What Is Global Citizen Festival All About? A Complete Guide to Purpose, Dates, and Impact
The Global Citizen Festival has become a worldwide symbol of music, activism, and change. But if you’re asking, what is Global Citizen Festival all about?, you’re not alone. This blog breaks down the festival’s mission, how it stands out from other music events, and gives you up-to-date info on its start and end times—plus the impact it’s made for global good.
What Is Global Citizen Festival?
Global Citizen Festival is an annual music festival and advocacy event founded in 2012 by the international advocacy organization Global Citizen. Held in iconic cities such as New York’s Central Park and broadcast worldwide, the festival is unique because admission tickets are not bought with money, but earned through activism—fans take action on social and environmental causes, such as calling for climate action or supporting gender equality.
The festival features global music superstars, celebrities, and world leaders, all coming together with tens of thousands of fans both on the ground and online to promote sustainable development, end extreme poverty, and hold governments and corporations accountable for helping solve urgent global issues.
What Is Global Citizen Festival All About? Purpose and Mission
- Ending Extreme Poverty: Global Citizen has committed to eradicating extreme poverty (living on less than $2.15/day) by 2030 and uses the festival platform to advocate for necessary policy change.
- Music With a Message: Top artists—like Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Lizzo—headline sets that amplify social and environmental calls to action.
- Interactive Activism: Attendees earn their tickets by signing petitions, sharing educational info, or making direct calls to leaders demanding change.
- Global Broadcast: The event is streamed live, inspiring millions around the world to join the movement online and in their communities.
When Does Global Citizen Festival Start?
Each year, the Global Citizen Festival is typically held in late September, aligning with the United Nations General Assembly week in New York City. For 2024, the event will launch on Saturday, September 28, 2024, with gates opening at 2:00 PM ET and performances starting around 4:00 PM ET. Artists’ sets, speaker sessions, and live calls-to-action fill the schedule until late evening. Always check the official site or your ticket confirmation for the start time of your specific city’s event.
When Does Global Citizen Festival End?
The festival ends around 10:00 PM ET on the same day, following headliner performances and global impact announcements. While music and speeches are the main draw, the final hours often feature major philanthropic pledges and a recap of the event’s campaign results.
How to Get Tickets to Global Citizen Festival?
- Register on the Global Citizen website and take monthly actions (sign petitions, share content, engage with advocacy challenges).
- Each action earns you points, and once you collect enough, you can enter a drawing for free tickets to the live event.
- Winners are selected at random and notified by email ahead of the festival date. Premium partner or VIP packages may also be available by donation.
What Happens at Global Citizen Festival?
- A-list music performances and special collaborations
- Talks by world leaders, activists, and frontline heroes
- Live calls to action mobilizing viewers to drive social and political progress
- On-site and digital experiences connecting attendees to advocacy partners
What Is the Impact of Global Citizen Festival?
- As of 2023, the festival has helped mobilize over $40 billion in commitments for health, hunger, education, gender equality, and climate initiatives, impacting over 1.3 billion lives.
- It brings together global changemakers and everyday people, reinforcing that taking action—big or small—drives measurable change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Global Citizen Festival
- What is Global Citizen Festival all about?
It’s a music-led movement to end extreme poverty, using activism for ticket entry and focusing on global change. - When does Global Citizen Festival start?
September 28, 2024, typically with doors at 2 PM ET and sets at 4 PM ET. - When does Global Citizen Festival end?
Usually wraps up around 10 PM ET with a headline performer and advocacy milestones announcement. - Where is Global Citizen Festival held?
Main event is in Central Park, NYC, but satellite events and broadcasts are global. - How do I get tickets?
By earning points for activism on the Global Citizen website and entering the ticket lottery.
Conclusion: Join the Global Movement for Change
Now you know what is Global Citizen Festival all about. It’s more than a music event—it’s a global call to action you can join from anywhere. Mark your calendar, earn tickets through activism, and be a part of worldwide progress powered by music, passion, and your voice.
