Governors Ball 2026 from Lorde to A$AP Rocky and all the genres in between

Governors Ball is just around the corner, and it is returning for a fourth year to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and possibly the last time if the insane plans for a casino move forward and threaten yet another beautiful public space. Governors Ball is arguably New York City’s biggest festival and consistently brings some of the world’s biggest artists to Queens. The festival does a fabulous job of bringing a variety of genres to fans, and this year is no exception. From indie pop to rap to K-pop, the lineup feels especially tuned into the current moment in music while still bringing a nostalgic edge for longtime festival goers. This year, the lineup is headlined by three massive and drastically different artists.

Lorde headlining Friday will bring a wave of 2000s kids to the park to see her live in all her grown-up glory. She last played the festival way back in 2017, which is almost a decade ago now. Since then, Lorde has evolved from a teenage indie-pop phenomenon into one of the defining voices of her generation, and fans are surely extremely eager to see what kind of emotional set she brings to the main stage. Friday, in general, feels geared toward fans looking for a more dreamy and nostalgic festival experience. King Princess, Arcy Drive and Del Water Gap are all examples with their romantic, wistful, and sentimental feelings coming out through their style.

Saturday might be the most global night of the festival, featuring artists from all over the world and all genres. Saturday will absolutely be the day to go if you’re looking for raging, large-crowd energy. K-pop will definitely be having a huge moment at Governors Ball this year with two nights of headliners. Stray Kids and BLACKPINK’s Jennie are absolutely going to rock the house down. Between their massive international fanbases and high-production performances, expect some of the loudest crowds of the weekend. Saturday’s lineup overall feels chaotic in the best way possible, bouncing between electronic, rap, pop, and dance performances all day long.

A$AP Rocky, Harlem native and longtime New York icon, will be closing the festival Sunday night, which will surely end the weekend with a bang. Rocky has always represented a very specific cool, fashion-forward version of New York rap culture, and having him close out the festival feels fitting for a hometown finale. Fans are already speculating about surprise guests, especially considering his long history of collaborations with artists across genres. 

Of course, A$AP Rocky isn’t the only New Yorker representing the city’s musical talent; the Dare, Geese, Del Water Gap, Lexa Gates, and the School of Rock performers are all showing what New York is made of. The Dare specifically has really blown up in the past few years during the Charli XCX-inspired punk-pop and indie sleaze resurgence that’s swept NYC nightlife and music culture. His set — and who he may or may not bring out — will definitely be one to look forward to. Another huge group to watch will be Geese, who have, not so quietly in this past year, become one of the most exciting young rock acts to come out of New York. Their set at the Brooklyn Paramount last November was pretty much the hottest ticket of the fall, so it will be interesting to see how many show up for their festival set.

Hemlocke Springs will be an artist to watch this year, and fresh off of releasing her first album the apple tree under the sea. Extremely unique artist with a very clear style to her music as well as her image. Slayyyter is another artist blowing up right now in the queer hyper pop universe – ALSO fresh off her album release of BROKE BITCH FREE$TYLE, she is sure to bring the party to Queens. 

Governors Ball has always worked best when it balances massive global stars with rising local talent, and this year’s lineup feels especially reflective of the city’s current music scene.

Learn more and get tickets at governorsballmusicfestival.com.

Cover image by Conan Gray by Charles Reagan for Governors Ball 2025.