It’s officially festival season ladies! Coachella kicked off this past weekend in California and many more are just around the corner. New York’s version of Coachella, the Governors Ball Music Festival, will take place June 2nd, 3rd and 4th on Randall’s Island. With performers like Chance the Rapper, Lorde, and Wiz Khalifa headlining the three-day festival, it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Last year I attended Governors Ball for the first time. It was so much fun getting dressed up with my friends, listening to funky music, and oddly enough…being rained on while waiting to see The Killers! Although I had an amazing time, there were definitely some things I wish I had known before attending.
- Do not purchase transportation passes!
Luckily, one of my friends who had been to the festival before informed me of this. While you can purchase shuttle or ferry tickets, you can easily get to Randall’s Island by subway (not to mention, it’s the cheapest option). There’s a bridge located on 125th street that crosses over to the park, leading you straight to the festival. Yes, the area can be sketchy so be sure to travel in a pack. However, when the festival is done for the day around midnight, the area is flooded with concert-goers just like you. From my own experience, walking to the subway at night was not a problem.
- The food is great but, bring snacks if you don’t want to drain your wallet!
There’s nothing wrong with buying a milkshake from the Black Tap tent or a black bean burger from a vegan truck however, you’ll be at the festival for most of the day and purchasing every meal can add up!
- Don’t purchase a three-day pass unless you absolutely have to see every band that is playing.
Being my first music festival, I went all out and bought the three-day pass. While I had a great time, I was absolutely exhausted by the third day (which was canceled due to inclement weather). There is no point in hanging around if there isn’t an artist you want to see.
- Be ready for RAIN!
While the forecast obviously varies from year to year, last year it poured during several sets. Some stages are roofed, but not many!
- Enforce the buddy system.
Like I said earlier, the area near the subway can get sketchy at night. While the actual festival grounds are safe, there are crowds and crowds of people. It is very easy to get lost and the cell reception is terrible!