Head in the Clouds returns for its second year in New York City in just about two weeks, and we’re here to tell you how to make the most of it! Taking place during AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage month, the festival promises to highlight the Asian community through music, food, art, and more. With names like Joji, BiBi (who’s making her NYC debut), Illenium B2B Dabin, and (G)I-DLE, this is one you don’t want to miss.
What Is Head In The Clouds?
Put on by concert promoters 88rising and The Bowery Presents, Head in the Clouds is an annual festival focused on Asian culture and talent. It started in California in 2018, and has expanded to now having an additional weekend in New York for the last two years. This year, the New York installment of the festival will take place on the weekend of May 11 and May 12, 2024.
How Do I Get There?
Head in the Clouds will be taking place in Queens, NY at the historic Forest Hills Stadium. The festival warns that there will be no parking on site – so public transit will be your best bet for getting to the venue as smoothly as possible. Luckily, New York City has one of the best public transportation networks in the country.
Festivalgoers can take the E, F, M, or R subway lines and get off at the Forest Hills/71 Ave stop for a short walk to the stadium. For those who prefer a more direct route, the Long Island Rail Road commuter train will also stop at the venue and make trips to Grand Central and Penn Station for those who might be staying in Manhattan.
If you prefer a visual, here is an updated NYC subway map.
The Lineup
This year’s Head in the Clouds lineup will usher in talent across a variety of genres. From pop to EDM to rap, we promise there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few sets we think you can’t miss:
Lyn Lapid
Fresh off a hugely successful US tour that ended in February, Filipino singer-songwriter Lyn Lapid is sure to deliver a stellar set. Named one of Shazam’s top 5 artists to watch back in 2022, her airy pop anthems are bound to get you up on your feet and dancing. She’s most well known for her viral hit “Producer Man” which details her experience being exploited as a young woman by a male producer when she was early on in her career. Catch her at 5:05pm on Sunday!
Joji
You’ve probably heard Joji’s viral hits, “Glimpse of Us” and “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK,” but we promise that sticking around for his whole headlining set will be worth it. Last tour, the singer incorporated big screens, platforms, and colorful lighting into the stellar production of his show, and we hope that he finds a way to bring at least a glimpse of this to the Head in the Clouds stage. The Japanese singer-songwriter will deliver his R&B and lo-fi focused set during a headlining slot on Sunday night, and you don’t want to miss it!
Dhruv
Need a moment to relax and unwind? Singaporean singer-songwriter Dhruv’s music will remind you of spending a bright summer day sitting with friends in a backyard (or on a rooftop). His Frank Ocean-inspired sound is a perfect way to break up your Saturday, maybe alongside a refreshing cup of boba or a light cocktail. See Dhruv at 5:15pm on Saturday!
Awich
Sometimes referred to as “the queen of Japanese hip-hip,” Awich finds ways to stick to her Okinawan roots, singing in Okinawan as well as Japanese and English, and incorporating traditional Okinawan sounds into her songs. Attendees will likely hear a selection of the singer’s most recent album released in 2023, The Union, during her set on Sunday at 3:55pm.
(G)I-dle
You can’t go wrong with a K-pop girl group performance, and that’s exactly what you’ll see when (G)I-dle headlines the first night of the festival. The five-member ensemble is one of a few groups at the festival signed to hostling label 88rising, and they’re sure to deliver powerful vocals, tight choreography, and great visuals to go along with their set.
Tickets & Experience
Think you’re ready to check out this year’s Head in the Clouds festival? 2-day and single-day passes can still be purchased here! Browse through the GA and a couple VIP options to make sure your experience will be exactly what you’re looking for.
Set Times? Food?
Official set times were just posted, and you can see them here! Gates for both Saturday and Sunday will be at 2pm, with a 10pm curfew each night at the end of the festival. Food vendors have also been announced – the full list can be found here. Vendors are all local NYC businesses, and they promise to deliver a delicious lineup of Asian-centric food and beverage (and boba!).
We’re so excited to see you at this year's Head in the Clouds festival! It’s our goal to introduce you to each artist’s unique musical and artistic style. We highly encourage you to check it out, even if you may be a little unsure. Head in the Clouds isn’t just a K-pop festival (though there’s plenty of that if that’s what you’re excited for) – you’ll get to hear rap, EDM, pop, lo-fi, and so much more from this year’s truly diverse lineup with performers from around the world. Make sure to check back here and on our socials during and after the festival to see our photos of your favorite artists!
If there’s anything we missed, you can check out the Head in the Clouds FAQs to get your questions answered.