Live From New York, It’s Gov Ball 2026!
Live in New York City, the illustrious three-day festival hummed with vigor as thousands of people filled the greenery. Day one started off strong with a stacked lineup full of acts designated for every kind of music lover.
The early afternoon was punctuated by standout sets from artists such as Absolutely and WHATMORE. June in New York is unforgiving, however, and the heat kept the flocks away from the main stages for too long. But as the day began to ramp up, no one could resist the star-studded schedule of acts to come. It wasn’t long before the crowds grew, and fans decided to brave the heat to bear witness to the lineup of Gov Ball’s best-selling day of 2026.
A sea of people dressed in pastels and sequins flocked to the main stage, eager to listen to the storytale that Audrey Hobert was about to perform. Taking the stage atop a step-ladder, adorned with an 8-foot long trench coat, Audrey hovered above the crowd as some sort of supernaturally quirky deity, which drew roars from the crowd. She delivered a comedic and original set filled with flippant banter and inter-song tangents that pulled everyone into her world. Her honest and often vulgar lyrics contrast the bubblegum pop production of her tracks, indicative of her own personal identity. Audrey Hobert is for the people who never quite felt like they belonged, but no one was out of place in that crowd.
As the day drew on, we were able to explore the festival and discover some of the activations and installations available. The Governor’s Ball always does well to bring New York City cultural staples to the fans, with a wide food selection and pop-ups from popular brands all across the festival grounds. Del Water Gap was the next to take the main stage, putting on an incredible and energetic set just as the sun began to dip below the stage scaffolding and some much-needed shade began to stretch over the crowd. However, immediately following Del Water Gap’s performance, it was time to catch The Dare on the other side of the grounds, whose crowd was still braving the direct sun but not letting it deter them from losing their minds to his insane electronic energy. Clad in his signature tuxedo and black tie, The Dare cut loose while performing a set full of songs off of his debut and only full-length album, aptly named ‘What’s Wrong With New York?’ But nothing was wrong with New York just then, everyone was having an amazing time.
On the other end of the park lay the wondrous Grove Stage. Drawing in more intimate crowds, the Grove Stage became Friday's home base for indie rock. With a brisk walk across the park, we headed over to check out Arcy Drive. The Long Island-based four-piece brought a bit of hometown intimacy to the biggest festival in New York. As the shimmering timbre of the guitars lingered in the summer heat, fans cuddled together on blankets right outside the pit, still just as into it from afar. Arcy Drive's set was for those who are tired of upholding suburban niceties in the name of normalcy.
The main stage was the place to be at the end of Day 1. Two of the most-anticipated sets of the weekend, KATSEYE and Lorde, were taking place back-to-back just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The global girl group superstars took the stage first, drawing one of the biggest crowds the festival has ever seen, especially for a non-headliner. Their set was extremely high-energy, with demanding choreography and vocals, but these 5 girls have been training their whole lives for this. They delivered everything the fans wanted and more. Though they required longer breaks every couple songs, they filled the time by talking with the crowd while catching their breath, and never lost the fans’ attention for a moment. From opening with their most recent single, ‘PINKY UP,’ to closing with their biggest smash hit, ‘Gnarly,’ KATSEYE members Daniela, Yoonchae, Megan, Lara, and Sophia were a perfectly-synced whirlwind of colors, sequins, polka dots, and shiny accessories. Following their performance, parents with little girls perched on their shoulders started to file out of the crowd, but thousands more fans rushed in, anticipating Lorde’s return to Gov Ball after nearly 10 years.
What made the set even more exciting is that, on social media weeks prior, Lorde had promised that her Gov Ball set would be an entirely different setlist and production than the previous 60+ shows of her ‘Ultrasound Tour.’ And that it was. The crowd was lulled into a trance as Lorde took the stage, debuting a new song right off the bat. The stage setup was completely changed from what fans had come to expect, had they been attending multiple Lorde shows along this touring circuit of her newest album, ‘Virgin.’ The changes were reflected in the setlist as well, with fans being treated to surprises such as ‘Hard Feelings/Loveless,’ and even her internet-breaking collaboration with Charli xcx, ‘Girl, so confusing featuring lorde.’ The New Zealand-born popstar ascended above the crowd on a light-up platform during ‘Current Affairs,’ before coming down to join them for fan-favorites ‘David’ and ‘Ribs.’ Just as the final notes of ‘David’ rang out, she began to descend a staircase that led directly in between the two barricades, and fans clawed their way to the edge of the pit to try and grab a moment with their favorite singer. Not to brag, but she touched my hand. She then made her way to a small B-stage positioned in the center of the crowd to perform ‘Ribs,’ drawing a mixture of cheers and sobs from the crowd. The day finally drew to a close as Lorde left the stage and the lights raised, everyone exhausted but exhilarated for the days to come.
