The Governors Ball: What To Know Before You Go

As summer edges closer, New York City’s Governors Ball is gearing up to deliver one of its most dynamic lineups yet. Set in the lush expanse of Flushing Meadows Corona Park from June 6–8, the 2025 edition celebrates the festival’s 15th anniversary with a bold mix of genre-defining headliners and fresh rising stars. Tyler, the Creator returns to top the bill on Friday with his ever-evolving live show, while Saturday sees Olivia Rodrigo bring her chart-topping emotional anthems to the stage. Closing out the weekend is the magnetic Hozier, promising a soul-stirring finale that blends blues, folk, and rock with gospel-tinged flair.

But the magic of Gov Ball extends far beyond its headliners. The undercard reads like a curated playlist for the genre-hopping listener: T-Pain brings his classics to a new generation, Tyla and Young Miko inject global rhythm and Latin trap into the mix, while indie favorites like Clairo, Wallows, and The Japanese House provide a softer, introspective contrast. With genre-pushing acts like JPEGMAFIA and Amaarae also on the roster, the weekend promises an eclectic pulse that reflects the city’s own cultural kaleidoscope.

What sets Governors Ball apart isn’t just the music—it’s the experience. Between sets, fans can expect immersive art installations, a food lineup featuring NYC’s most beloved vendors, and the undeniable energy of being in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Whether you’re here for the headliners or hunting for your next favorite artist, Gov Ball 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant, genre-bending celebration of music, creativity, and community. Are you ready to lose your voice and find your rhythm?

FRIDAY - JUNE 6, 2025

Friday opens Governors Ball 2025 with a mix of energy and edge. Tyler, the Creator headlines with his ever-evolving style and theatrical stage presence, making him a strong anchor for the day. T-Pain brings nostalgia and charisma, while JPEGMAFIA’s experimental approach adds depth to the bill. Tyla offers a fresh global pop perspective, and Benson Boone taps into mainstream appeal. The day blends hip-hop, R&B, and internet-age indie with enough variety to keep early crowds engaged and late-night sets impactful.

SATURDAY - JUNE 7

Saturday leans into pop, alt-rock, and Latin influence, with Olivia Rodrigo leading the charge. Her songwriting and vocal range continue to prove she’s more than a teen pop star. Feid and Young Miko bring reggaeton and urbano heat, adding global flair to the day. Conan Gray and Wallows cater to the Gen Z alt-pop crowd, while Mariah the Scientist adds emotion and soul. It’s the most crossover-friendly day of the weekend—radio hits, deep cuts, and danceable rhythms all get a turn.

SUNDAY - JUNE 8

Sunday closes out strong with a mix of indie, soul, and alt-folk. Hozier’s headlining slot is a perfect emotional and sonic send-off, bringing sweeping vocals and poetic lyricism. Glass Animals return with psychedelic pop grooves, while Clairo’s understated style adds contrast. Raye’s genre-jumping set will likely be a standout, while acts like The Japanese House and Amaarae offer dreamy, genre-fluid moments. Sunday is for the listeners—those who want to feel, reflect, and float their way into the week ahead.

GOV BALL - AFTER DARK

The Governors Ball After Dark series for 2025 turns New York City into a late-night playground for music fans, bringing some of the weekend’s standout performers into intimate venues across the city. Spanning from Tuesday through Saturday, these shows offer a rare chance to catch big-name and breakout acts in tighter, more immersive settings—a contrast to the festival’s sprawling main stage energy.

Governors Ball 2025 is continuing to deepen its roots in the Queens community through its “Gov Ball Gives Back” initiative—a program designed to leave a positive mark long after the final encore. This year, the festival has partnered with a diverse group of local organizations to support causes ranging from food justice and housing access to arts education and public health. By shining a spotlight on nonprofits doing essential work in the borough, Gov Ball aims to connect its massive audience with tangible opportunities to give back.

In addition to hosting awareness booths on-site, the festival is donating a portion of its proceeds to community organizations based in and around Flushing Meadows Corona Park. They’re also reinvesting directly into the park itself by funding green space upgrades, including new landscaping and improved walkways for easier accessibility. Select vendors and artists have also joined the cause, offering limited-edition merch and activations that raise funds for youth programs and environmental efforts.

“Gov Ball Gives Back” is more than just a side campaign—it’s become a key part of what the festival stands for. As the crowds gather for the music, they’re also stepping into a space that celebrates the local spirit, encourages civic engagement, and helps ensure that the benefits of the weekend ripple far beyond the festival gates.

Governors Ball makes navigating your festival weekend a little easier by offering practical tips on where to stay and how to get there. While the festival doesn’t have official hotel partnerships in 2025, it recommends booking early and staying within Queens, Brooklyn, or Manhattan for the quickest access to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Nearby neighborhoods like Long Island City, Astoria, and even Midtown Manhattan provide easy commutes and plenty of lodging options ranging from boutique hotels to budget-friendly chains.

When it comes to transportation, Gov Ball encourages fans to take public transit to avoid traffic and parking hassles. The easiest route is the 7 train, which drops you at Mets–Willets Point Station just a short walk from the park. Several bus lines also run nearby, and the festival provides bike parking for those who prefer a more active commute. Rideshares are available but may involve longer wait times during peak hours, so using the MTA remains your best bet for a smooth arrival and exit. For visitors flying in, both LaGuardia and JFK airports are within 30 minutes of the festival grounds.

For more detailed information click the link below to be directed to the official Gov Ball website.

https://support.govball.com/hc/en-us/articles/11579628648724-How-do-I-get-to-the-festival

At Following Backstage, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your Governors Ball weekend—from set recommendations to on-the-ground updates, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes moments that bring you closer to the action. Whether it’s your first time navigating Flushing Meadows Corona Park or you’re a seasoned festival-goer, we’ve got your back with tips, coverage, and everything in between.

For anything beyond our coverage—like transportation routes, entry policies, accessibility resources, or real-time festival alerts—be sure to visit the official Governors Ball website at www.governorsballmusicfestival.com. Their team has all the essential info to keep your weekend running smoothly.

Enjoy the music, take care of each other, and we’ll see you out there!