There are some things you can do on your own. But a Saturday in Central Park with Ms. Lauryn Hill & Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Victoria Monét, YEONJUN, YOSHIKI, and a special performance by Alicia Keys & Friends? That feels like a plan worth making with your besties.

On September 26, the 2026 Global Citizen Festival returns to Central Park’s Great Lawn — and the lineup just got even bigger.

The Festival will be hosted by Hugh Jackman, with appearances by Bill Nye, IZA, Jordan Fisher, Katie Couric, Lais Ribeiro, Marcus Samuelsson, Naomi Watanabe, Nomzamo Mbatha, PJ Sin Suela, Vladimir Duthiers, Rachel Brosnahan, and Gayle King.

Now there’s only one question left: Who are you bringing?

1. Start the Group Chat

Every friend group has its characters: the one who knows every lyric, the one planning an outfit months in advance, the friend who never misses a concert, and the unofficial event organizer keeping everyone on track.

Send them the lineup, give the group chat a Festival-worthy name, and start making plans.

2. Choose Your Must-See Artists

With R&B, hip-hop, pop, rock, country, and K-pop on the lineup, everyone can bring a different favorite to the day.

Compare your must-see performers, share the songs everyone should know, and build a playlist for the journey to Central Park. Leave room for the artists you might discover at the Festival too.

Alicia Keys & Friends will deliver a special performance at the 2026 Global Citizen Festival.

Victoria Monét joins the lineup for the 2026 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on Sept. 26.

YEONJUN is among the newly announced performers joining the 2026 Global Citizen Festival lineup.

3. Take Action to Earn Points Toward Tickets

Start by downloading the Global Citizen app and signing up. Complete action journeys and sprints to learn about global issues, take action, and earn points that can be used to enter draws for pairs of free Festival tickets.

Your Global Citizen Loyalty level, based on your active days over a 30-day period, can unlock more opportunities to enter. Check the app regularly and encourage your besties to keep taking action too.

This year, Festival actions support three campaign goals: creating opportunities for 2 million children to go to school, supporting 1.5 million smallholder farmers, and providing electricity for 2.5 million homes.

4. Choose How You Want to Secure Tickets

Most Festival tickets remain free and can be earned by taking action through the app. If you would rather secure your place directly, General Admission and VIP tickets are also available through Ticketmaster.

Global Citizen has partnered with PayPal to offer discounted General Admission tickets. The first 2,000 General Admission ticket purchasers who use PayPal will also receive FastPass access.

5. Volunteer Together in New York City

Throughout September, New Yorkers can participate in Global Citizen volunteering opportunities linked to free Festival tickets.

Activities include urban planting, coastal cleanups, and food donations, with opportunities involving Bowery Mission, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Pollinator Pathways, Support and Feed, and 9.11 Day.

Choose an activity your group can do together and check its eligibility requirements and ticket details before registering, as spaces are limited.

6. Get Festival-Ready in Global Citizen Merch

For the besties already planning their Festival looks, the 2026 Global Citizen Festival merchandise collection has arrived.

The collection features artist collaborations with Lenny Kravitz, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER, alongside apparel collaborations with Aviator Nation and Brooklyn Industries.

Choose your favorites, coordinate your looks, and get ready to take what feels like 100 group photos before you even reach the Great Lawn.

7. Match Your Besties to a VIP Experience

Every friend group approaches the Festival differently — and the VIP ticket options offer several ways to upgrade the day.

For the friend who appreciates a few extras: Global VIP includes access to a dedicated area, a VIP entrance and restrooms, premium food and beverage options, and an exclusive merchandise item.

For the friend who prioritizes added comfort: Premium VIP includes priority access within its dedicated area, upgraded food and beverage options, premium restrooms, a dedicated entrance, and exclusive merchandise.

For the friend who wants the ultimate experience: Ultimate VIP includes access near the stage, an exclusive lounge, an open bar with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, private entrance and restroom access, and a merchandise gift.

VIP tickets are limited, so compare the available benefits before booking.

8. Make a Festival-Day Plan

According to the Festival FAQs, gates open at 2 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m.

Decide where your group will meet, how you’ll travel, and what time everyone needs to arrive. Tickets are digital this year, so save yours to your phone’s wallet before heading to the park. Printed tickets will not work, and Wi-Fi will not be available inside the park.

Then send this to the friend who has The Score on vinyl, the one who introduced you to your favorite artist, and the one who always says, “We should really do this more often.”

So, besties: start the group chat, take action, and make the plans. We’ll see you there!