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Feat. SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Peso Pluma, 21 Savage, Sexyy Red, and more.
By
Izzy Baskette
Editor’s Note: Sound Trip is your go-to resource for navigating the most travel-worthy music events of the year—with insightful tips, captivating stories, and music festival guides annotated by the people who love them and know them best. Read more here.
Summertime in New York City is signaled by the annual return of its most beloved music event: Governors Ball Music Festival.
Held on the rolling fields of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, Queens, Governors Ball Music Festival 2024 (a.k.a. Gov Ball) takes place from Friday, June 7–Sunday, June 9.
First held on Governors Island in 2011—where the name originates from—this event showcases an array of music genres like pop, hip-hop, indie, electronic, rock, and folk, while proving that every year it will be bigger and better than ever before. The proof is in the pudding because this time around, sets include major names from SZA and Rauw Alejandro to Post Malone and The Killers. In between performances, festival goers can keep up their strength with bites from local food vendors or peacefully graze under the shade of the park’s picturesque trees.
Whether you’ve already secured your tickets or are still contemplating, just know, this three-day festival is the place to be. From all the can’t-miss acts to where to find the official afterparties, here’s everything you need to know about Gov Ball this year.
No Gov Ball experience is complete without…
Exploring the area surrounding the festival. The neighborhood of Flushing is one of the most stunning and culturally diverse meccas in the Big Apple. Whether you’re planning your weekend around all three days of the festival or just dropping by specifically for a few performances, arriving early to the area is our Gov Ball advice.
With some extra time, meander around the verdant and lively grounds of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, take a pic in front of the legendary Unisphere, stroll through the Queens Botanical Garden, and spot both Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The food scene in the neighborhood boasts some of the city’s best, from the long-standing eateries of Downtown Flushing’s thriving Asian community to newer destinations like the Asian-centric food hall vendors at Tangram and whimsical bakery GongGan.
Where is Gov Ball held and how do I get there?
Gov Ball will be held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
The best laid plan for getting to Gov Ball is via public transit—taking a rideshare might result in getting caught in gridlock on the Grand Central Parkway. Take the LIRR or the 7 train to the Mets-Willets Point station. From there the walk to the festival’s entrance is only about 15–20 minutes.
How do I buy Gov Ball 2024 tickets?
Tickets for Gov Ball can be found online. There are four ticket tiers to choose from: General Admission, General Admission+, VIP, and Ultimate—each of which can be purchased for one to three days. Cabanas—which for a pretty penny offer prime views of the main stage, complimentary food and drinks, and personal bathrooms—are also available for those looking to fully ball out.
What’s the Gov Ball 2024 lineup?
This year’s lineup hits almost every base when it comes to musical preferences. The big name headliners are Post Malone, Rauw Alejandro, The Killers, 21 Savage, SZA, and Peso Pluma. But, that’s not to say you should only go for them. Other popular talent include: Pop princesses Sabrina Carpenter and Carly Rae Jepson, rising rap stars Sexyy Red and Doechii, indie queens Reneé Rap and Chappell Roan, and silky singers Labrinth and Stephen Sanchez—and that’s just barely scratching the surface.
What should I bring to Gov Ball?
First of all, be aware of what you can’t bring, including pets, umbrellas, vapes, cigarettes, drones, hammocks, selfie sticks, skateboards, coolers, and a list of other no-nos outlined here. The biggest one here is that bags bigger than 6” by 9” must be clear and smaller than 12” by 6” by 12”.
Summer weather in NYC can be unpredictable, but you typically count on highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny skies. One way to ensure a fashionable, but seasonally suitable fit is through The Festival Closet by IHG x Pickle collab. Drop by the pop-up at Hotel Indigo Lower East Side from June 1–June 3 or peruse the Pickle app from May 29–June 9 for free clothing, accessory, and shoe rentals up to $100.
If you plan on hanging around for a while, blankets and sheets are allowed and a great way to create a comfy spot to chill. Sun protection is key, but if you plan on reapplying at Gov Ball know that sunscreen has to be non-aerosol and in 3.4 ounce or less containers. Hydration packs are also allowed and do not need to be clear, but before entry they must be empty and have no more than two pockets.
What are the Gov Ball food options?
Food is a highlight at Gov Ball. Local vendors to not miss include bao buns from Mao’s Bao, Haiwaiian- and Filipino-inspired eats from Eemas Cuisine, pierogies from Matyldas Polish, slices from Roberta’s Pizza, cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, scoops from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and more. Stella Artois and Hot Ones have also teamed up to offer a specialty of spicy popcorn chicken with ice cold beers.
Freebies to keep in mind include free iced coffee and munchkins from Dunkin’ and grilled cheese bites from Cabot Creamery.
Can I bring weed to Gov Ball?
Short answer here is no. The website states you’re not allowed to bring anything in that you can smoke. Additionally, no outside food or drink is allowed, so that rules out edibles or infused beverages.
What’s the bathroom situation at Gov Ball?
Porta potty stations are available throughout the grounds. GA+ and higher tiered tickets include access to air-conditioned restrooms.
Where’s the official Gov Ball afterparty?
If rocking out to artists, sweating to no end, and stuffing yourself with festival food isn’t enough for you, there’s also afterparties to keep you entertained long into the night. At Gov Ball After Dark, catch special performances by TV Girl, tee*zo Touchdown, Alex Chapman, Telescreen, and The Thing at venues across the city like Elsewhere, Hard Rock Hotel New York, Bowery Ballroom, and Sony Hall. Festival wristbands won’t get you in though, so purchase tickets in advance.
What should every Gov Ball first-timer know?
Gov Ball weekends are a marathon, not a sprint. Always remember to pace yourself with drinks and substances, regularly hydrate, and rest throughout the day.
If you plan on staying until the last performance, which ends around 10 pm, the subways will definitely be chaotic. But, sticking it out is worth it to avoid costly rideshares or cabs.
Seeing that there are so many genres on the lineup, you always can count on one of the three stages piquing your interest at any time. Studying the day’s lineup beforehand and planning where and when you want to be at different stages is a pro move—especially if you’re trying to get close to the stage.
Overall, Gov Ball is a light-hearted and approachable festival for music lovers of all types and ages. Lean into the experience and gain a greater appreciation for the Queens borough while you’re there!
Izzy Baskette is the New York City Staff Writer for Thrillist. Talk to her at izzy.baskette@voxmedia.com or find her on Instagram.
