The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla and more to perform at Global Citizen Festival
The Weeknd, Shakira, and more to headline Global Citizen Festival
After wowing the world with the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, New York City is once again set to take center stage—this time for a cause that transcends entertainment.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Global Citizen Festival returns to the Great Lawn of Central Park, promising a star-studded day filled with music, activism, and global action.
Headlined by The Weeknd and Shakira, this year’s lineup also includes Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist. The event will be hosted by Hugh Jackman, a longtime Global Citizen ambassador returning for his 11th year.
And here’s the best part—tickets are free, and they can be earned through taking meaningful action on the Global Citizen platform.
A Festival With Purpose: More Than Just a Concert
While the Global Citizen Festival delivers one of the most exciting lineups of the year, it’s not just about the music. