Global Citizen Festival is back, returning to New York City’s Central Park on Sept. 23, 2023.
If you took action with Global Citizen and earned yourself a pair of tickets, you're already aware that the star-stunned lineup includes performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jung Kook, Anitta, Conan Gray, D-Nice, and Sofia Carson. Stray Kids had been set to perform but due to an unforeseen accident, we will be joined by 3RACHA, which features three members of Stray Kids, Changbin, Bang Chan and Han.
Also taking to the stage are the likes of Bill Nye, Bridget Moynahan, Busy Philipps, Carmelo Anthony, Common, Connie Britton, Danai Gurira, Gayle King, Jordan Fisher, Lewis Pugh, Padma Lakshmi, Phoebe Gates, Rachel Brosnahan, Sophia Bush, and many more.
These global superstars will share the Global Citizen stage with renowned activists including Barbie Izquierdo, Deja Foxx, Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Jerome Foster II, Helena and Nina Gualinga, Moj Mahdara, Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku, Sophia Kianni, Pashtana Durrani, Xiye Bastida, and Wangari Kuria to call for urgent change.
We’ve gathered this stellar lineup in our mission to drive critical efforts to End Extreme Poverty NOW: For the Planet, For Equity, For Food, and For Jobs.
Excited? We are too! Here everything you need to know ahead of the big day, from arrival time, to menu options, and what you should and shouldn’t bring with you.
When and where is Global Citizen Festival 2023?
The Global Citizen Festival 2023 is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, in NYC’s Central Park on the Great Lawn. The gates at Central Park will open at 2 p.m. (this includes VIP, GA, and ADA gates) and the show will start at 4 p.m, ending at around 10 p.m.
Please note, the gates will close around 8 p.m. — so get to the Great Lawn early to enjoy the full show!
What do I need to bring?
The most important thing to bring with you is your ticket. Please note that you must print your tickets ahead of time before you arrive at the park. You will not be allowed in with a mobile ticket. We have plenty of recycling stations throughout the park for you to recycle your paper tickets once you've entered. You do not need a matching ID at the gate with your ticket.
If you don’t have a ticket, you will not be admitted into the Festival.
We’ll have food, non-alcoholic beverages, and merch vendors around the park, so don’t forget to bring cash or cards. Keep reading for more information about what to bring, and not to bring, to Global Citizen Festival.
Please note that every person will receive a thorough screening (similar to airport-style) at the gates prior to entry.
How can I help encourage safety at Global Citizen Festival?
With our partner Spotify, we’re encouraging everyone to join in taking a stand against harassment and helping keep concerts safe for everyone.
Head to Spotify’s webpage to find free sexual violence prevention training and learn how you can help build safety for your fellow fans. You can also find resources on becoming an advocate to help create better and safer live music experiences for everyone, supporting survivors of sexual violence, and more.
TICKETS & TICKETING
Do I need a ticket to enter Global Citizen Festival? I thought the event was free.
Yes, although GA tickets to Global Citizen 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 into the Festival.
Are there any more ways to earn tickets to 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 any tickets to give away for free. Please note: You cannot sell or buy GA tickets, but if anyone has extras, they can transfer them to you for free.
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 can now print your tickets from your Ticketmaster account.
Do I need to show my ID at the gate?
No, you don’t need a matching ID at the gate.
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.
Can I re-sell my GA tickets?
GA tickets cannot be bought or sold, as that is against our terms and conditions and against the law. If we catch you selling GA tickets, 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.
Please note this will only be available after Wednesday Sept. 20.
Tickets 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.
WHAT TO BRING & NOT TO BRING
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.
What can I bring to the park?
You should definitely bring your printed ticket — otherwise you won’t be able to gain entry to the Festival.
The following is allowed into the Park: empty plastic water bottles, cell phones, digital cameras (non-pro), disposable cameras, earplugs, film cameras (non-pro), hats, small beach towel (35"x75" max size), strollers (with toddler/infant), sunblock/sunscreen, sunglasses, walkie talkies, and your great energy and attitude!
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”. Sorry, no other bags allowed, including backpacks.
Please note that every person will receive a thorough screening (similar to airport-style) at the gates prior to entry.
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, bicycles or scooters, blankets, Camelbaks, chains/chain wallets, cameras larger than point-and-shoot (if you can remove the lens, don't bring it), chairs, coolers, drones, electric hand fans, fireworks, flags, banners, or posters, frisbees, glass/metal containers, illegal drugs/paraphernalia, laser pens or similar focused light, light sticks, musical instruments, pets/animals, selfie sticks, sports balls, tents, tripods, umbrellas, unlicensed vending of any kind, water squirt guns, weapons, no smoking of any kind.
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”.
Sorry, no other bags allowed, including backpacks of any kind (this includes clear backpacks).
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, and 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 my light stick into Central Park?
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 posters, banners, or flags into the Festival?
No, you cannot bring in posters, banners, or flags into the Festival. Thank you for your understanding!
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. You can, however, bring a small beach towel (35"x75" or smaller in size).
LOGISTICS
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. The show 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 on 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 set times or the order of artists. With the amazing lineup, get there early to enjoy the whole show!
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.
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 Citi Premium and Global VIP ticket entrance?
Citi Premium and Global VIP ticket guests can enter at West 81st Street and Central Park West.
Where is the ADA entrance?
The ADA entrance is at East 84th Street and Fifth Avenue, just to the north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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. EST on Tuesday, Sept. 19. By submitting this form at present, 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.
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, mobile sensory station, and Sparkle Interactive Light by NunoErin.
Sensory bags will be available for guests to pick up at the ADA Check-In Tent located along the East Drive inside the entrance to the park at 84th St and 5th Ave. Guests do not need approval for the ADA section to receive a bag. Guests may proceed to the ADA Check-In tent to retrieve their bag and proceed to their corresponding entrance to the event. Note that inventory is limited and will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Mobile Sensory Room will be available in our General Admissions area located at the southern side of The Great Lawn. A limited number of sensory bags will also be available here for guests.
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.
Will there be food to accommodate my dietary restrictions?
We’ll have plant-based options and gluten-free options available for purchase. We’re not a nut-free festival, but we’ll have nut-free and contamination-free food options.
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.
You can also bring in a small, portable phone charger.
Will the Festival still go on if there is rain? Will there be a make-up date if there’s extreme weather this year?
Global Citizen Festival is rain or shine. We are working closely with the City of New York and weather agencies to monitor the weather, and will notify attendees should anything change regarding the show. Follow us on social media @GlblCtzn for the latest.
Please dress appropriately, including a good raincoat or poncho, rain boots or shoes, and dress in warm layers. Remember, no umbrellas are allowed.
The make-up date in the case of extreme weather is Sunday, Sept. 24. In the case of high winds or lightning, the show will be moved to Sept. 24.
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.