Governors Ball Music Festival 2023 Still Going Forward as New York Experiences “Very Unhealthy” Air Quality
Governors Ball 2023 is still scheduled to take place this weekend from June 9-11, festival organizers have confirmed. In a statement to Pitchfork, a representative for the event acknowledged the current state of New York’s air quality, which has been characterized by Mayor Eric Adams as “very unhealthy” and is among some of the worst pollution in the world as of Wednesday.
“We’re closely monitoring the air quality with weather experts and are in close contact with city officials,” a Governors Ball representative wrote. “As always, the health and safety of New Yorkers is our top priority. At this time, the festival is continuing as planned. We are hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days and are looking forward to a great weekend!”
The vast stretches of smoke blanketing New York are drifting south from more than 400 active wildfires in Canada. Several states in the northeastern part of the country have been affected, with New York enduring some of the worst air quality.
On Wednesday, June 7, multiple events were canceled, including the opening night of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival in Prospect Park, which was set to feature performances from Taj Mahal, Corinne Bailey Rae, and the Harlem Gospel Travelers. Dende’s concert at the Sultan Room was canceled, and so was Jessica Lea Mayfield’s show at Brooklyn Made.
Governors Ball—an outdoor festival—will take place at its new home of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens this weekend. In addition to headliners Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, and Odesza, the lineup also includes Lil Nas X, Haim, Rina Sawayama, Pusha T, Snail Mail, Lil Uzi Vert, Diplo, Giveon, Lil Baby, PinkPantheress, Black Midi, and Syd, among others.
Back in 2019, Governors Ball (then held at Randall’s Island Park), had to be evacuated on its final night due to thunderstorms and severe weather. The festival issued refunds to those affected by the cancellation. The pandemic caused the event’s cancellation the following year. The 2021 and 2022 editions of the festival were held in the parking lot at Citi Field in Queens.