Next weekend, June 6-8, my camera and I will be frolicking around the festival grounds and photo pits of Gov Ball, getting all the good shots to bring home to you!
This festival has become a summer staple for music fans in the city and if you’ve been, you know why. From discovering new artists to catching major headliners in an open-air setting, Gov Ball somehow makes NYC feel like a music camp for grown-ups.
I’ll be posted up with my camera, chasing the best sets, the wildest outfits, and all the crowd-surfing madness in between.
The Festival Grounds
Let’s talk vibes: the layout at Flushing Meadows is a massive upgrade since the Randall’s Island days. There’s plenty of green space to sprawl out between sets and more shade than ever, thank you, trees!
Food is a festival in itself, with dozens of local NYC vendors slinging everything from ramen to tacos to vegan comfort food. The cocktail bars and beer gardens are perfectly placed, and free water stations mean you’ll stay hydrated without spending $6 a bottle.
Restrooms? There are lots of porta-potties, not glamorous, but they do the job, and the lines move fast. Lockers are available with phone chargers inside, which is crucial if you’re snapping pics or trying to coordinate with friends. Don’t skip the merch tents, either, every year there’s at least one piece that becomes a flex long after the final set.
The Lineup
This year’s lineup is stacked with a little something for every genre-lover. Headliners include Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and the ever-eccentric Tyler, The Creator. We’re getting pop, rock, rap, alt, and a global flair that makes 2025 one of the most eclectic Gov Ball lineups yet. Check out the full lineup here.
What Artists I’m Looking Forward to Seeing
Let’s be real, narrowing this down is tough, but here are the sets I won’t miss:
Tyler, The Creator: A live show that feels like theater, chaos, and therapy rolled into one. He never phones it in.
T-Pain: Hits for days and an underrated voice that actually sings, yes, without Auto-Tune.
Role Model: Sad boy pop with heart. Expect a dreamy, emotional set. Wallows: Infectious indie energy. They always deliver a tight, high-energy performance.
Hozier: Emotional, angelic, unforgettable. Watching “Take Me to Church” live? Chills. Glass Animals: Psychedelic pop with grooves that will keep the crowd moving.
Clairo: Soft vocals, honest lyrics — her set will be a vibe shift in the best way.
Raye: Absolute powerhouse. From songwriting to stage presence, she’s got it all.
The Japanese House: Dreamy and vulnerable. Their set is going to be an emotional float.
Amaarae: Alt pop meets punk energy. Pure style and sound.
Gov Ball 2025 is more than just a music festival, it’s a celebration of sound, identity, and NYC itself. With a lineup that refuses to be boxed in and a festival setup that gets better every year, this weekend is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you’re front row or laying low on the lawn, I’ll see you there, camera in hand, ears wide open
Maybe we’ll see you there? Never too late to secure that ticket!
