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5 things you need to know about Governors Ball – Metro US

5 things you need to know about Governors Ball

If you made plans to see Drake, St. Vincent, Florence and the Machine and the many, many other artists playing at Governors Ball this weekend, make sure you read this over first. The last thing you want is to get all the way to Randalls Island only to be turned away because you brought one of the prohibited items. And you probably want to know how to even get there, right? Keep reading for all your vital information, including where the after parties are. That’s vital, too.

The weather has been all over the place this week. The festival does allow umbrellas, so you can bring one if you want to be prepared. In the hopes that the sun does come out, it’s a smart move to pack some sunscreen, too. You are also allowed to bring small purses or bags and small, non-professional digital cameras.

As tempting as it is to want to toke up when your favorite performer takes the stage, all drugs are prohibited from the festival, including marijuana. After paying a couple hundred bucks for a ticket, it wouldn’t be worth it to get kicked out. You also can’t bring alcohol, but don’t worry, there will be plenty to buy on the grounds.

Despite the name, Governors Ball is not on Governors Island, it’s on Randalls Island. And despite it being an island, you can still get there by car, subway, bus, bike or by walking. To take the subway, take the green line to 125th st. Then, take the X80 express bus from 125th St and Lexington Ave., which will take you right to the festival.

If you’re coming from Brooklyn, you can take the Brooklyn shuttle bus from Brooklyn Bowl (N. 12th St. and Wythe) but tickets must be purchased in advance here.

Walking via the RFK Bridge takes about 30 minutes. You can also bike and there will be bike racks at the festival entrance so you can lock up your bike.

Last, you can take the ferry from E. 35th St and FDR Drive, which will depart every 15 minutes. Click here for tickets.

You will not go hungry at Gov Ball — even if you’re gluten-free or vegan. Local favorites such as Momofuku Milk Bar, Luke’s Lobster. Ramen Burger, Kimchi Taco and Mighty Quinn’s will all be there, and many, many more. Also this year, festival goers will be able to use Paypal as a paying option.

Yes, you’ve been looking forward to this weekend ever since you bought your ticket, but if you booze too hard on day one, you aren’t going to make it to Sunday and The Black Keys are closing down the festival the last night, so that would be a shame. Not only will drinking responsibly help you last the whole weekend, it will also keep you from overspending because you know the beer will be overpriced.

The fun doesn’t stop after the 11 p.m. nightly headliners. After-parties are taking place at various locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s also a good way to see some good shows if you didn’t splurge for the festival tickets. Some of the artists performing at the after parties include Chromeo, Little Dragon, Marina & The Diamonds, Clean Bandit and Deadmau5. Click here for a complete list or artists and locations.

Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmLaurence