Global Citizen Festival returns to New York City’s Central Park, on Sept. 27, 2025.
You’ve taken action with Global Citizen and earned yourself a pair of tickets to the big day, and like us, you’re probably anticipating the exciting lineup. A lineup that includes Cardi B and Shakira as headliners with additional performances by Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah The Scientist, Camilo and Elyanna. Also taking to the stage to invite world leaders to commit to defeating poverty and defending the planet is Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman who will host the event. Festival-goers will also see Bill Nye, Adam Lambert, Danai Gurira, and Liza Koshy on stage as co-hosts.
This year we have three ambitious goals to achieve at our festival: increase energy access across Africa, protect the Amazon rainforest, and provide access to education for children worldwide. You can learn more about these goals right here.
As we build up to the day, there are a few things that you need to take note of if you’ll be in attendance. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of joining us at Central Park, from what time the gates will be open to what you should and shouldn’t bring with you.
Do I need a ticket to enter the Global Citizen Festival? I thought the event was free.
Yes, you need a ticket. Although most GA tickets to Global Citizen Festival are free, you do have to earn the tickets by taking action on our app and entering a draw. You also need to print your ticket before arriving at the gates.
If you do not have a printed ticket, you will not be admitted into the festival.
Do I need to print my ticket?
Yes, you must print your tickets ahead of time before you arrive at the park. If you do not have a paper ticket, you will not be allowed in. Due to NYC Parks regulations, we cannot accept tickets presented on your mobile device. We have plenty of recycling stations throughout the park for you to recycle your paper tickets once you’ve entered.
You will be able to print your tickets from your Ticketmaster account starting on Sept. 13.
Do kids need tickets to attend Global Citizen Festival?
Yes, although we are an all-ages festival, everyone — regardless of age — will need a ticket to enter the event.
Are there any other ways to earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival?
Sorry, all of our draws to earn tickets have now ended. Thank you for taking action with us, we appreciate it!
If you’re interested, you can join our Discord Server or our Facebook group to see if anyone has tickets to give away for free. Please note: You cannot sell or buy GA tickets that you won in our draws, but if anyone has extras, they can transfer them to you for free.
Do I need to show my ID at the gate?
No, you don’t need a matching ID at the gate.
When do the gates open? What time does the Global Citizen Festival start and end?
The gates at Central Park will open at 2 pm (this includes all VIP, GA, and ADA gates). The show will start at 4 pm and end around 10 pm.
Please note: We will close the gates around 8 pm, so be sure to arrive at the Great Lawn early as there will be no re-entry allowed into the Great Lawn.
Can I camp out in Central Park? How early can I line up?
Camping overnight in Central Park is strictly prohibited. Central Park opens at 6 am and our gates open at 2 pm. Be sure to respect fellow park goers while waiting in line.
We recommend arriving to our lines before 2 pm to ensure you can enjoy the full show.
How do I get to the GA gates at Central Park?
There is no designated parking at the venue and we encourage people to take mass transit.
For West Gate entry tickets, you can take the A, D, or 1 train to 59th Street-Columbus Circle and walk to the 72nd Street entrance of the park. You can also take the B or C train to the 72nd Street station.
If you have VIP tickets, please take the B or C train and exit at the 81st Street station.
For East Gate entry tickets, you can take the 4 or 6 train to 68th Street-Hunter College, 77th Street, or 86th Street, and walk to the 72nd Street entrance.
If you plan to be dropped off in a car, the East ticket line begins at East 72nd and 5th Ave and the West ticket line forms at West 72nd and Central Park West.
You can also take advantage of New York City’s extensive bike share network, and help save the environment at the same time.
Where is the Premium and Global VIP ticket entrance?
Premium and Global VIP ticket guests can enter at West 81st Street and Central Park West.
What can I bring into Central Park?
The following is allowed into the Park: empty plastic water bottles, cell phones, digital cameras (non-professional), disposable cameras, earplugs, film cameras (non-professional), hats, strollers (with toddler or infant), sunscreen, sunglasses, walkie talkies, and your great energy and attitude!
Is there anything I shouldn’t bring into Central Park?
The following items and actions are prohibited from the park: Alcohol, audio or video recording equipment, air horns, bicycles or scooters, backpacks, blankets, Camelbaks, chains/chain wallets, cameras with detachable lenses, chairs, coolers, dangerous or offensive items, disruptive activities, divisive symbols, drones, fireworks, flags, flyers, frisbees, glass/metal containers, illegal drugs/paraphernalia, laser pens or similar, light sticks, musical instruments, pets/animals, selfie sticks, signs, skateboards, sports balls, tents, towels, tripods, umbrellas, unlicensed vending, water squirt guns, weapons, and no smoking of any kind.
Are there seats on the Great Lawn? My ticket says a specific number.
There are no seats on the Great Lawn, it is standing room only — first-come, first-serve. This is for both GA and VIP sections. You cannot bring chairs or stools into the park.
What is the Global Citizen Festival bag policy?
Most bags are not allowed. You may bring small, clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (12”x12”x6” max size), non-clear clutch/purse/fanny pack no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
No other bags allowed, including backpacks of any kind (this includes clear backpacks).
Are there lockers to store my items?
Sorry, there are no lockers on the Great Lawn. Make sure you read our prohibited items list and bag policy!
Will there be food and drinks sold at the festival?
Yes, we will have vegetarian and vegan food options, gluten-free food options and non-alcoholic drink vendors on the Great Lawn. Vendors will be accepting cash and cards.
Please note: We’re not a nut-free festival, but we’ll have nut-free and contamination-free food options.
Water refill stations will be provided at no cost to you and we recommend you bring a reusable, plastic water bottle into the festival. Remember, metal or glass water bottles are not permitted into the festival.
This year, you can use Venmo to pay for any purchase onsite — like on food and merch. Plus, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount! Just follow the steps below:
- Choose to pay with Venmo and your 10% discount will be reflected immediately at checkout.
- Scan the QR code. The Venmo app will open to the vendor’s business profile.
- Enter the total into the app and complete your purchase.
- Show your completed payment to the vendor.
Must pay with Venmo at the Festival to receive Discount. Offer expires at the end of the Festival. Full offer terms apply: globalcitizen.org/venmo10
What should I wear to the show?
Your safety and comfort are first and foremost. You should come prepared and dress in layers for the possible change in weather during the day.
Will there be charging stations at Global Citizen Festival?
Yes, there will be charging stations on the outer oval of the Great Lawn, as well as in the UVIP tent.
What do I do if there’s an emergency?
Security personnel will be trained to deal with any and all emergencies. Follow the directions of security personnel and pay attention to instructions from Global Citizen. There will be enhanced lighting and signs showing exit paths out of the park.
Any more questions? Visit our FAQ page.
Now that you are fully prepared for the Global Citizen Festival this year, mark your calendars for Sept. 27 at Central Park in New York City and come ready to be inspired to make a difference.