The Governors Ball Music Festival is set to return next month. Like most festivals, last year’s event, colloquially referred to as Gov Ball, was forced to cancel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there has been some concern regarding the recent upsurge in cases in the wake of new COVID variants, the success and relative safety of last month’s Lollapalooza all but solidifies the New York City festival’s return.
Adding to the hype is the fact that 2021 marks the festival’s 10th anniversary. Since debuting in 2011, Gov Ball has quickly become one of the nation’s most talked about festivals, known for drawing in a wide array of artists spanning multiple generations and genres.
Over the years, the Gov Ball demographic has shifted to a primarily younger crowd, so it makes sense that this year’s anniversary edition will feature headline performances from contemporary icons Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, J Balvin, and Post Malone.
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Gov Ball 2021 will also see the festival relocate for the first time in nine years, switching from Randall’s Island Park to the Citi Field complex in Queens. Originally held on Governors Island, for which it was named after, the festival moved to Randall’s Island for its second year and has been there ever since. The new location is expected to allow easier access to public transportation and parking.
Needless to say, there’s a whole lot riding on this year’s shoulders. In anticipation of next month’s return, and in celebration of 10 years of Gov Ball, Consequence has gone back and compiled our 10 favorite Gov Ball performances from over the years.
Editor’s note: Consequence has teamed up with Governors Ball and Fandiem for a giveaway unlike any other for the 2021 fest; get details here.
