Rhythm of the City: NYC’s Top Music Festivals

If you're a music fan, there’s no better way to spend a day than going to a New York City music festival. The festival season kicks off in June and runs through autumn, making it perfect for those popular vacation months.

Start the Summer: The Governor’s Ball

Mark your calendar for the first weekend in June. The Governors Ball rocks Randall’s Island Park with music ranging from electronic to rock to indie. Between sets, challenge your friends to mini golf or lawn games. Play life size Connect 4, cornhole, ladder ball or bocce ball. Fill up on food from New York City’s best restaurants and food trucks, and browse art of every genre.

Hot Music for the Hot Summer: 4Knots Music Festival

Develop new favorite artists at the Village Voice 4Knots Music Festival in July. The free festival showcases both well-known and emerging indie artists with a focus on the evolving music scene. Head to South Street Seaport where the day-long festival presents music on three stages. Grab grub and goodies from the concert vendors, or nosh in a nearby restaurant in the historic seaport village.

Back to School: The Electric Zoo

Say farewell to the lazy days of summer with three days of electronic dance music at the Electric Zoo over Labor Day weekend. The festival transforms Randall’s Island Park into five stages of danceable vibes. The Electric Zoo brims with fanciful animal-themed surprises, from elephants and gorillas made from flowers to towering inflatable zebras and cute souvenirs. Sport your rainbow unicorn horn and lose yourself in the sea of party animals.

Autumn Colors: The Meadows Music and Arts Festival

The fact that Flushing Corona Park was home to two World's Fairs in the last century makes it an ideal place for a concert. In fact, most of the action of the Meadow Music and Art Festival takes place surrounding the Unisphere, a 140-foot-tall globe built for the 1964-65 event. Listen to an array of music genres at the festival and enjoy craft cocktails, beer and more. Don’t drink? Visit Sober Meadows to enjoy the action with other non-drinkers.

End the Season: Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival

Don’t worry about braving November chill at an outdoor music festival in New York City. The Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival takes place indoors at venues based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Just like any music festival, purchasing a festival pass admits you to all activities, shows and after parties. Discover niche trends and emerging electronic music over the course of seven days at venues like the Music Hall of Williamsburg and Analog BKNY.

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