It was another rainy year at Governors Ball Music Festival, but as 16-year veterans of the festival, organizers rolled with the punches and delivered a jam-packed weekend of music at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Gov Ball swept through New York City from June 5 to June 7 like a summer thunderstorm, bringing three days of high-energy performances and, in a twist of irony, an actual storm on Saturday that forced organizers to cancel several sets, including Kali Uchis’ performance, and postpone Blood Orange until Sunday.
A$AP Rocky performs at Gov Ball 2026.Photo by Amanda Moses
With more than 60 artists performing across three stages, Gov Ball featured headliners Lorde, Stray Kids, and A$AP Rocky. When amNewYork spoke to attendees, many said the festival remains uniquely tailored to New Yorkers.
“Gov Ball feels more personal than a lot of the other festivals. Some of them get a little too big and out of control. Gov Ball feels like it’s made for New Yorkers,” said Brooke Miliote, 21.
Wearing a red sequined ruffled skirt and matching bikini top, Miliote traveled from New Jersey for her third Gov Ball experience.
“I’m here to see Lorde,” she said. “I feel like she is on some spiritual level that the rest of us cannot match. Something about her presence.”
Pierce the Veil performs at Gov Ball 2026.Photo by Amanda Moses
K-Pop Weekend
While Lorde was Friday’s headliner, she wasn’t the only artist drawing crowds to the main stage. An influx of children and young teens arrived early to catch global girl group Katseye.
Fans of Katseye, affectionately known as EYEKONS, waved lightsticks and showed off their best choreography as they awaited the group featuring Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung.
Eleven-year-old Sophie loves Katseye so much that she decorated a T-shirt with stickers of the group to showcase her admiration.
“I love Katseye because they’re a global group and their music is really great,” Sophie said. “I really like Sophia, but to me, all of them are just great.”
On Saturday, Stray Kids made Gov Ball history by becoming the first K-pop group to headline the festival in its 16-year run, drawing fans from across the country. Despite the incoming storm and torrential rain, the group’s set was moved up from 8:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., while Major Lazer’s performance was shifted from the main stage to the Snapchat Stage.
Stray Kids made Gov Ball history as the first K-pop headliner the festival has had.Photo by Amanda Moses
Texan sisters Jacara and Roma Webb arrived decked out in chrome sequins for their favorite group, Stray Kids, while handing out free stickers and photocards to fellow fans.
“We just saw them on their tour and thought, two for one: New York and Stray Kids,” Roma Webb said.
“Mind you, we saw them twice last year,” Jacara Webb added with a smile.
As the sisters spoke with amNewYork, fellow supporters, known as STAYs, complimented their outfits while exchanging photocards and other fan-made freebies.
“Gotta love STAYs,” Roma said.
“Everywhere we go, we’ve given out freebies at every event. They are very supportive,” Jacara added.
Fans enjoying Katseye at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses
“When I first got into Stray Kids, I had a lot going on, and their music just resonated,” Roma said. “It felt like they were talking directly to STAYs, and I love that. Everything they do for STAYs is about perseverance, overcoming obstacles, staying strong, and reaching your goals.”
On Sunday, a sea of fans carrying BLACKPINK lightsticks and sporting red wigs gathered to cheer on their favorite K-pop idol, Jennie.
A trio of fans wearing matching red wigs beamed as they described the singer as a “baddie.”
“We are here to see Jennie. We love Gov Ball, it’s our second year here,” said Learcie. “I love Jennie’s music. She’s a vibe.”
The rousing weekend featured artists from across the globe, including Midnight Generation from Mexico and Jade LeMac from Vancouver, and spotlighted several New York-based acts that dominated the stages, including A$AP Rocky, Geese, The Dare, Del Water Gap, Lexa Gates, Arcy Drive, and Chanpan.
Diplo performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Fckers performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Geese performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Jennie performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Major Lazer performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Photo by Amanda Moses 
Baby Keem performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Del Water Gap performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Mariah the Scientist performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Slayter performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Wetlang performs at Gov Ball.Photo by Amanda Moses