Governors Ball Music Festival

I’m getting really excited for this year’s lineup to drop so I wanted to write a review for last year’s festival, my first time attending Gov Ball.
I’m not sure if my rating would’ve been lower had the weather not been perfect, because the fact that it was beautifully warm and sunny made the weekend all the more pleasant. I could see if it were rainy and muddy people not having as much fun.
Anyway, I thought the whole festival was great! Perfect balance of artists from all genres, large variety of food to buy, as well as some cool vendors and other activities (ie, a silent disco). I was able to bop around from stage to stage all day, being near the front for almost every set as long as I got there 20 minutes before it began (I did this for some of the artists I was REALLY dying to see). The only exception is the headliners, you probably need to get to the stage like 2 hours before their sets to be at the front, but I didn’t find it worth it to miss other performers for 2 hours!
Whenever I wanted to take a break from standing and dancing, there were drink vendors and free water stations, ramen burgers, froyo, and so much other good stuff to eat while I lounged on the grass of the island and got a little bit of a tan. It really didn’t get too crowded until the early evening, I have a feeling a lot of people just come for the pre-​headliners and headliners, so until about 6 pm there was ample room to walk, lounge, etc. But once dusk hits, the whole island is mobbed. That’s ok though, everyone was really chill at the festival!
Even though $ 30 for a ferry pass is kind of steep, I thought it was well worth the money and will use the ferry again as my means of transport to/​from the festival. I didn’t wait more than 15 minutes on line to get onto a ferry and the ride is only around 10 minutes long. It was super convenient.
All in all, I loved gov ball last year and have been looking forward to attending in 2016 all year long!

I’ve been once for Gov Ball 2014. This was my second music fest experience after having gone to Made in America the year before. I liked Gov Ball especially since it was a bright, sunny day to hang out and listen to great music.
A few things I was a fan of…
** Easy access to free water — this is critical because after a day of boozing, dancing and hangin out in the sun, the hundreds of people that show up need water to make sure they don’t pass out
** Shaded areas — even the summer is lovely, being directly in the sun for hours on end can turn into a painful experience. The Gov Ball shaded areas are perfect solution to that.
** NY Food trucks — most festivals have crap food but not Gov Ball. Some great NY restos bring the food truck scene out to Gov Ball so you are paying quality price for quality food instead of $ 10 for a crap hot dog.
Not as big of a fan of the …
** trip to Randall’s Island — I refuse to pay $ 30+ for a ferry pass and ended up taking the subway to 125^th and then walking over to Randall’s Island because the line for the bus was ridiculously long
** phone service on Randall’s Island — yes, I like to snapchat and without great cell phone service how are my snaps going to make it to the interwebs?
Clearly it was a great experience. One of the better music fests that I’ve been to.

Had a great time! First time going to the festival. The experience was great. Took the ferry to get there, recommend! The only downfalls, which still don’t affect the review. the sound was off. and kept going out on the main stage. Also, the people running the front entrance were very rude.

I have been here 3 of the last 4 years. 3 days of music, food and lawn games.
Buy the water taxi passes. It leaves from 34^th St. Pier. Or walk over the RFK Bridge from 125^th St. 18 minute walk.
If it rains, there WILL BE MUD. It’s rain or shine, kids. Still fun, just muddy. VIP tix are expensive but worth it: dry, seats, close to stage and clean air conditioning in the WCs.
4 stages with 2 shows going at all times. You’ll miss an act or two.
Food is everywhere. Beers are $ 13 for a tall Miller. Drinks are $ 23 for a double shot. Lots of people smoking cigarettes, or… whatever. Be cool and be careful.
Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, money and energy. Dancing is the reason to be here. Lightweight backpack and LED flashlight also smart. Ground cloth or garbage bag to sit on also good.
You’re doing great!