Governors Ball 2025 hit a major speed bump on Saturday (June 7), as inclement weather forced organizers to delay the start of Day 2 by more than four hours, cancel several early artist performances, and reshuffle headliner set times — all in an effort to keep fans and artists safe amid forecasts of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms over New York City.
What was supposed to be a full afternoon and evening of live music at Flushing Meadows Corona Park quickly turned into a waiting game for tens of thousands of festivalgoers. With the gates originally set to open at noon, many were already lined up or en route when organizers dropped the announcement Saturday morning: “Due to predicted weather, doors will be delayed until 4:30pm. Please delay your arrival and plan accordingly. Stay tuned for the updated schedule!” the Gov Ball team posted on X (formerly Twitter).
A Sudden Schedule Shakeup
The delayed start had a domino effect on Saturday’s entire lineup. Several early sets — including highly anticipated performances from Lexa Gates, Yaya Bey, and The Backfires — were canceled outright, with no option to reschedule them later in the day. For rising artists in particular, this was a frustrating blow, as festivals like Gov Ball are a crucial opportunity to gain exposure and connect with new fans.
Meanwhile, organizers scrambled behind the scenes to salvage the rest of the day. As the skies began to clear in the late afternoon, the updated set times were released, showing that most artists originally slated for the evening would still perform — just later than planned.
Olivia Rodrigo Headlines in the Rain
One of the biggest adjustments was made for Saturday’s main headliner, Olivia Rodrigo, who was originally set to take the main stage at 8:30 p.m. ET. With the revised schedule, she didn’t step onto the stage until 9:25 p.m. — but the wait was clearly worth it for the thousands of fans who braved the wet and muddy conditions to see her live.
Rodrigo’s set featured a mix of her biggest hits and emotional deep cuts, but the moment that truly stole the show came when she surprised the crowd with a guest appearance by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. The duo performed a searing rendition of “Burning Down the House,” and Rodrigo even mimicked Byrne’s signature quirky dance moves to the delight of fans. Despite the earlier chaos, the performance quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the entire weekend.
Who Else Performed (and Who Didn’t)
While Olivia Rodrigo eventually lit up the main stage, not everyone was able to take part in Saturday’s revised program. In addition to the early set cancellations, another surprise came when Mariah the Scientist’s scheduled performance was abruptly canceled last minute, even though her name remained on the updated lineup.
No announcement was made at the festival itself, and organizers only posted a brief, disappearing Instagram Story stating: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mariah the Scientist will no longer be able to perform.” The artist later apologized to fans on her own social media, expressing her frustration and disappointment, especially for those who had traveled and waited in the rain just to see her.
Still, several other artists managed to take the stage without issue once the festival resumed. Acts such as Marina, Young Miko, Conan Gray, and Car Seat Headrest all performed to enthusiastic crowds. Meanwhile, Feid and Wave to Earth, both closing out different stages, had their set times adjusted to 8:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., respectively.
A Rainy Weekend So Far
This wasn’t the first time weather has impacted Governors Ball — previous years have seen rain, mud, and even lightning interfere with performances. But this year’s delays have been particularly frustrating for fans, especially those who traveled long distances or paid high prices for single-day passes expecting a full-day experience.
Gov Ball 2025 kicked off on Friday with a strong start, featuring standout performances from Tyler, The Creator, T-Pain, Tyla, Benson Boone, Mk.gee, Role Model, The Backseat Lovers, JPEGMAFIA, and others. Spirits were high and crowds were energized, with Friday serving as a reminder of why Gov Ball remains one of the most anticipated music festivals on the East Coast.
Looking Ahead: Will Sunday Be Smoother?
As the festival prepares to wrap up with Day 3 on Sunday (June 8), organizers and attendees alike are hoping for clearer skies and fewer interruptions. The final day promises performances by Hozier, Clairo, Mt. Joy, RAYE, Royel Otis, The Japanese House, Amaarae, Berlioz, Key Glock, Montell Fish, and more.
For now, fans are taking the delays in stride — many happy just to see their favorite artists, rain or shine. But for some, especially those whose sets were canceled entirely, the weather’s impact on Day 2 will leave a bittersweet memory. Still, the community spirit and the magic of moments like Olivia Rodrigo’s surprise duet prove that even a washed-out day at Gov Ball can deliver unforgettable highs.