Panorama NYC’s Debut Festival Brings Music, Art and Technology to Randall’s Island

Jordan Bailey

As far as music festival destinations go, New York City has long been the industry’s white whale. This year, industry leaders Goldenvoice and AEG Live have put together Panorama, a late-July festival aimed at hyper-modern music enthusiasts in New York and beyond.

The West Coast has Coachella, the Midwest has Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza and the East Coast has NYC’s Governors Ball. Now, though, Panorama aims to rival the ever-popular Governors Ball with an impressive lineup of high-caliber artists and a focus on art and technology. This inaugural event will be held on Randall’s Island, an over 400-acre island located in the center of New York City between Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens. The area is mostly parkland, making it a perfect getaway respite from the surrounding urban landscape. Panorama actually gets its name from the exhibit in the Queens Museum called Panorama of the City of New York built originally for the 1964 World’s Fair. Throughout three days of festivities, Panorama will showcase headliners such as GRAMMY-winner Kendrick Lamar, recently reunited electro icons LCD Soundsystem and indie giants Arcade Fire. Other massive acts include Alabama Shakes, Kurt Vile, Major Lazer, Foals, Daughter, Oh Wonder, Silversun Pickups, FKA Twigs, The National, Sufjan Stevens, Sia, A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels.

Panorama aims to “celebrate New York City’s position as both a capital of entertainment and hub of innovative technology.” As per the addition of technology, the festival will feature what they’ve deemed The Future Lab where they intend to showcase “new technology in unconventional ways.” An abstract idea indeed but seemingly bold nonetheless. Given the festival’s location in New York, food will obviously play an important role as well. Eater and food expert Robert Sietsema will curate a menu to reflect each of New York’s five boroughs. That said, expect plenty of grub from around the world in the form of food trucks, stalls and pop-up restaurants.

With Panorama located in the center of New York, allow Entertainment Voice to provide would-be festival goers with some up-to-date hotspots for eating, drinking and sleeping in the host city.

Eat & Drink

Randall’s Island park location provides out-of-town attendees with a great opportunity to explore the city and dive into some of New York’s most sought after restaurants. Take The Plaza Food Hall for example. As an oasis for the “one of everything” type of eater, Plaza Food Hall is a classy version of the food court. Check out NoMad Bar in the NoMad Hotel for a Michelin-star experience in a casual atmosphere. Cask Bar and Kitchen on the other hand, takes bar food to a whole new level with their late night menu.

Looking for New York’s best cocktails? Try the urban nest known as Skylark located 30 stories high in the center of Times Square. File Skylark under classic yet contemporary with upscale flavors served by true mixologists. Old New York is still alive at The Rum House. Order a dark and stormy to go alongside the jazz music to provide the perfect ingredients for a true New York noir experience. Just across the street from the aforementioned Cask Bar find Middle Branch, a sophisticated Murray Hill haunt serving one of the best Manhattans in the city.

Stay 

When it comes time to rest in the city that never sleeps, Midtown’s Hudson Hotel brings about a highly social atmosphere surrounded by the “daredevil design” elements of modern New York. This boutique hotspot provides guests with access to numerous lobby bars including Hudson Common, Private Park, Library Bar and their newest addition, Hudson Bar. Speaking of impressive architectural designs, The William in the heart of Manhattan has specially curated décor and interior bars with names like Raines Law Room and The Shakespeare. Last but not least, The Royalton in midtown is the self-proclaimed “stylish living room of Manhattan.” This particular hotel is geared toward the sophisticated international traveler and features noticeable touches of class like bronze fireplaces and leather upholstered everything. See the hotel’s popular Forty Four bar and restaurant where New York’s fashion elite often convene.

At the end of July, Panorama will have the chance to prove that New York not only houses some of the greatest places to eat, drink and stay in the country but that it also holds one of the nation’s great summer music festivals. Stay tuned!

Panorama NYC Music, Art and Technology Festival will be held on Randall’s Island from July 22-24. Information regarding tickets can be found here.