The Governors Ball music festival returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park next weekend, running from Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7. Organizers expect tens of thousands to attend, with performances scheduled from artists including Lorde and A$AP Rocky.
Food vendors inside the festival grounds will reflect the diversity of Queens. Confirmed participants include Arepa Lady from Jackson Heights, Essex Pearl from the Lower East Side, and Mao's Bao, known for their cumin lamb buns. Festival maps list about 30 concessions, most charging between $12 and $20 for main dishes.
Outside the park, Roosevelt Avenue and Main Street will likely see increased foot traffic, especially on Saturday afternoons. Last spring, nearby restaurants reported lines out the door for bubble tea, dumplings, and tacos during festival weekends. This year, several Flushing businesses are extending hours, with some staying open until midnight to accommodate crowds.
Alcohol sales are limited to festival grounds, but several local bars have posted signs advertising "Gov Ball specials" for the weekend. Subway service on the 7 train is expected to run as scheduled, though NYPD has advised commuters to allow extra time for travel near Citi Field and the park.
Flushing's mix of restaurants and food stalls gives festival-goers many options before and after shows. Residents and business owners say the event brings both new customers and logistical challenges, especially for workers heading home during peak hours.