by janae stewart
The 2024 Governors Ball flew by in a whirlwind of music, sunshine, and free stuff. Held over three glorious days at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, Gov Ball boasted an impeccable lineup and an atmosphere that made it a truly unforgettable experience.
The anticipation was palpable as I joined the throngs of festivalgoers, the iconic Unisphere looming majestically in the distance. The sound of pounding amplifiers echoed through the gates, a delicious taste of the musical smorgasbord that awaited us. Conversations crackled with excitement as everyone strategized their must-see sets and the best ways to navigate the festival grounds
Beyond the Music: Interactive Delights
Gov Ball wasn't just about the music; it offered a variety of interactive experiences that added to the overall festival fun. Here are a few highlights that stood out:
The Coke Studio Experience transported attendees to a cool summer cabana with its sleek black and red design. Free Coke was a welcome refreshment, but the real draw was the AI DJ experience. With only our pictures taken, the experience produced an AI-generated music video that made it seem like we were actually singing. We walked away with high-quality hand fans – perfect for beating the heat and showing off our Coke Studio swagger.
M&Ms Sweet Tour: As a self-proclaimed M&M fanatic since my Halloween costume days, this stop was mandatory. The booth offered a chance to snap photos with the colorful characters, indulge in free samples of the surprisingly delicious Peanut Butter M&Ms, and score some cool M&M swag like temporary tattoos and bucket hats.
Dunkin' Donuts Lounge: As an honorary Bostonian, I couldn't resist the Dunkin' experience, especially after a long day on my feet. They offered free iced coffee samples, Munchkins, and festival swag – including fanny packs, bucket hats, and sunglasses. Refueled and rehydrated, I was ready to conquer Day 3.
The American Apparel Tee Lab: Who doesn't love free festival merch, especially when you can customize it? The American Apparel Tee Lab offered a choice of crewnecks, v-necks, and tanks, along with four awesome designs. The best part? They screen-printed the design right on the spot! The line was long, but the wait was totally worth the unique souvenir.
Musical Highlights
Gov Ball's lineup was stellar, and here are some of the performances that stole the show:
FLO
The British girl group FLO has been on my radar since their single "Cardboard Box" went viral. Their stage presence was electrifying, and they delivered a high-energy set filled with their hits and killer covers of iconic girl group anthems like "Don't Let Go" and "Bootylicious." The future is looking bright for these rising stars.
Reneé Rapp
Who knew the voice that captivated audiences on the Jimmy Awards stage would translate so perfectly to the Gov Ball main stage? Reneé Rapp commanded the crowd with her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, performing hits like "Tummy Hurts" and "Snow Angel." Her effortless transition from theater to mainstream music is sure to inspire aspiring artists everywhere.
Sabrina Carpenter
Though we missed the whimsical pink motel set design from Coachella, Sabrina Carpenter's Gov Ball performance was no less captivating. With her dancers and signature "girl cat from Tom and Jerry" aesthetic, she created a truly immersive experience. The crowd roared for her brand new single "Please, Please, Please," and she closed the show with a powerful rendition of "Nonsense," complete with a festival-appropriate outro change that had everyone cheering. “Do I text him back? It’s such a tough call / That won’t fit inside me, bro, I’m dumb small / People who hate Pride can suck my Gov Balls.”
Chappell Roan
The undisputed queen of the festival circuit, Chappell Roan did not disappoint. Her performance was pure spectacle, from the smoking apple chariot entrance to her iconic Statue of Liberty outfit. She delivered a powerful set filled with fan favorites like "Good Luck, Babe!" and "Femininomenon," and even debuted a brand new song, "The Subway." The crowd erupted when pizza boxes with the phrase "HOT TO GO!" were passed out, leading to a festival-wide dance party that solidified her place as a true festival powerhouse.
Thirteen years in, Governors Ball remains a cornerstone of the summer festival scene. Their dedication to booking incredible artists, creating unforgettable experiences, and offering little extras like freebies and interactive booths makes it a festival you won't want to miss. Here's to many more years of Gov Ball!