This year, New York’s iconic Governors Ball Music Festival celebrated its 15th anniversary with an exciting lineup featuring major artists including Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Role Model, Young Miko, T-Pain, The Japanese House, and Hozier. The festival debuted in 2011 as a one-day event and quickly expanded to a three-day celebration, showcasing a variety of artists alongside popular local NYC cuisine and brand activations. Held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens from June 6 to June 8, 2025, attendees enjoyed performances from a diverse range of artists across its three large stages.
In case you couldn’t make it to the festival this year or just want to relive the fun, here are our thoughts and photos from 12 sets over the three days.
FRIDAY
Wasia Project – The Grove Stage
Wasia Project delivered a breathtaking mid-day performance on Friday, blending elements of jazz, indie pop, and classical into a genre-defying set that felt both intimate and expansive. Despite the early time slot, the crowd was impressively full – and grew steadily as word of their mesmerizing sound spread across the grounds. Olivia Hardy and William Gao’s ethereal harmonies floated over jazzy piano lines and tender string touches, offering a serene contrast to the festival’s high-energy atmosphere. They opened with fan favorite “ur so pretty” and debuted a haunting new track, “Letters from the Day,” hinting at a darker, more layered direction for their upcoming summer releases. By the end, it was clear they hadn’t just pleased longtime fans—they had won over plenty of new ones, too.
Tyla – Kiehl’s Stage
Over at the Kiehl’s stage, Tyla absolutely stole the show, unleashing her sultry amapiano‑infused pop with enough charisma to bring hordes of fans running straight to the stage the moment she began. With a six‑person dance troupe delivering sexy, clean choreography, Tyla’s magnetic presence and beautiful voice elevated tracks like her live debut of “Bliss” and earlier singles “Water” and “Truth or Dare” into a full‑blown celebration of rhythm and energy. The crowd packed in fast – fans couldn’t resist the intoxicating groove of her performance, and the chance to see the South African-born singer live. She was a personal favorite, transforming early‑afternoon chill into an irresistible party atmosphere and undoubtedly winning over countless new admirers with her captivating blend of sound, style, and stagecraft.
Role Model – The Grove Stage
Role Model took the Grove Stage by storm, delivering a gripping blend of indie-pop vulnerability and dry wit that had the crowd singing along from the opening chords of “Writing’s on the Wall” through emotional highs in “The Longest Goodbye.” The energy peaked when he paused during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” to call out, “Where’s my Sally tonight?”- sending the crowd into a frenzy as Conan Gray dramatically emerged onstage as “Sally,” sealing the moment with a surprise kiss that had fans screaming. A personal highlight of the set was Role Model’s acoustic cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else,” which showcased the depth of his vocal range and emotional delivery. All around the barricade, fans held handmade signs and wore Role Model merch – clear evidence that for many, this was the set they’d been waiting for all day.
Tyler, The Creator – GOVBALLNYC Stage
One of the most anticipated performances of the weekend, Tyler, The Creator brought his iconic CHROMAKOPIA World Tour setup to the Gov Ball main stage, delivering an intensely poignant performance for festival attendees. From start to finish, the production was top-notch, featuring vibrant lighting synchronized to each track, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and more, as fans enthusiastically sang along to every song in his setlist. Cheers were deafening throughout the performance, especially when he acknowledged the New York crowd. Performing a condensed version of his tour set list, Tyler delighted the audience with tracks like “St. Chroma,” “Yonkers,” and “EARFQUAKE.” At one point, Tyler mentioned that he was in the middle of his tour and feeling tired; however, he was still excited to be there. “New motherfuckin’ York, what’s good?! I can’t lie, y’all, I fuck with Governors Ball and what they’re doing, so I decided to show the fuck up! I’m going to rock with y’all for the next hour if that’s cool!” Between tracks, the audience chanted “CHROMAKOPIA!” and during songs like “Sticky” and “Who Dat Boy,” the energy was off the charts – people even began moshing in the pit. He ended the performance with “See You Again,” encouraging the crowd to “sing that shit!” as he vibed with the audience’s collective voice during the final verses. Tyler’s performance was a perfect way to kick off the festival weekend and served as an exciting conclusion for Gov Ball day one.
SATURDAY
Marina – GOVBALLNYC Stage
Opening up Saturday, Marina took the Main Stage as the festival’s long-awaited first act, stepping in after a several-hour weather delay with an electrifying and charismatic performance. Drawing from her rich and varied discography, she delivered a set that perfectly balanced fresh excitement with nostalgic warmth. With her sixth album, Princess of Power, released just the day before, Marina wove shimmering new anthems like “Princess of Power” and “I <3 You” seamlessly alongside fan favorites such as “Froot” and “Bubblegum Bitch,” all performed with infectious joy and energy. As the skies remained humid but the rain held off during her set, the soaked crowd was saved from the downpour for those 45 minutes, finding themselves singing, dancing, and smiling – thanks in no small part to Marina’s uplifting presence that turned festival frustration into a collective celebration.
