The Weeknd and Shakira Set to Headline 2025 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park
The Global Citizen Festival is making its much-anticipated return to Central Park on September 27, 2025, featuring headliners The Weeknd and Shakira.
Hosted by Hugh Jackman for the 11th consecutive year, the event will take place on the iconic Great Lawn. Joining the headliners are artists Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist, with additional performers expected to be announced soon.
This year's festival emphasizes three critical goals: providing energy access to one million people across Africa, ensuring educational opportunities for 30,000 children globally, and raising $200 million to protect over 74 million acres of the Amazon rainforest—an area comparable to Italy.
In a local initiative, the festival aims to register 40,000 volunteers from New York City, who can earn points towards free tickets by participating in actions supporting these goals.
While tickets are free, attendees must engage in activities related to the festival's objectives to qualify for entry. For more information on how to participate, individuals can download the Global Citizen app or visit their website. Tickets are also available for purchase.
"I'm honored to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can't wait to perform, unite, and inspire action," Shakira expressed.
Jackman added, "The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I'm eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it."
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans emphasized urgency: "The time to act is now—because every delay puts more lives and more futures at risk. This is about investment in our future, not about aid."
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, rain or shine. Gates will open at 2 p.m., with the concert commencing at 4 p.m. and concluding around 10 p.m. Note that entry will close after 9 p.m.
No refunds will be issued for tickets. Organizers recommend printing tickets in advance due to unreliable cell service in Central Park. Re-entry is not permitted once attendees exit the festival.
Regarding bag policies, most bags will not be allowed. However, small clear bags measuring less than 12"x12"x6" or small clutches and fanny packs under 4.5"x6.5" are acceptable.
Last year's festival faced challenges with heavy rain leading to significant damage to the Great Lawn, resulting in its temporary closure for repairs. Global Citizen covered all repair costs but faced calls for relocating future festivals due to this incident.
