THE FESTIVAL THAT’S KING OF QUEENS

In New York City alone, there’s Governors Ball, Panorama, Electric Zoo, Northside Fest, Afropunk, Global Citizen’s Fest, and more, not to mention free concerts at parks around the boroughs. With festivals stacked in the city, what makes the newest entry into the NYC lineup, Meadows Music & Arts Festival, unique?

The Meadows–only in its sophomore year–will take place in two weeks, from September 15-17. In an interview with Billboard, Founders Entertainment (the same company behind Gov Ball) exec Jordan Wolowitz says the Meadows Fest serves as a bookend to summer, a “fall music festival” and also “focuses a little more on pop, hip-hop, and dance, more so than Gov Ball.” The conscious effort to provide a little more diversity, in terms of scheduling both the actual festival as well as its performers, certainly sets the Meadows apart.

The Meadows is one of few Queens-based music festivals, a borough the offers us more than many may think. The city gave us A Tribe Called Quest, Run DMC, and NAS–who is returning to his hometown to perform at this year’s Meadows fest. What’s more, according to NewYork.com, Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world. Its 2+ million residents include immigrants from more than 100 countries who speak more than 138 languages. Sometimes overshadowed by the flash of Manhattan and artistry in Brooklyn, Queens should not go underestimated. A historic city rich in culture, the Meadows fest draws attention to a town that so rightfully deserves it.

This year’s lineup includes some HIGHLARK staff favorites: Foster the People, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jay-Z, Run the Jewels, Gorillaz, Future, Weezer, Erykah Badu, M.I.A., Sky Ferreira, Lizzo, A-Trak, Sleigh Bells, and even some indie stars like Broods, DREAMERS, Arkells, and Circa Waves. Spread across three days, we’re preparing for a weekend full of good vibes, artist discoveries, and solid sessions to jam out to the legends across genres.

[ + ] BROODS

[Official] [SoundCloud]

[ + ] DREAMERS

[Official] [SoundCloud]

[ + ] ARKELLS

[Official] [SoundCloud]

[ + ] CIRCA WAVES

[Official] [SoundCloud]

That all being said, the Meadows markets itself as a music and arts festival. Under the umbrella of “arts” certainly exists wonderful visual artists. Last year, attendees witnessed the work of native NY street craftspeople. But there’s also art that is edible, and the food lineup at this year’s Meadows Festival may rival that of the performers. The Infatuation Village is curated by the food blog of the same name and includes some NYC staples: Ramen Burger, is-this-really-vegan Monk’s Meats, Twist And Smash’d, and both DOUGH and Dō (because you can never have enough). But there’s also FEASTival, “a special foodie experience” curated by Joe DiStefano (aka “The Guy Who Ate Queens”), which will bring the borough’s best Thai, Mexican, Colombian, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese food the borough has to offer.

Experience Queens like never before and plan to join the cultural end-of-summer experience.

The Meadows Music and Arts Festival will take place September 15-17, 2017 at Citi Field in Queens, New York City.

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