Wallows – GOVBALLNYC Stage
SoCal indie rockers Wallows delivered one of our favorite sets of the day, showcasing their signature blend of catchy indie rock infused with raw emotion and infectious energy. From the first note, their sound was crisp and powerful, highlighting Dylan Minnette’s dynamic vocals and the band’s tight musicianship. A standout moment came when Minnette ran through the crowd during my personal track “OK,” electrifying the audience and creating an unforgettable connection between band and fans. Just as the skies opened up and rain began pouring down during “Remember When” and “Are You Bored Yet?”, the three-piece band showed impressive resilience, playing through the storm without missing a beat. Rather than dampening spirits, the downpour became part of the experience – fans embraced the rain and turned the moment into an impromptu dance party, capturing the carefree and communal vibe Wallows is known for. Their live sound was fantastic, perfectly balancing gritty guitar riffs with melodic hooks, making this set one of the most memorable highlights of this year’s Gov Ball.
Wave to Earth – The Grove Stage
Despite the challenging evening time slot, South Korean indie band Wave to Earth headlined The Grove Stage, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. They performed against a backdrop of synchronized lighting and groovy LED displays, which were softened by rolling stage fog, creating a moody atmosphere to complement their soundscapes. Wave to Earth delivered a well-rounded set that featured iconic tracks such as “bad,” “peach eyes,” and “love.” from their chart-topping album 0.1 flaws and all, as well as songs like “slow dive” and “annie.” from their latest release, play with earth! 0.03. Session member Jeon Min captivated the audience further with his smooth saxophone skills throughout the night. During the beginning of the performance, the band took a moment to speak to the crowd, expressing their gratitude to everyone for braving the rain to attend the show. “Thank you! This is our first time at Gov Ball, and we’re so glad to be here. Thank you so much guys!” Their performance clearly resonated with the audience, as fans passionately sang along to each of the dreamy and nostalgic tracks. Ahead of their Saturday performance, the band – which is comprised of singer-songwriter Daniel Kim, drummer Dong Kyu Shin, and bassist John Cha – announced two Gov Ball After Dark sets and a separate album signing event to celebrate the release of their latest album. Many fans attended all three events, making it a truly worthwhile festival weekend for their dedicated supporters.
Olivia Rodrigo – GOVBALLNYC Stage
Braving the rainy day, fans arrived well before the gates opened to secure good spots as close to the barrier as possible for Saturday’s finale performance featuring pop-punk artist Olivia Rodrigo. Anticipation filled the air as electric guitar riffs officially opened her set, leading into the first track, “obsessed.” Fireworks welcomed Olivia to the stage, and her appearance prompted deafening screams that nearly drowned out the music. Throughout the night Olivia made sure to incorporate some of her most popular tracks into her hour-long setlist, including “drivers license,” “traitor,” and “deja vu.” Midway through the set, she paused to engage with the crowd, acknowledging how special it was to be performing at Gov Ball alongside her best friend, Conan Gray, on the same stage that night. Bringing out her black electric guitar next, Olivia launched into “enough for you” and “so american.” A notable moment of the night came when she introduced a special guest: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so honored to share the stage tonight. Please give it up for the legendary David Byrne!” He joined her for a cover of the iconic Talking Heads song, “Burning Down the House.” After a quick outfit change, Olivia returned to the stage for her encore, declaring, “Alright, New York City, there’s so much to be pissed off about in the world today. I want you to think of something that really pisses you off. Get so angry! When I tell you to go, I want you to scream as loud as you can and let it all out! I want them to hear us in fucking Manhattan!” The music paused to let the crowd unleash their frustrations, then Olivia encouraged everyone to jump and scream, telling the crowd to “lose your shit!” for “good 4 u.” During the final song of the night, “get him back!,” she climbed up a metal tower, holding her iconic megaphone as the performance reached its euphoric conclusion.
SUNDAY
Olivia Lunny – The Grove Stage
Rising Canadian singer-songwriter Olivia Lunny kicked off the day at The Grove Stage with her moody, alternative synth-pop sound. Her succinct yet captivating set charmed the Gov Ball audience with vulnerable lyrics, hypnotic beats, and addictive vocals. Currently based in Los Angeles, Olivia recently celebrated the release of her latest album by debuting a few of her newest tracks, including “JOHNNY & JUNE” and “VELVET & DENIM,” to an adoring Gov Ball crowd. Her sophomore album, titled VELVET & DENIM, was released on June 6 and radiates her confidence and growth as an artist. This live performance also marks a significant milestone in her career – her first appearance at the Governors Ball festival, both as an attendee and a performer. Since her official debut in 2018, where she earned a nomination for Pop Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards for her eponymous debut EP, Olivia has continued to gain recognition worldwide, especially after winning season two of the Canadian music talent competition, The Launch. With each new song and album release, she consistently showcases her artistry and undeniable talent, making her an up-and-coming artist that will likely see a bigger Gov Ball stage next year.
