Attending Global Citizen Fest this weekend? Here are 5 things to know before you go

Global Citizen Festival is back, and if you’re heading to Central Park's Great Lawn Saturday, September 27, it’s not just about the star-studded lineup—although Cardi B did just officially replace The Weeknd as a headliner, after the latter dropped out due to personal reasons—it’s about experiencing one of the most socially conscious, sustainably minded music events in the world. 

Among those appearing at the 2025 concert are host Hugh Jackman and headliners Shakira and Cardi B, as well as co-hosts Bill Nye, Adam Lambert, Danai Gurira and Liza Koshy. On the speaker side, expect appearances from Kristen Bell, Tony Goldwyn, gymnast Laurie Hernandez, TV personalities Nate Burleson and Vladimir Duthiers, plus a roster of global activists you’ll want to follow the second they step off stage. Colombian hitmaker Camilo is also joining the music lineup, ready to bring some Latin pop sparkle to a night already stacked with heavy hitters. So here's what you need to know before you go.

What to know about Global Citizen Festival 2025: 

Next, the merch. Global Citizen Festival’s official collection is now available online at store.globalcitizen.org, and this year it’s brimming with exclusive collabs. Fans can grab apparel and accessories from The Weeknd, Shakira, Arya Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, Aviator Nation, Champion and more. Responsibly sourced, festival-ready and basically built for your Instagram story, it’s merch you can feel good about wearing.

3. Hydration

Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, and there will be multiple refill stations across the festival site. Staying hydrated is key, especially when you’re dancing, singing along and soaking up the energy of Central Park.

4. Sustainability 

Sustainability takes center stage at the 2025 installment. The main stage will be powered entirely by a SmartGrid battery system—the same tech that powered Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres world tour—courtesy of CES Power, and the festival site will feature indigenous tree saplings that will later be donated to the Central Park Conservancy.

5. Food and drink

Speaking of sustainability, all food is 100-percent vegetarian, with expanded vegan options, compostable packaging and utensils and initiatives to donate eligible excess food to local organizations like RePlate and Friendly Fridge BX. Aluminum cans will also be collected and donated to Sure We Can, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit recycling hub. 

You can get more information about this weekend's event here. Go forth, stay hydrated, grab that eco-friendly merch and don’t forget to enjoy the music knowing you’re part of something bigger: a festival that’s changing how we celebrate, consume and give back.