What to Know About This NYC Festival

Going to a music festival is almost always a guaranteed good time. After all, it means spending an afternoon (or an entire weekend) seeing your favorite acts perform and dancing the day away with friends. But there’s an added bonus to attending the Global Citizen Festival in New York City: You get to do good just by showing up. 

For more than a decade, the Global Citizen Festival has brought together thousands of music fans to demand action against climate change, poverty, and inequity, raising billions of dollars along the way. On Sept. 28, 2024, the festival will return to Central Park’s Great Lawn, promising a great time and to deliver financial assistance where it’s needed most.

Ready to see it for yourself? Here’s what you need to know about the Global Citizen Festival, including how you can earn free tickets. 

Global Citizen Festival History

The festival began in 2012, with 60,000 people attending the very first event on the Great Lawn in Central Park. The inaugural festival included appearances by Neil Young, The Black Keys, and Band of Horses. Since then, everyone from Rihanna to Coldplay has taken the stage. 

The timing of the festival is no coincidence, either. The website noted it’s “timed to coincide with the UN General Assembly to leverage opportunities to get policy and financial commitments from government, corporate, and philanthropic leaders to defeat poverty, demand equity, and defend the planet.” 

How to Get Free Tickets 

You’re welcome and able to simply purchase tickets to the festival. You can buy in one of three categories: general admission; global VIP, which comes with a special entrance and restrooms; and ultimate VIP, which includes backstage access, catering, and private entry. Tickets begin at $99 for general admission and go up to $3,000 for ultimate VIP. 

However, there’s a better way to get in, and that’s by earning free tickets through acts of service. To snag them, you simply need to download the Global Citizen app, sign up to become a Global Citizen, and choose the issues that matter to you. From there, the app will ask you to take action, which includes picking from a list like signing petitions, sharing social posts, or reading stories. Once you earn enough “actions,” you can enter a raffle to win a pair of tickets to the event. 

What to Expect While Attending

There’s more to do beyond listening to music. Throughout the event, attendees can expect to hear speeches from activists and educators on equality, climate change, and ending poverty around the globe. Guests can also check out various booths set up by nonprofits, along with plenty of delicious food. (In 2023, the festival went completely meat-free, so get ready for lots of tasty vegetables this year, too.) 

Where to Stay Near the Festival

Luckily for those coming from out of town, there are lots of options for where to stay in New York City. But if you’re hoping to be near the park — and spend a few days in the lap of luxury — the iconic Plaza Hotel is just a few steps away. There’s also 1 Hotel Central Park, a fantastic choice for eco-conscious travelers. The property’s nature-inspired design includes reclaimed wood accents and living green walls, making it an ideal oasis for your festival stay.

For even more arts and culture, consider the nearby Hilton Club The Quin New York. The contemporary hotel is just a quick walk from the festival grounds and home to several artist salons and a 15-foot-tall video wall that will leave you mesmerized.

Who’s Headlining in 2024

The 2024 Global Citizen Festival has an incredible lineup of musical acts. This year, headliners include Post Malone, Doja Cat, Lisa, Jelly Roll, Benson Boone, Raye, and Rauw Alejandro. The event will also feature appearances by Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Chris Martin for an added touch of star power. 

Why the Festival Is Such a Big Deal

As mentioned, the Global Citizen Festival is more than just a concert. To date, the organization has distributed $43.6 billion in funds to various organizations, had members take more than 34 million actions to score tickets (and just because), and helped deliver 30 policy commitments to improve the world for everyone. The best part? You make a difference simply by attending. Having a great time while you’re there is just the cherry on top.