RAYE – GOVBALLNYC Stage
English singer-songwriter RAYE has established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry for over a decade. She is not only known as a chart-topping solo artist but also as a highly sought-after collaborator, having worked with icons in the industry. RAYE launched her independent solo career in 2022 and at Governors Ball, she delivered a captivating, forty-five-minute set on the main stage that had fans singing and cheering in support. Backed by a talented band, she made a grand entrance, dancing across the stage in an elegant purple ball gown. Opening with the sultry “Oscar Winning Tears.,” she moved through powerhouse renditions of “Worth It,” “Prada,” and the upbeat “Secrets,” effortlessly commanding the stage with her smooth, jazzy vocals, impressive high notes, and compelling storytelling. Adjusting her mic’s reverb before striking a high note that drew cheers from the audience, she performed a soul-stirring version of “Five Star Hotels.” that highlighted her vocal depth and versatility. As her set neared its end, RAYE paused to reflect on the moment. “I want to say before we start our last song, that we played so many shit gigs in our life – we’ve played so many gigs where there’s been no one in the crowd, no one’s given a crap. People yawning in our faces, talking over us, don’t care. I just wanted you to know that this sight before my eyes, right here in New York – Governors Ball – is fucking dream sight! I do not take this for granted, thank you for going out of your way to come watch our set and give us the time of day! Making us feel seen, making us feel special. I’m so freakin’ grateful, I just wanted you to know that!” Ending with a powerful finale of “Escapism.,” RAYE had the entire crowd waving their arms in unison. Her triumphant and unforgettable performance left no doubt that RAYE is a force to be reckoned with.
Glass Animals – Kiehl’s Stage
Glass Animals brought the heat – literally and figuratively – during their high-energy Main Stage set on Sunday, transforming a hot afternoon into one of the most exhilarating moments of the weekend. Under the mid-June sky, the British quartet delivered a vibrant, hypnotic performance full of pulsing beats, kaleidoscopic visuals, and frontman Dave Bayley’s magnetic stage presence. Their genre-blending sound, mixing psych-pop, indie rock, and electronica, translated effortlessly to the live stage, with each track flowing seamlessly into the next. A highlight came during “Gooey,” when Bayley jumped off the stage and ran into the crowd, singing and dancing with fans, who erupted with excitement at the up-close interactions. The band closed with their global smash “Heat Waves,” a perfect fit for the sticky summer weather, as the entire crowd sang every word with arms raised to the sky. It was a euphoric, high-octane set that reminded everyone why Glass Animals are one of the most compelling live acts on the festival circuit.
Hozier – GOVBALLNYC Stage
Making his debut at the festival – and as a headliner no less – Hozier closed out Governors Ball 2025 on Sunday, with a breathtaking closing set. Though he was battling a virus (which later forced him to postpone two tour dates), he pushed through the evening with remarkable grace and strength, delivering a performance that felt deeply human, raw, and emotionally resonant. From the first notes of “Eat Your Young” to the cathartic power of “Take Me to Church” in the encore, his soulful vocals carried effortlessly through the humid night, weaving together gospel, folk, and blues influences with poetic lyricism. Throughout the set, Hozier didn’t shy away from the political convictions that define much of his artistry and Irish roots. He spoke movingly between songs about global justice, civil rights, and anti-imperialism, using his platform to encourage empathy and activism. These moments of reflection only deepened the power of the music, turning the performance into something greater than a setlist – it felt like a collective act of resistance and healing. As planes rumbled overhead toward LaGuardia, thousands of fans swayed together in the grass, their voices rising in unison. Even while visibly unwell, Hozier captivated with both vulnerability and might, proving why he deserved that headlining spot and leaving the Gov Ball crowd with a closing set they’ll never forget.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite facing some weather-related challenges that resulted in last minute scheduling updates, Governors Ball Music Festival successfully celebrated its 15th anniversary with standout performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Hozier, Feid, Benson Boone, and Glass Animals. Over three days, more than 50 bands performed across three stages, complemented by top local food vendors, interactive fan experiences, and brand activations. A highlight of the weekend was Electrolit‘s introduction of the festival’s first-ever drone show, which created stunning visual displays to close out the day’s events. Committed to giving back, Gov Ball also partnered with local and national non-profits like the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park and chhaya. The festival continues to prioritize sustainability through initiatives such as water stations, waste diversion, and a reusable cup program, ensuring it leaves a positive environmental legacy. With its blend of diverse music, community engagement, and fun activities, Gov Ball remains one of the city’s top festivals for both newcomers and seasoned festival attendees.
Words by Susie McKeon and Sarah Peter. Photo credits in captions.
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