Governors Ball Music Festival 2023: What to expect & more!

The Governors Ball is the perfect playground. Festivalgoers can dance under the New York sky, feast on the city's finest cuisines, and immerse themselves in larger-than-life art installations. 

Previous attendees have described the Governors Ball as being more than just a music festival. It's also a great place to form bonds with like-minded people.

The Governors Ball is an event that everyone needs to attend at least once. And chances are, once you get that first taste, you'll be back for more. 

The 2023 Governors Ball Music Festival takes place on June 9th - 11th at a new venue, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. If you're planning to attend this year, let me guide you on the best ways to have an incredible experience at this year's Governors Ball Music Festival.

Let's take a look at the lineup and more...

Governors Ball Music Lineup

Music lineup is an essential part of any summer festival or concert. Since its inception, The Governors Ball has always had a star-studded lineup, and the 2023 iteration is no exception.

This year attendees can expect the likes of Lizzo, Lil Uzi Vert, DIPLO, Odesza, Lil Baby, aespa, Lauv, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Giveon, and dozens of other artists.

Governors Ball is known for bringing out unannounced performers and surprise guests, which I think massively adds excitement. 

Governors Ball Festival Art Showcase

The art installations at the Governors Ball are a significant part of the festival experience. Artists from all over come together to create immersive art installations.

Some art is created live at the festival. This experience allows attendees to watch how these artists create their work, and see the artists' thought processes. Festivalgoes are encouraged to view, interact, and enjoy the fascinating works of art. 

Attendees can expect massive mural towers, larger-than-life statues, and mesmerizing high-flying inflatable displays. 

Getting to the Festival

The Governors will be at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park—the 4th largest park in NYC. There are plenty of ways to get to the festival, including public transport like the subway and bus, or you can even bike there. 

Parking at the Governors Ball festival is minimal. If you're planning to drive to the festival, paying for your parking in advance is a good tip. Organizers will not accept payment for parking once the festival begins.

How to Get Governors Music Ball Tickets

The Governors Music Ball is an event that many festivalgoers look forward to every year. If you're planning on attending, get your tickets ASAP to ensure you don't miss out.

You can find tickets for the event on The Governors Ball website. For your safety and to avoid being scammed, it's advised only to buy tickets from the official website. 

There are multiple types of tickets you can purchase that vary based on time or "level"—meaning there's 1-day or 3-day passes sold as General Admission, General Admission+, VIP, and Platinum.

Prices range from US$139 for a 1-day General Admission ticket to US$2,499 for a 3-day Platinum package.

If you're feeling fancy and going with a group, you can even book private cabanas to enjoy the festival from!

Where to Stay Near Governors Ball Festival?

Partying from sunrise 'till sunset the whole weekend sounds like a great idea. However, you'll need to catch some zzzs to get the most out of your festival experience. 

Luckily, there are some comfortable and highly affordable hotels and lodgings nearby. Some reputable hotels near the venue include Hyatt Place Flushing, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Hotel Indigo, Courtyard New York, and many others.

You can expect to pay between $140 to $300 per night at these hotels. And because they're nearby, you can catch an Uber or even a Citi bike to and from the festival. 

Food & Drinks at the Festival

Dancing under New York City's lights will make you build up quite the appetite.

The festival selects only the best restaurants, food trucks, and culinary masters to feed you all weekend long. The culinary diversity of the festival allows the attendees to groove out to the smoothest beats while feasting on the most delicious foods. 

The Governors Ball beverage program is somewhat of a highlight too. Mixologists come together to create exciting cocktails and beverages. Several beverage brands also partner with the festival, which means that you may get the opportunity to taste new drinks or even try your hand at mixology. 

Things to Bring to the Governors Ball Music Festival

What to Bring

The Governors Ball Music Festival organizers want you to have the time of your life. They want you to dance, sing, feast, and have a wonderful time at their festival. The Governors Ball official website lists things that you should and should not bring to help with this.

Because the festival runs from morning to night, you want to be sure to wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind dirtying in the mud. A pair of waterproof Vessis, anyone?

While it's always nice to pack a cute outfit, remember that comfort is key. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are highly recommended to protect yourself from that New York summer sun.

A valid ID or driver's license is vital if you're looking to enjoy some alcoholic beverages. And, of course, a great vibe and positive attitude because no one wants to party with a grumpy Gus.

Want a more inclusive list? You can make a checklist of everything you need from this guide to festival essentials.

What Not to Bring

A sure-fire way to inconvenience yourself and ruin your festival experience is to bring weapons of any kind. Illegal substances are also not allowed, including smoking products of any kind. 

According to the Governors Ball site, skateboards, motorized vehicles, pets, and 'emotional baggage' are all things festivalgoers should leave at home.

Find a completed list of what to bring and what not to bring to the festival here.

Party Hard at the Governors Ball Festival With Pilot

While you party the night away under the New York City lights, let Pilot to help make your trip planning run as smoothly as possible.