. 16-18

<b>Location:</b> Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento, Chicago

<b>What it's known for:</b> Punk, hard rock and hip-hop acts

<b>Past headliners:</b> The Replacements, Iggy Pop, Snoop Dogg, Rise Against

<b>Tickets:</b> Early-bird three-day passes on sale now for $139.98. Go to riotfest.org.