The Governors Ball (“Gov Ball”) once again returned to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York City. Held from Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th, headliners for the festival included Lorde, Stray Kids, and A$AP Rocky. The full line-up was a real who’s who of K-pop, indie, hip-hop, punk, and EDM artists, including Jennie, Baby Keem, Katseye, Pierce the Veil, The Dare, Major Lazer, Wet Leg, 2hollis, Dominic Fike, Geese, Clipse, and many more.
First III No Flash had the pleasure of covering Gov Ball for the second year in a row, capturing the music, the movement, and the magical moments that made the festival feel truly electric. From onstage enthusiasm to offstage candids, we captured memories of a lifetime.
Once nightfall approached each evening, exhilarated fans of Lorde, Stray Kids, and A$AP Rocky crowded the main stage to catch their favorite artist deliver three truly powerful performances.
Beginning on Friday, Lorde delivered a top-notch performance, led by her breakthrough hit “Royals,” matched by excellent visuals and stage production. Known for her vulnerability and encouragement of self-expression, these messages were evident as she played through her setlist, which comprised hits from her now decades-long career.
On Saturday, Stray Kids became the first K-pop group to headline Gov Ball. Despite their performance being moved up in the schedule due to impending inclement weather, the group put on a show-stopping performance while wearing coordinating red, white, and black outfits. Their high energy matched that of the crowd (many fans had camped out around the main stage since doors opened), as did their production (including pyrotechnics, smoke bombs, and a massive fireworks display). Despite the challenging weather and performing with one less member due to injury, the group really proved they could “Bounce Back” with their sharp choreography and strong fan engagement.
Closing out Sunday was New York City native A$AP Rocky, who treated the crowd to a hometown performance of his Don’t Be Dumb tour. Rocky paraded around the catwalk throughout his set with his megaphone in hand, and had the crowd swinging their t-shirts in the air to “Helicopter.” The sheer scope of his production—from the massive pyrotechnics, the enormous helicopter looming above, and the accompaniment of rioters wearing t-shirts and a massive SWAT team, proved to be the close-out set festivalgoers reveled in, even after three days of full-scale performances.
Pierce The Veil (Photo: Ismael Quintanilla)
Other highlights from the weekend included Japanese Breakfast frontwoman, Michelle Zauner, emerging onstage in a two-piece outfit that revealed her adorable pregnant belly, Pierce The Veil guitarist Tony Petty swinging his guitar into the air for the band’s final song, and Major Lazer’s party-hard dance performance.
It would be remiss not to mention Katseye’s gnarly set, which drew a massive crowd for a non-headlining time slot. The group, donned in embellished polka-dot outfits, had their biggest fans screaming every lyric and matching the impeccable choreography for which they are known.
New Yorkers are known for their passion, energy, and enthusiasm, and Gov Ball proved to be the place for festivalgoers to express just that. Despite Saturday’s unpredictable weather which impacted the scheduled lineup into the evening, fans proved their commitment not just to their favorite artists but also to their favorite local team, the New York Knicks. As the festival kicked off during the team’s first NBA finals since the turn of the century, the excitement was palpable. This was evident in the sea of team gear worn by attendees throughout the weekend, the pair of flags waving high above the main stage, the thunderous “Let’s Go Knicks!” chants led by many artists (including hometown heroes Geese), and the crowd which gathered to watch Game 2 from a live stream on Friday night.
Paying homage to the vibrancy and diversity of Queens, Gov Ball also featured New York City’s favorite local restaurants and select Queens Night Market vendors. Beyond the spectacular culinary scene, festival-goers were able to take part in plenty of standout photo opps, immersive activations, and additional programming.
Since its inception in 2011, Gov Ball has become a staple of the New York City concert scene and one of the summer season’s most anticipated festivals. 2026 brought three gigantic stages, a massive lineup, and many unforgettable performances. This year’s festival celebrated both established artists and emerging young talent, truly capturing the spirit of live music. Gov Ball truly brought fans together for an unforgettable experience which continues to define the festival year-after-year.
GALLERY: Gov Ball 2026 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York City (June 5-7, 2026)
All photos by Jen Roman unless otherwise credited.
