The Governors Ball Rocks NYC for its 15th Anniversary

The 2025 Governors Ball (“Gov Ball”) Music Festival marked its 15th anniversary with a triumphant return to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York, from June 6th through June 8th.

Despite inclement weather on the second day of the festival resulting in a delayed opening, headlining acts Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo (featuring a surprise cameo by the legendary David Byrne), and Hozier kept the party going all throughout the weekend.

In support of these headliners was a deep lineup representative of pop, R&B, reggaeton, hip-hop, and alt-rock artists, consisting of some returning favorites (Clairo, Glass Animals, JPEGMafia, Amaarae) as well as many breakthrough acts (Benson Boone, Role Model, Mk.gee, Conan Gray).

Kicking off headlining duties on Friday was American rapper and singer, Tyler, The Creator, known for his experimental sound and fiery stage performances. Taking a brief detour from his Chromakopia world tour, Tyler gave fans an explosive performance atop a shipping container emblazoned with the name of his newest release. Dressed in a green military-style uniform and mask, Tyler danced around the pyrotechnics and screen projections while performing newer hits “St. Chroma” and “Sticky” which were balanced with classics such as “EARFQUAKE” and “IFHY,” all of which had the crowd exhilarated. Tyler closed his set with “See You Again,” a fitting send-off to fans who will get to see him return to the area next month when his tour makes stops to Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center.

Unpredictable summer weather in New York City wasn’t enough to hamper the excitement for Saturday headliner Olivia Rodrigo, the American singer-songwriter known for her punk and alternative rock influences. Fans waited hours for the reigning pop diva, dressed in a studded two-piece suit, knee-high black combat boots, and her signature red lip. Rodrigo embraced the raucous crowd, thanking them for the very warm welcome to her first Gov Ball appearance despite the weather. Backed by an all-female band, Rodrigo performed a mix of her top hits, including “Vampire,” Drivers License,” “Good 4 U,” and “Get Him Back!” In the mix was a special rendition of Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House,” which she performed with the frontman clad in coordinating red and white overalls. While Rodrigo kicked off her set by asking the crowd if they were “ready to have some fucking fun,” by the end of the night it was evident much fun was had by all.

Rounding out the festival was Sunday headliner Hozier, the singer-songwriter from Ireland known for his portrayal of political and social justice themes through a unique blend of soul and blues. While kicking off his set, he revealed he and various members of his band had succumbed to an illness which somewhat hampered his ability to sing. Despite this, he triumphed with the support of the crowd who enthusiastically helped with singing duties along to a mix of his classics and newer releases, including “Cherry Wine,” “Too Sweet,” “All Things End,” and “Take Me to Church.” Having performed in front of an elaborate LED stage production for most of the evening, Hozier walked out to a secondary stage in the center of the crowd in the second half of his set. Although hampered by illness, Hozier demonstrated his true artistry and strong messaging of power, resilience, and justice.

Other memorable highlights from the weekend included the jumps, flips, and spins galore from American singer-songwriter and pop balladeer Benson Boone, between renditions of hits including “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” “Cry,” and “Beautiful Things.” Although difficult to top the sheer acrobatic prowess of Boone, another crowd-favorite moment was Glass Animals’ frontman Dave Bayley’s appearance offstage during “Gooey.” During the song, Bayley walked through the pit and climbed atop the barricade, reaching into the crowd with his microphone to have fans assist with singing duties.

Coinciding with pride month, Gov Ball continued to embrace its tradition of celebrating diversity and inclusion. Many acts on this years’ lineup are LGBTQIA+, among them being American indie pop singer Clairo. Clairo, who identifies as queer, took the stage on Sunday, beginning her set with a collective cheers over a glass of red wine with her band. Set against a retro living room style set, Clairo brought her warm, airy energy while performing hits “Sexy to Someone” and “Juna,” among many others.

American singer-songwriter Conan Gray is also an artist who openly discusses his personal experience with identity and sexuality. Gray had the crowd ecstatic throughout his entire performance, beginning from the moment he appeared on stage in a sailor’s uniform, through his climb atop a ship’s mast, looking out at the crowd through his microphone as if it was a telescope.

Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae is another artist whose music embraces sexual expression. Amaarae brought her unique fusion of R&B and afrobeats to the Sunday stage, performing hits including “Sad Girlz Luv Money,” and “Co-Star.”

Puerto Rican rapper and singer-songwriter Young Miko made sure to embrace her LGBTQIA+ fans in attendance by wishing them a “Happy Pride” month. Miko has been making waves in the Latin trap scene and brings much-needed representation to her genre, especially as an openly lesbian artist and performer.

To cap off the celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the overall vibrant energy of its community, a rainbow appeared across the sky during Wallows’ set, once the rain had washed away. It was truly a beautiful, fitting, and once-in-a-lifetime moment for all who witnessed.