2024 Global Citizen Festival draws thousands to Central Park's Great Lawn
NEW YORK — Thousands gathered at Central Park's Great Lawn on Saturday for the annual Global Citizen Festival.
The Global Citizen Festival is an annual music festival held by the organization Global Citizen, which calls for an end to extreme poverty, defending the planet and demanding equitable access to nutritious food. It coincides with the U.N. General Assembly. Those who want to attend the festival are able to get free tickets by taking actions such as signing petitions, calling local politicians, participating in challenges and more.
Despite rainy conditions throughout the day, Global Citizen and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation released a statement early Saturday afternoon saying in part, "We have determined it is safe to move forward based on the current weather predictions, and have approved the use of the Great Lawn for the 12th year ... We are looking forward to a safe and wonderful experience today, rain or shine."
The statement also said, "While we don't anticipate any significant damage, as always, after the Festival, if there are any repairs necessary due to the inclement weather, Global Citizen will pay for the repairs."
In 2023, the festival went on as scheduled despite torrential rain, resulting in damage that forced the Great Lawn to close about a month earlier than usual.
Concertgoers take action to earn Global Citizen Festival tickets
Since the start of this year's campaign in June, organizers say a record 3.4 million actions have been taken towards the goal.
"Last week at Rockaway Beach, more than 100 volunteers in Global Citizen came out and they picked up 550 pounds of trash," Global Citizen co-founder Michael Sheldrick said.
Concertgoers traveled from near and far after earning their way into the festival.
"It's nice to see everybody come together for a good cause," said Angie Castillo, from Nashville.
"I fully, fully believe in everything that we're raising money for. For the hunger, the women's rights, everything," said Adriana Castillo, from Nashville.
"It's always nice to help out, even if it's a little bit," said Zuly Molina, from Schenectady.
"I feel seen. I feel like a part of something," said Alisha Williams, from Schenectady.
"You're surrounded by a bunch of other people who have the same interests in our environment, in our community," said Colleen Miska, from Orange County.
Who performed at the Global Citizen Festival in NYC?
Musicians Post Malone, Doja Cat, Blackpink's Lisa, Jelly Roll, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone and RAYE headlined the 2024 Global Citizen Festival in New York City.
The festival was hosted by actor Hugh Jackman and featured special appearances by Dr. Jane Goodall and Coldplay's Chris Martin. Additional presenters included Gayle King, Vladimir Duthiers, Bill Nye, Charlamagne Tha God, Danai Gurira, Jordan Fisher, Kal Penn, Sophia Bush and Whoopi Goldberg.
What time did the Global Citizen Festival start and end?
The festival started around 4 p.m. Saturday. Gates closed at 8 p.m., and the festival ended around 10 p.m.
Global Citizen did not release a schedule of set times for the participating performers.
How to watch the Global Citizen Festival online
For those who couldn't make it to the festival in person, it was streamed online on a number of platforms, including YouTube and on Global Citizen's website.