The Global Citizen Festival runs on a simple system: do good and be rewarded with tickets to see top stars perform in New York City. For every “action” you take — like signing pledges or tweeting calls for governments to increase aid for poverty or reaffirm their commitment to fighting climate change — you are entered into a lottery to win a ticket to the festival. The more actions you take, the better your chances of getting a ticket. Global Citizen is always a festival of A-listers, and, for many, the opportunity to see any of these acts at no monetary cost is hard to pass up. Last year, the lineup included Red Hot Chili Peppers, BTS member Jung Kook and the K-pop group Stray Kids. If you want VIP tickets though, you’ll have to buy those the regular cash way.
This year the festival returns to Central Park’s Great Lawn and the lineup is just as star-studded, with performances promised by Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Rauw Alejandro and Jelly Roll. Several “Global Citizen Ambassadors” will also take the stage to urge action around issues they feel strongly about. This year, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and beloved figure from your childhood Dr. Jane Goodall will make appearances. Plus, Hugh Jackman will emerge from down under to host. Did you know that the Wolverine is endangered? They only appear in one movie a year these days. There are also members of governmental organizations who make appearances — two from last year are the State Secretary for Indigenous People Puyr Tembé and the Deputy Secretary-General of the U.N.
But a festival whose call to action is “Join the global movement ending poverty” is bound to receive scrutiny. The festival has reported a positive impact, but some experts believe it generates “feel good” actions from its audience rather than something that affects tangible change. Moreover, The Nation writes that the festival “risks providing cover for politicians and companies rather than holding them accountable.” For example, Citi, the key partner for Global Citizen, is also one of the largest financiers of fossil fuels. Still, by giving the stage for speeches as well as the music, Global Citizen collapses some of the distance between pop culture and politics.
The Specs
- 60,000 people attend the NYC event.
- General Admission tickets are free, issued by a lottery system as you take various actions. Global VIP tickets start at $325 and Premium VIP tickets start at $499.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guides to New York here, and the best things to do in the state here.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the festival?
- LaGuardia Airport is 10 minutes away.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport is 30 minutes away.
- Newark Liberty International Airport is 1 hour away.
Where does it take place exactly?
In New York City’s Central Park on the Great Lawn.
Is the festival ADA-accessible?
Yes. There are ADA entrances, as well as other accommodations and designated seating areas available via application, though they reached capacity for these last year.
What time do the doors open for the event?
Gates open in NYC’s Central Park at 2pm. Music starts at 4pm.
What is Global Citizen all about?
Global Citizen is dedicated to ending extreme poverty. They urge you to join them in “Central Park as we unite to call on world and corporate leaders for urgent action to Defeat Poverty, Defend the Planet and Demand Equity.” The festival aims to bring together artists, fans, activists, world leaders, corporate leaders and more to end extreme poverty.
According to the site, Global Citizen focuses specifically on:
- “Defeat Poverty – We are calling on the G7 countries to increase their contributions to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund dedicated to defeating poverty.”
- “Defend the Planet – We are calling on businesses, philanthropic foundations and governments to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest and support indigenous communities.”
- “Demand Equity – We are calling for equitable access to nutritious food, stronger health systems, financial inclusion, and quality education.”
I heard you can earn free tickets?
Yes, fans can earn tickets for free by taking action on the Global Citizen app or website. Users contribute in some way to initiatives aimed at defeating poverty. For more info, go here.
Who has played the music festival in the past?
The festival first took place in 2012 and since has featured performances Rihanna, Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and many others. In 2023, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Conan Gray, Stray Kids, BTS’ Jung Kook, and Ms. Lauryn Hill, performed.
Which artists are on the Global Citizen 2024 lineup?
This year’s lineup includes Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Rauw Alejandro and Jelly Roll. The event will be hosted by Hugh Jackman, with appearances made by Chris Martin and Dr. Jane Goodall.
Where can I buy tickets?