Gov Ball 2025 Day 2 wasn’t about to let a little weather stop the show — though it definitely tried. After hours of anticipation and a series of weather delays, doors finally opened to the public at 4:30pm. Some earlier sets were unfortunately canceled, but the festival quickly reworked the schedule to make sure fans still had a packed day of music.
Rain or shine, the show went on. Fans sprinted through the mud to claim prime barricade spots for Olivia Rodrigo at the main stage. Ponchos and pit wristbands in hand, Day 2 was officially on.
Marina Returns with Bite
On the main stage, Marina performed a set that reminded everyone why she’s stayed a fan favorite over multiple eras. Opening with the punchy “Bubblegum B*tch,” she kept the energy high. While playing tracks “Cupid’s Girl” and “Cuntissimo”, fans got a taste of the new era/album. The crowd immediately latched on to the cheeky yet empowering lyrics, proving Marina’s never been one to play it safe. “This one’s for my Primadonna’s,” she called out before launching into the beloved titled anthem, creating a singalong that echoed throughout the park. Whether you were a longtime stan or just being introduced, her set was sharp, shimmering, and full of synth-pop confidence.
Wallows’ Rain-Soaked Riot
Wallows took to the same stage next in what can only be described as a cinematic storm sequence. Halfway through their already electric set, the sky opened up once again — this time with a flash-flood — just as the band launched into “Remember When” and “Are You Bored Yet?” For diehard fans, it was akin to a baptism.
The California indie rock trio handled the chaos with grit and charisma. Midway through “OK,” frontman Dylan Minnette dove off the stage and sprinted through the barricades, turning the pit into his personal playground. When he climbed back up, he took over the drums, letting drummer Cole Preston step forward to sing “Quarterback,” showcasing the band’s chemistry. Soaked, screaming, and euphoric, the crowd refused to leave, holding on to every drenched guitar riff and lyric.
Conan Gray: Heartbreak Ahoy
Conan Gray made waves — literally — with a nautical themed set. Dressed in a sailor outfit, he emerged from behind “waves” on stage. He them climbed up a ship lookout tower before diving headfirst into a whirlwind of heartbreak, glitter, and guitar. The set opened with the live debut of “This Song” from his upcoming album Wishbone, a tender intro that melted into “Never Ending Song” and fan-favorites like “Wish You Were Sober.”
Before “The Cut That Always Bleeds,” Conan offered a perfect intro: “This one’s for people who’ve never gotten over anything… ever.” A sea of flashlights lit up the crowd during “Astronomy,” while he picked up a guitar to perform the song. The moment he removed his sailor coat — cue “Bourgeoisieses” — he really let loose. Conan even surprised the crowd with a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” giving it his own aching twist. And when it came time for “Heather,” he performed the Lost Verse Version. It truly left the audience in stunned silence before closing with “Maniac” and “Memories.”
Olivia Rodrigo Shines Through the Storm
Despite all the weather chaos, it was Olivia Rodrigo who delivered the set of the night — and maybe the weekend.
She opened with “Obsessed,” walking out across a glass catwalk, setting the tone for an artist who refuses to do anything halfway. That creative control carried into a haunting solo rendition of “Vampire” performed under a single spotlight.
Then came the tearjerkers: Olivia sat down at a grand piano and introduced “Drivers License” by saying, “I think of my life in terms of before and after this song.” The crowd sang the last line back to her in full voice, and tears were shed. She stayed at the piano for “Traitor,” before switching gears and sprinting down the catwalk for a roaring “bad idea right?”
There was time for sweetness too — she wished a fan happy birthday before performing “So American,” and then stunned the audience with a surprise appearance from David Byrne himself to perform a cover of the Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House.”
Olivia’s setlist spanned both albums and included hits like “deja vu,” “jealousy, jealousy,” and “get him back!” with the crowd screaming along to every lyric. The encore included a one-two punch of “brutal” and “all-american bitch” before finally closing the night with the anthemic “good 4 u.”
With Day 2 in the books, Gov Ball 2025 heads into its final day with a stacked lineup featuring Clairo, The Japanese House, Royel Otis, Hozier, and more. After everything the weekend has thrown — rain, mud, and the catharsis of live music — New York is ready to do it all over again. Stay tuned for our Day 3 coverage!
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