NEW YORK – There were nearly as many food vendors at the eighth annual Governors Ball as there were total performers.

Over 60 artists and bands performed between Friday and Sunday at Randall’s Island Park, with Jack White, Travis Scott and Eminem headlining each respective day. A total of 56 food vendors were available for general admissions patrons, with another 3 exclusively for VIPs. Besides different food selections, a VIP pass for the whole weekend cost over $700 and included enhanced viewing areas as well as fast lane entrances.

Also, I stopped at two of the festival’s nearly 60 food vendors. Here I’ve got a cucumber mint lime water ($5) and a falafel wrap ($12) from @TryVeganNJ and a basket of lemon pepper fries ($7) from @meatosstruck. pic.twitter.com/He09x75FjQ

— Colleen E. Ferguson (@ColleenEFergus2) June 1, 2018

Of the 56 options available to general admissions patrons, 31 of those vendors had vegetarian food options. Another 10 vendors served gluten-free dishes, and 15 vendors had vegan options. Eight vendors served food that catered to all 3 dietary restrictions.

It’s a hot one today, so our photog @la_rodgers5 went and got this vegan charcoal ice cream from @VLAIC. $9 for one scoop, $11 for two. According to her, very worth it. pic.twitter.com/GvvUA0DYZ2

— Colleen E. Ferguson (@ColleenEFergus2) June 2, 2018

A majority of vendors charged between $12 and $15 per item, with add-ons like extra vegetables or sauces for an additional charge. Free water was available at various locations throughout the festival, and companies like M&M and La Croix gave out free items as well. New York-based David’s Cafe offered one of the cheapest options: a $6 hot dog.

The vendors included options ranging from desserts, ice cream, juices and smoothies to various fried foods, pizza, barbecue and seafood. American, Mexican, Chinese and Greek foods could be found around the island, including some fusions of different cuisines like the $12 “spurrito.”

And at long last, I got my bacon mac. $12 across the board for one of four different varieties from @mactruckny. By the time this tweet finally sends it’ll all be gone already? pic.twitter.com/GIfaIJAnaF

— Colleen E. Ferguson (@ColleenEFergus2) June 3, 2018

For patrons over 21, a beer garden offered the Miller family of beers, and rose, red and white wine were also available at various locations around the island. A 24-ounce beer cost between $13 and $15, with 16-ounce cans of Blue Moon being sold for $10. A 14-ounce glass of wine cost $20.

The 2018 cocktail program featured four signature drinks. Bacardi Rum, which sponsored its own stage and cabana at the eighth annual festival, mixed two of its liquors with coconut water, lime and pineapple juice to create the Gov Ball Punch. Other signature drinks included the Pablo Honey, the Don Julio Paloma and the Aperol Spritz. Those who purchased VIP Plus tickets — only 125 were available per day, at $700 a pop — gained access to all-inclusive alcohol.

Published on June 3, 2018 at 6:10 pm

Contact Colleen: cefergus@syr.edu | @ColleenEFergus2