Launched in 2011 by Jordan Wolowitz, Tom Russell, Yoni Reisman, the festival features an array of genres and styles of music, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie, Americana, pop, folk, and more.

Aside from the wide variety of music, the festival features a multitude of popular New York restaurants and food trucks, as well as activities and games.

Reviews for the 2011 festival were positive, with Flavorwire reporting, "As many area festival attempts often fall flat due to poor execution, the Governors Ball was a pleasant exception to the rule, leaving us looking forward to its return next year,"[2] and Gothamist reporting, "A gorgeous day at Governors Island...everyone seemed to leave sunburned and happy.

The festival was also forced to shut down early on Friday evening due to weather-related safety concerns, and several shows were cancelled, including that of headliner Kings of Leon.

[15] Late Sunday night, Kanye West announced he would hold a 2 am show somewhere in Manhattan; anticipating this, crowds began to gather at venues across the city.

Musician 2 Chainz posted that they would be at Webster Hall; over 4,000 fans rushed to the venue, blocking streets and triggering an NYPD response.

[16] The seventh edition of Governors Ball took place at Randall's Island Park in New York City from June 2–4, 2017.

[20] Originally, Brockhampton was to perform at this edition, however, the hip hop group was subsequently replaced in the lineup by Pusha T following sexual misconduct allegations involving former band member Ameer Vann.

The tenth edition was to be held at Randall's Island Park in New York City from June 5–7, 2020,[23] but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[24] Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, Flume, Vampire Weekend, Ellie Goulding, Missy Elliott, Solange, Rüfüs Du Sol, and H.E.R.

[33] Other performers included Dominic Fike, Labrinth, Rauw Alejandro, Farruko, Alex G, Goth Babe, Yung Gravy, Teezo Touchdown, Qveen Herby, Flo, Ryan Beatty, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sabrina Carpenter, Sexyy Red, TV Girl, Jessie Murph, Doechii, Hippo Campus, P1Harmony, D4vd, Reneé Rapp, Don Toliver, Victoria Monét, Faye Webster, Kevin Abstract, Cannons, Chappell Roan, Stephen Sanchez, and Quarters of Change.

[35] Other performers include Benson Boone, Feid, Glass Animals, Mk.gee, The Backseat Lovers, T-Pain, Tyla, Role Model, JPEGMafia, Matt Champion, Conan Gray, Mt.