Cultivora

New York City's Governors Ball Music Festival is a magnificent blend of music, comedy, art, food, and fun in one epic summer event. The festival lineup is a well-curated mix of artists, coming from a wide variety of genres, from indie, electronic and hip-hop, to rock and pop. Unlike many other multi-stage festivals, the schedule has no overlapping sets, so you can enjoy each and every one of the phenomenal musicians on the bill. Governors Ball is relatively new to the scene (2011 was its inaugural year), but the festival already shows signs of growth. Originally held on Governor's Island (hence the name), the Governors Ball has since moved to Randall's Island to provide more space and transportation options for festivalgoers. In addition, the festival has expanded from a one-day festival to a two-day extravaganza, giving fans twice as much great music.

Festival Line Up

Saturday June 23:
Passion Pit, Duck Sauce, Chromeo, Kid Cudi, Atmosphere, Major Lazer, Santigold, Special Disco Version Featuring James Murphy & Pat Mahoney (DFA/LCD Soundsystem), Big Gigantic, Penguin Prison, Walk The Moon, Art vs. Science, K.Flay, Nobody Beats The Drum

Sunday June 24:
Beck, Modest Mouse, Explosions In The Sky, Fiona Apple, Devendra Banhart, Cage The Elephant, Built To Spill, Cults, Phantogram, Freelance Whales, Alberta Cross, The Jezabels, Turf War

Photo: Santigold at SXSW 2012, by Marjana Jaidi

• How do I get to and from the festival?
• How do I get around during the event?
• What time does it start and end?
• Is reentry allowed?
• Are there any prohibited items?
• Can I bring outside food and/or drink?
• Will there be food sold at the event?
• Will there be alcohol sold at the event?
• What do I need to know about money?
• What will the weather be like?
• What should I wear?
• What should I bring?
• Anything else I need to know?

• How do I get to and from the festival?

  The two easiest and most efficient ways to get to Randall's Island are the Special Event Ferry and the festival shuttle. The Special Event Ferry leaves from the East 35th Street Ferry Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, leaving approximately every 15 minutes from 11:30am until 9pm. Ferries running back to Manhattan will continue running until all festival guests have left the island. Festival shuttle busses will run from McCarren Park in Williamsburg to the festival from 11am to 6pm. Shuttle seats are limited, and tickets should be purchased in advance. Passes for the ferry and shuttle can be purchased from the Governors Ball ticket page.
  
  Driving is another easy and efficient option, but keep in mind that parking passes are very limited and sell out quickly. There is also no overnight parking or tailgating allowed on Randall's Island. CLICK HERE for driving directions from Manhattan, Long Island, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, and Westchester, and don't forget to purchase your parking pass in advance.
  
  You can use public transportation to get to Randall's Island, which is cheaper, but less efficient. Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 125th Street, then transfer to the M35 bus, which leaves from the northwest corner of 125th Street and Lexington Avenue and goes directly to Randall's Island.
  
  The most environmentally friendly travel option to the festival entrance from New York City is walking or biking. Pedestrians can cross the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge from 125th Street in Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx. All three starting points are between 15-30 minutes from the entrance. The pedestrian footbridge on 103rd Street is currently closed for construction, and while the bridge is scheduled to reopen in early summer 2012, it remains to be seen whether this will be in time for the festival. Bicycles are not permitted on the ferry or shuttle buses, but you can bike across the RFK Bridge. Keep in mind that bikes are not protected by the festival staff, so locking your bike on the island is at your own risk.
  
  Finally, if you live in the Philadelphia area, there are festival shuttle buses leaving daily at 9:30am and Noon from Lombard and S. 2nd Street in Philly. Music will be blasting and beverages are welcome, so grab your tickets while they're still available.

  Back to Top

• How do I get around during the event?

  Governor's Ball Music Festival will have two stages within walking distance of one another. You will need to travel around the festival by foot so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

  Back to Top

• What time does it start and end?

  The festival gates open at noon, and the music will go until around midnight. A more detailed schedule of performances will be posted as the event approaches.

  Back to Top

• Is reentry allowed?

  Governors Ball does not allow reentry.

  Back to Top

• Are there any prohibited items?

  You cannot bring glass containers, professional photography/recording equipment, pets, drugs, weapons, or other dangerous and illegal items. The festival will also not allow musical instruments, picnic baskets, hard-sided coolers, alcohol, oversized backpacks, lasers, chain wallets or umbrellas.

  Back to Top

• Can I bring outside food and/or drink?

  Governor's Ball Music Festival does not allow outside food. Non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, as long as they are in a factory-sealed bottle.

  Back to Top

• Will there be food sold at the event?

  There will be a variety of New York City food trucks, caterers, and vendors selling food at the festival, with a few vegetarian and kosher options.

  Back to Top

• Will there be alcohol sold at the event?

  Beer and wine will be sold all over the festival grounds, but liquor will only be sold in designated Liquor Lounges. These lounges will be located in both the VIP and the general admissions areas.

  Back to Top

• What do I need to know about money?

  Vendors are cash-only, but there will be a number of ATMs available throughout the festival grounds, in case you didn't bring enough cash.

  Back to Top

• What will the weather be like?

  Summers in New York City are very warm and humid, with the average high reaching 80°F (26°C). The average lows are usually around 63°F (17°C) in June, so be prepared for a cooler temperature when the sun goes down. Occasional thunderstorms are also likely in the summer, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading to the festival.

  Back to Top

• What should I wear?

  You should wear comfortable shoes and cool, unrestrictive clothing like shorts, tank tops, or t-shirts. If the forecast is for rain, bring a poncho or light rain jacket, and make sure your footwear is appropriate; a day with your favorite bands can be significantly less enjoyable if you are sopping wet.

  Back to Top

• What should I bring?

  In order to save money and stay hydrated, you should bring an empty or factory-sealed water bottle so that you can take advantage of the festival's refillable water program. People picking up tickets at will call or planning to buy alcohol at the event will need to bring a valid state-issued form of identification. Sunscreen and hats are recommended at the festival, and you should also bring an ATM card and/or cash to pay for food, drinks, and merch.

  Back to Top

• Anything else I need to know?

  In addition to the stellar lineup, the festival will have other miscellaneous activities such as ping pong, beer pong, and beach volleyball tournaments set up around the festival grounds to keep you entertained even while taking a break from the music.
  
  If you're tight on cash but don't want to miss out on all the fun, the Governors Ball Music Festival has a volunteer program, in which participants can work at the festival in exchange for a free one-day pass. Volunteers also get a volunteer t-shirt and free transportation to the island. More info on the 2012 volunteer program will be posted HERE as the festival date approaches.

  Back to Top