With an active weather delay on Days 2 and 3, there was no time to lose. Both artists and fans remained flexible to the ever-changing schedule. Instead of slowing the festival down, the threat of rain lit a fire under both artists and fans alike, sealing Day 2 of Gov Ball as the liveliest.
The moment the gates opened, dedicated fans rushed to the barricade, creating a front row split between 2hollis fans and devoted Stray Kids fans staking out spots for later in the evening. As 2hollis graced the main stage, the crowd was more than ready. With a new stage design, those without VIP or pit viewing tickets were able to enjoy premium views as artists ventured down platforms just inches from the crowd. With his classic hyperpop sound, 2hollis didn't let the brooding daylight stop him. His kinetic set seamlessly meshed with the rowdiest crowd of the day.
The day continued as Ravyn Lenae graced the Snapchat Stage. She popped onto the stage in a flowy black dress with a sequined trim, contrasting her signature red hair. With struts, poses, and sultry choreography, Ravyn's set transported us to a place higher than the festival grounds. Gov Ball brings out the best in performers, artists, and fans alike, all of whom are equally excited to be there. It was clear that Ravyn was performing for herself; the crowd was just a bonus.
As the storm inched its way closer to the festival grounds, Major Lazer wasted no time. The group delivered a set filled with air horns, dancing, and pure intoxication. New Yorkers let it all loose, serving up a big celebration of the city itself. If the night was destined to end, then Major Lazer made sure the crowd went out dancing. The energy lingered as fans funneled over to the main stage for Stray Kids, who ferociously closed the night out.
Day three tied everything together with Slayyyter as the heart. Despite her early time slot, the internet sensation pulled a massive crowd to the main stage. A total powerhouse, Slayyyter arguably had the most active crowd of the entire festival, with her gangster-princess visuals elevating her set and adding to her ferociously adorable branding. Surprising fans, the opening notes to her biggest hit, ‘CRANK,’ echoed out into the crowd just several songs into her set. Though the crowd was likely expecting it to be her closer, it coming as a surprise right in the middle was arguably even more electrifying. Moshpits opened and sent ripples through the sea of fans, bouncing and thrashing their arms, “Cranking It.” Closing her set later with the lead single off of her most recent album that has catapulted her to stardom, ‘BEAT UP CHANEL$,’ Slayyyter never let her energy wane through her entire set. Though she was placed in the early afternoon, braving the hottest part of the day, she gave a headliner-worthy performance, and we hope that the festival brings her back in years to come to make that a reality.
Later in the day, fans flocked over to see Geese, one of the most talked-about bands on the lineup. Cameron Winter's mere presence seemed enough to send the audience into a state of pure chaos. Dust swirled through the air as mosh pits opened across the field, while fans of all ages screamed every lyric back at the stage. The camera panned to a young girl on her father's shoulders, passionately singing along to every word of "Trinidad." Highlighting Geese’s conflicting artistry between innocence and vulgarity.
As the sun began to set, Dominic Fike took to the stage, jokingly telling the crowd that next year, Geese was going to kick him off the setlist, an ode to their surging stardom. Dominic Fike's set was the embodiment of summertime, creating the perfect atmosphere. He played a mix from his discography, featuring fan favorites and selections from his album Sunburn, and even debuted a new song, “AI.” Between songs, his unfiltered commentary carried into the hazy summer air, where he prompted a challenge for New Yorkers to try to knock him out if they spotted him in public. In true Dominic Fike fashion, he closed out his set by stripping down to his boxers and running off stage. Leaving behind a perfect setup for A$AP Rocky, who closed out the final night of the festival.
A$AP Rocky closed out the Governors Ball with a cinematic performance. Swat dancers erupted from the stage, gathering below a helicopter centerpiece, truly transforming the stage into a feature-length production and encapsulating the raw energy that the Governors Ball brings each year. The bass from the set surged through the streets, following the crowd out as they exited.
Fans left the festival with tired feet and full hearts. As the crowds dispersed into the night, only one question lingered in the air: same time next year?
Written by Harmony Robinson and Ben Robinson. All photos courtesy of The Governor’s Ball.