Global Citizen Festival returns to New York City’s Central Park, on Sept. 28, 2024.
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 electrifying lineup which will feature performances by Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Jelly Roll, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone and RAYE. Also taking to the stage to call for urgent action for immediate change is Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, who will host the event. Festival-goers will also see appearances from Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, and Global Citizen Festival Curator Chris Martin of Coldplay.
This year, the festival’s primary policy goals are broken down into three pillars of action: Defeat Poverty, Defend the Planet, and Demand Equity.
Excited? So are we! Here’s everything you need to know ahead of joining us at Central Park, from menu options to what you should and shouldn’t bring with you.
Before we dive in, we want to encourage you to get there early! Doors open to the Great Lawn at 2 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 4 p.m. Get a spot up close to the stage and don’t miss your favorite artist — they just might be opening the show!
Do I need a ticket to enter the Global Citizen Festival? I thought the event was free.
Yes, although most GA tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free, you do have to earn the tickets by taking action on our app and entering a draw.
If you do not have a ticket, you will not be admitted to the Festival.
Are there any other ways to earn tickets to the Global Citizen Festival?
All of our draws to earn tickets have now ended. Thank you for taking action with us, we appreciate it!
If you’re still 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 print my ticket?
Yes, you are required to print your tickets ahead of time before you arrive at the park. We have plenty of recycling stations throughout the park where you can recycle your paper tickets once you’ve entered.
You will be able to print your tickets from your Ticketmaster account from Sept. 14.
Do kids need tickets to attend the Global Citizen Festival?
Yes, although we are an all-ages festival, everyone — regardless of age — will need a ticket to enter the event.
Do I need to show my ID at the gate?
No, you don’t need a matching ID at the gate.
Can I re-sell my GA tickets?
GA tickets that you won from our draw cannot be bought or sold, as that is against our terms and conditions and against the law. If we catch you selling GA tickets that you won, these tickets will be voided and your Global Citizen accounts will be blocked.
Can I transfer my tickets to friends and family?
Yes! Once you receive the ticket link, you can easily assign them to another name via Ticketmaster. Here’s how to transfer tickets:
Log into your Ticketmaster account, and go into ‘My Tickets.’
Find your pair of Global Citizen Festival tickets, and use the ‘Ticket Transfer’ option to transfer tickets to your friend or family member’s name.
Tickets won cannot be sold on a secondary market for any reason. You can give your tickets to friends or family members if you no longer need them.
When do the gates open? What time does the Global Citizen Festival start and end?
The gates at Central Park will open at 2 p.m. — this includes VIP, GA, and ADA gates. The show will start at 4 p.m., and will end around 10 p.m.
Please note: We will close the gates around 8 p.m., so be sure to enter early.
Can I camp out in Central Park? How early can I line up?
Camping overnight in Central Park is strictly prohibited (you can learn more about this in Section P here). Central Park opens at 6 a.m. and our gates open at 2 p.m. Be sure to respect fellow park-goers while waiting in line.
Can I leave and re-enter the park?
No, there is no re-entry allowed.
What are the set times or order the artists are playing?
We’re not releasing the set times or the order of artists. With the amazing lineup, we advise that you get there early to enjoy the whole show.
What can I bring into Central Park?
The following items are allowed into the Festival:
- Empty plastic water bottles
- Cell phones
- Digital cameras (non-professional)
- Disposable cameras
- Earplugs
- Film cameras (non-professional)
- Hats
- Strollers (if you’ve come with a toddler or infant)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Walkie-talkies
- Great energy and attitude to enjoy the show!
Check out ourInstagram explainer of what you can and cannot bring here.
Note: most bags are not allowed. You may bring small, clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (12”x12”x6” max size), or non-clear clutch/purse/fanny packs no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”. No other bags, including backpacks, are allowed.
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 or cameras with detachable lenses
- Air horns
- Bicycles or scooters
- Backpacks or Camelbaks
- Blankets, chairs, stools, and coolers
- Chains or chain wallets
- Dangerous items
- Offensive items
- Disruptive activities
- Divisive symbols
- Drones
- Fireworks
- Flags, flyers, and frisbees
- Glass or metal containers
- Illegal drugs or paraphernalia
- Laser pens or similar
- Light sticks
- Musical instruments
- Pets/animals
- Selfie sticks
- Signs
- Skateboards
- Sports balls
- Tents
- Tripods
- Umbrellas
- Unlicensed vending
- Water squirt guns or weapons of any kind
- No smoking of any kind
What is the Global Citizen Festival bag policy?
