Global Citizen Festival 2026

About this event

The Global Citizen Festival returns to Central Park's Great Lawn on Saturday, September 26, 2026 for its 14th year, and it is one of the biggest music days of the NYC fall. The announced lineup pairs Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean — marking the 30th anniversary of the Fugees' The Score — with Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Hugh Jackman hosts, with appearances from Rachel Brosnahan and Gayle King. Gates open at 2 PM, music starts at 4 PM, there is no entry after 8 PM, and the show ends around 10 PM. Important: this is not a walk-up free concert. Global Citizen tickets are earned, not given away at the gate. You download the Global Citizen app, complete an action journey and earn points, then redeem those points either by entering the free ticket lottery or, new for 2026, by claiming a code and making a $25 charitable donation per ticket to instantly secure a spot while the limited allocation lasts. Paid General Admission and VIP tickets are also sold separately. The festival is standing-room, rain or shine, with no re-entry and a strict small-clear-bag policy, so read the official ticket page before you plan your day.