The Complete Guide to NYC's Governors Ball

If you’re a fan of music, there’s no better place to be than at NYC’s Governors Ball Music Festival. Held annually on Randall’s Island Park in New York City, the Governors Ball is a three-day festival that brings together some of the biggest names in music. 

From hip-hop to indie rock and everything in between, the Governors Ball has something for everyone. Keep reading to find out why this festival is an absolute must-see event. 

Why is it Called the Governor’s Ball? 

The Governors Ball NYC is one of the most iconic music festivals in New York City, and here’s where its unique name comes from:

• The name comes from the fact that the festival, first held in 2011, was located on Governors Island. The name stuck!
• The current festival takes place at Randall’s Island Park, which is historically significant as it was once owned by a man named Jonathan Randall. 
• The land is home to multiple facilities, stadiums, sports fields, and more. 

So while today visitors come to see some of their favorite musical acts on stage, they can also revel in the history behind this unique event.

Ready to attend? One of the best ways to prepare yourself is to improve your own musical aptitudes. You can do this by taking music lessons, where you’ll learn everything you need to know in order to become a star in your own right, like what you see in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6R2QeM3fBA

What to Expect at Governors Ball NYC

For music fans, nothing can quite match the experience of a music festival. Some are epic—think Woodstock, Coachella, Bumbershoot, Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Summerfest—and that list doesn’t even include the international festivals. New York City has its own incredible event, The Governors Ball Music Festival, which is held on Randall’s Island. The first festival in 2011 was only one day, and although the acts weren’t huge, it drew a large crowd. In 2012 the festival ran for two days and included bigger names like Beck and Fiona Apple. Finally, in 2013, the festival landed bands and musicians like Kanye West, Guns N’ Roses, Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, and Young the Giant.

Already have your tickets for this year’s event? Here’s what you’ll need to know before you go…

The Experience

The Governors Ball showcases a wide array of musical genres. You’ll find rock, pop, electronic, folk, indie, hip-hop, and more. People-watching will be at its prime, as the variety creates a unique atmosphere that draws music-lovers of all kinds, as well as a variety of ages. Need a break from the music, or something to keep you busy in between sets? Check out the lawn games, photo booths, body painting, art installations, and food trucks. Or, challenge your friends to dance-off at the Silent Disco, a unique experience you won’t want to miss. Moral of the story? If you’re into great music, lots of fun, and dancing your tail off—get ready for the time of your life!

Transportation

Due to construction, there’s no parking available on Randall’s Island this year, so you’ll need to get a bit creative. Luckily, there are several options to get to the festival, including taking the subway, bus, Manhattan Ferry, or Brooklyn shuttle – or, consider breaking a sweat even before you get to the grounds by walking or biking there. For more transportation details, check out the Governors Ball website.

Where to Stay

If you plan to attend all three days of the festival, it’s best to have a crash pad to prep and rest up for the next day. If you don’t reside in NYC or the surrounding area, check out the area’s hotels and other sleeping establishments, or plan to crash with a friend or family member nearby.

Food and Water

One of the most important elements of surviving a festival of this magnitude is staying hydrated; it can be all too easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement and totally forget about drinking water. Fortunately, the Governors Ball makes it easy for concertgoers to fill up. Plan to bring in your own water bottle, and take advantage of the eight water stations dispersed throughout the festival grounds.

Food also tops the list of things to check out other than the music. The food lineup is usually just as spectacular as the musical acts! Tons of food trucks – including organic, kosher, vegetarian, and carnivorous options – can be found across the festival grounds. Over 21? Grab a drink at one of the Liquor Lounges in both the general and VIP areas.

What to Expect & What to Bring

As with all other New York concerts, you’ll want to travel light, dress appropriately, and make sure you bring everything you need (and nothing that will get you kicked out at the door!).

Because the Governors Ball is in June, you can never predict what the weather will do. Best advice? Prepare for anything! The most likely scenario is sun—which means sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, and light clothing are also helpful. Beyond that, don’t forget your ID (if you’re over 21), your camera to document the event, earplugs if you need them, and a blanket if you think you might get chilly as the night goes on. Make sure to double check this list so you know what you’re allowed to bring and what’s not permitted.

Governors Ball Lineup