Noted: Most bags are not allowed. You may bring small, clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (12”x12”x6” max size), or non-clear clutch/purse/fanny packs no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”. No other bags, including backpacks, are allowed.
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!
Can I bring a water bottle into the Great Lawn?
Yes, you can bring in an empty reusable plastic water bottle and you’ll be able to refill it at water stations provided by Citi throughout the park.
Please note: any metal water bottles, such as S’wells or hydroflasks, as well as glass bottles, are not allowed and will be confiscated.
Can I bring food into the Festival?
Small, handheld wrapped snacks are fine to bring in. Please don’t bring in a full meal.
Can I bring posters, banners, or flags into the Festival?
No, you cannot bring in posters, banners, or flags into the Festival. Thank you for your understanding!
For park safety reasons, you cannot bring your light sticks into the Great Lawn. This will be strictly enforced at security. We suggest wearing your favorite artist’s merch to show your enthusiasm!
Can I bring a chair, stool, or blanket into the Festival?
For park safety reasons, you cannot bring your chairs, stools, or blankets into the Great Lawn. This will be strictly enforced at security.
There are no seats on the Great Lawn, it is standing room only — first-come, first-serve. This is for both General Admission and VIP sections.
How do I get to the General Admission 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!
How can I apply for ADA accommodations?
ADA accommodations are available at the festival. Capacity is limited and entrance into the designated ADA area requires prior approval. We are currently at capacity, and for the safety of all our guests, we cannot allow the section to exceed its approved capacity. We have instituted a waitlist. In the event of cancellations from approved guests, we will be granting approvals to those on the waitlist in the order in which the request for accommodation was received.
The Request for Accommodation form will close at 7 p.m. on Tues, Sept. 24. By submitting this form, you will be adding yourself to the waitlist. For all requests after this time, please email ada@globalcitizen.org to be added to the waitlist.
Will there be food and drinks sold at the festival?
Yes, we will have vegetarian and vegan food options and non-alcoholic drink vendors on the Great Lawn. Vendors will be accepting cash and cards.
Water refill stations will be provided by Citi at no cost to you. 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 food and merchandise. 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.
You must pay with Venmo at the Festival to receive a discount. Offer expires at the end of the Festival. Full Offer Terms apply: globalcitizen.org/venmo10
Will there be food to accommodate my dietary restrictions?
We’ll have plant-based and gluten-free food options. We’re not a nut-free festival, but we’ll have items free of nut and gluten contamination available.
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.
Is there WiFi at Global Citizen Festival?
No, there isn’t WiFi available at the festival.
Will there be charging stations at Global Citizen Festival?
Yes, Verizon is providing charging stations in all of the sections. They will be located on the outer rim of the Great Lawn.
Will the Festival still go on if there is rain? Will there be a make-up date if there’s extreme weather this year?
The Global Citizen Festival is rain or shine but may be canceled due to severe weather. If a rain date is possible, the event will take place the following day, on Sunday, Sept. 29.
No umbrellas are allowed, but we recommend bringing a poncho or waterproof raincoat and appropriate footwear if it looks like rain.
Please keep a close eye on Global Citizen’s social media accounts (@glblctzn) for updates.
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.
I have sensory needs. Is there anything else I should know?
KultureCity will be on-site at Global Citizen Festival with trained volunteers, sensory bags, and a mobile sensory room for families and individuals who have sensory needs.
Sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will be available for fans to use and take home at no additional cost.
The KultureCity Mobile Sensory Room provides a dedicated space designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. The sensory room is outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, a mobile sensory station, and Sparkle Interactive Light by NunoErin.
Guests who have been approved to enter the designated ADA area can pick up their sensory bags at the ADA Check-In tent, located along the East Drive inside the entrance to the park at 84th St. and 5th Ave.
Guests not approved to enter the designated ADA area (including all General Admission and VIP ticket holders) may pick up their sensory bag at the ADA entrance and then proceed to their corresponding entrance as listed on their ticket. General Admission guests may also pick up their bags on the East side of the Great Lawn once they have entered the venue.
The Mobile Sensory Room will be available in our General Admissions area located at the East side southern side of The Great Lawn. A limited number of sensory bags will also be available here for guests.
Note that inventory for sensory bags is limited and will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.