Exclusive | I went to Gov Ball 2025. Heres my take on all the acts I saw

For the Northern Hemisphere, summer officially starts on June 20.Yet, for myself and many fanatic New Yorkers (interns we love to hate and true lifers alike), the first breath of summer feels more like the day one of Queens’ annual Gov Ball.Spirits are high, the air is thick, and crowds encircle three massive stages.Strangers dance till they forget that cocktails start at $25, waiting impatiently to hear headliners like Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and Tyler, the Creator wail through hour-long sets under thunder and warm rain.There’s really someone for everyone at Gov Ball, and it’s all just a quick subway ride away, depending on how many people are willing to smash into the 7.

Contrary to its name, the fourteenth iteration of Governor’s Ball took place in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, right beside the Unisphere — a site at which my European friend asked, “Is this Universal Studios?”I’m no novice to New York’s music scene, but I’ve only lived here a couple of years, and from that, I’ve gathered that the pop-indie-rock-rap festival can feel more like a good-natured family reunion than a multi-day music party.Were there quite a few twelve-year-olds? Yes.

Was I too cool to be there? Definitely not.Ready to swap some head-banging for smoother swaying was no deal-breaker.We made our way to catch the final acts on Sunday: bedroom pop-girly Clairo, five-piece indie rock band Mt.

Joy, Aussie-rockers Glass Animals, and of course, our new headliner that had the entire crowd hollering, Hozier.Luckily for us, Flushing Meadows has no shortage of options for fueling up.Ticket holders have access to five food courts and freebies, too, if you know where to look.

Dunkin’ was handing out throwback merch and ice-cold lattes (caffeinating highly recommended), and some spirit brands had spin-to-win deals, too.My advice? Skip the longlines and stick to the basics.Festival food is festival food.Now, let’s get to what matters: the music.No map was need...