Photos: Your Guide To Governors Ball 2018

Music festival season has officially arrived here in NYC with opening day of the eighth annual Governors Ball just getting started on Randalls Island. Performers over the next three days and nights include headliners Jack White, James Blake, Travis Scott, and Eminem, with a strong undercard featuring the likes of Cut Copy, Halsey, Japandroids, Pusha T, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Post Malone, Chvrches, Lil Uzi Vert, Shawn Mendes, and N.E.R.D. But Gov Ball isn’t only about music! If you’re on your way there now, or anytime over the weekend, here’s a quick look at what the scene is like.

LINES: As usual, if you didn’t pick up your wristband last week, or order your ticket in time to get it mailed to you, you can expect a wait at Will Call. And even if you did play it smart this year, there’s still the TSA-style bag check and security to get through. It’s pretty organized, but with Saturday and Sunday completely sold out, you should allow at least half an hour for this part of the process.

TRANSPORTATION: There are several fancy ferries and shuttle bus options, but if you can easily get to 125th Street on the 4/5/6, the M60 is the move. The bus runs continuously all weekend between Lexington and 126th (right in front of the iHop) and Gov Ball’s East Gate, and only costs $6.50 round trip. Just be sure to get a Metrocard before arriving so you don’t get stuck on the inevitable long lines at the card kiosks at 125th. And please, if possible don't take an Uber or whatever, you'll only add to traffic problems. (Here's a full list of transportation options.)

FOOD: As is custom at every festival these days, there are tons of food vendors here, and already I’ve consumed an excellent “Summer Goals” Strawberry Milkshake at New Territories; an overflowing Philly Cheesesteak from Smorgasburg favorite Federoff’s; a insanely sweet Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich from Do; a delicious Pineapple Bird from Thai Bird; and a lively Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich from Sweet Chick. Among the many other appealing options: the ubiquitous John’s Juice, Melt Shop, burritos at Taqueria Diana, Roberta’s pizza, Van Leeuwen ice cream, and vegan fare at Hippie Dips.

MUD: The freshly-sodded main lawn is in OK shape so far, but there are some mud puddles from this morning’s showers. There is currently a chance of rain or a thunderstorm on Saturday, so the best strategy is to bring a poncho, and don't to wear shoes that you’d hate to get filthy.

The mud scene on Friday. (Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

Three of the four stages this summer are open to the elements (the fourth has a roof over the audience area), which means no dumb lines to enter crowded indoor venues and a nice flow from one band to the next. There are Insta-bait art installations all over the festival grounds, as well as corporate-sponsored tents and giveaways.

We'll have further updates over the weekend.