With a line-up that includes hip-hop powerhouse Kanye West, 80’s rockers Guns N Roses, and indie darlings Alt-J, this weekend’s Governor’s Ball Music Festival on New York’s Randall Island has something for everyone. Our Governor’s Ball guide has you covered from what to wear, where to be seen, and what to do while you’re in the city that never sleeps.
What to Wear
Ashley Benson‘s outfit from Napa’s recent BottleRock Festival is great inspiration for your Governor’s Ball look. She rocked the AE Festival Shortie paired with a simple tank and added a pop of color with her Aerie Festival Bandeau. Finish the look with a pair of booties and you’ll be ready to dance all day long.
Guys definitely can’t go wrong with a pair of brightly-colored shorts and any of our graphic or striped tanks. Canvas sneakers keep the look casual and your feet comfy.
Who to See
One of the best things about music festivals is the chance to check out some of your favorite bands while also having the opportunity to explore new sounds. We recommend seeing the bands that you love but also listening to groups that you may not normally see on a regular basis. Not many things can beat the feeling of falling in love with a new song or artist so don’t be shy and shimmy your way from one concert to the next!
Below are the bands that made our must see list:
Friday:
Pretty Lights – Also known as Derek Vincent Smith, Pretty Lights spits out an electronic beat that keeps the crowd dancing while providing an awesomely good light show to compliment his songs
Local Natives – An indie rock band from Los Angeles, California. Songs like Airplane and Breakers won’t let you down.
Of Monsters and Men – Originally from Iceland, this six-piece indie folk pop band is full of sound. We can’t get enough of their hit songs like Little Talks and Lake House.
Saturday
Cut Copy – This Australian electronic band has an upbeat sound that will soak you in and leave your ear buds wanting more. Check out Lights & Music and Strangers In The Wind.
Alt-J – An AE Favorite, the quartet has captured our hearts with their unique indie rock sound. Check out Dissolve Me on our Spotify channel or dance the night away to Fitzpleasure.
Guns-N-Roses – Oh, the notorious Guns-N-Roses! This iconic band has been reigning in fans since 1985. Known for their hit songs like Paradise City, and November Rain, Axl Rose and his band are guaranteed to rock you and the night away.
Sunday
The XX – Hailing from London, The XX have been creating crazy good tunes since 2005. Check out Crystalised and Intro.
Bloc Party – This electronic quartet keeps things alive through their energetic performance and mesmeric songs. We love This Modern Love and Like Eating Glass.
Yeasayer – A band Native to New York (Brooklyn, to be exact) this band offers a unique sound that will keep you beep-bopping all night long. We recommend listening to Fingers Never Bleed, O.N.E and Madder Red.
The Lumineers – Formed in Denver, this folk rock band writes insanely good lyrics and pairs them with their talented musical skills. Dance the night away to Flowers In Your Hair and Ho Hey.
Kanye West – End the festival with rap superstar Kanye West. Known for his powerful performances and crafty lyrics, this concert is bound to blow you away. Check out All Of The Lights, Jesus Walks and Through The Wire.
What to Do
Don’t put on your dancing shoes without warming up first. Pop Up Yoga is offering an hour of free yoga every morning starting at 12:30. Not a yogi at heart? Head over to the Silent Disco to listen to a live DJ streaming through wireless headphones to get your groove on. If you need a break from the music, there are lawn games from bocce ball to ping pong to corn hole. And don’t worry if your iPhone dies – capture the moment with your friends at the photo booth provided by Onomonomedia and have the pictures e-mailed directly to you so you can Instagram them when you get home.
Where to Eat
You don’t have to leave Randall’s Island to try some of the best and m0st-talked about food New York has to offer. Grab a bahn-mi from Vietnamese sandwich shop Num Pang, trace your lobster roll back to the harbor it swam in with Luke’s, then cool down with an ice cream sandwich from Coolhaus.
Tags: Festival Guide, Governor's Ball, Music, Summer
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