Governors Ball is back in New York City, this year staking its claim in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens and bringing along with it some of the hottest acts of 2023.
Headlined by Lizzo, Odesza and Kendrick Lamar, this year’s fest also boasts some of the freshest up-and-coming acts from the city and beyond.
The Big Apple’s brightest fest runs from June 9 to June 11, and Emilio Herce was there to capture all of the backstage and onstage highlights from the weekend for NME. Here’s your all-access pass to NYC’s signature festival.
Suki Waterhouse
Suki Waterhouse serenaded the New York City crowd with her angelic voice.
AESPA
aespa taught us the art of tight choreography and fantastic fashion choices.
Finneas
Finneas bringing all his hits to a packed Saturday crowd during a sunset set.
Ice Spice
The Bronx’s very own Ice Spice had one of the biggest crowds of Gov Ball performing her biggest songs and getting everyone to sing along to her verse on ‘Boys A Liar Part 2’.
Kenny Beats
Which was more hype? The crowd-watching Kenny Beats or the crowd hanging with him on stage? It’s impossible to tell.
KennyHoopla
KennyHoopla giving Governors Ball the exact right amount of pop-punk energy.
Kim Petras
Kim Petras leaving it all on the stage and bringing us all along for the ride.
Lil Baby
Lil Baby performed with an army of dancers backing him up.
Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert spent more time in the crowd than the stage during his set, and judging by the audience’s reaction, they preferred it that way.
Lizzo
If there was an award for best vocals of the festival, Lizzo definitely would have one with her rendition of ‘Cuz I Love You’.
Michelle
New York City’s own Michelle showing us the art of pop and choreography.
Odesza
Odesza lit up New York City on Saturday night with pyro, strobes, a drum line and killer beats.
Oliver Tree
Oliver Tree has jokes, but when it comes to giving a stellar performance, he doesn’t play around.
Saba
Saba had the hard task of warming up the stage early Friday before the rest of the weekend’s acts, but of course, he succeeded.
PinkPantheress
TikTok favourite and viral hitmaker PinkPantheress brought big songs and big 2000s energy to NYC.
Giveon
Giveon may get his peaches down in Georgia, but he gets his vibes off in New York City.
Central Cee
UK hitmaker Central Cee gave the NYC crowd a taste of his London charm.
Pusha T
Not many people could get away with bringing a huge snow globe full of cash out on stage. But not many people are Pusha T.
Remi Wolf
Remi Wolf onstage and backstage showing us the proper attire for an NYC festival.
Sofi Tukker
If you could take New York City summer and put it into a duo, what you’re going to end up with (thankfully) is Sofi Tukker.
Alexander 23
Alexander 23 being cool, calm, collected and charming.
Gale
Gale gives us a tutorial on big energy and even higher kicks.
Snail Mail
Snail Mail in a Stone Roses shirt may be the best fit we witnessed at Governors Ball.
Haiku Hands
Haiku Hands sporting the best fits and poses of the weekend.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X may have had to restart his set due to tech difficulties but you’d never know judging by the way he overtook the stage.
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar closes out Governors Ball with the most packed set of the weekend, and with the energy, tracks and pyro he brought that makes perfect sense.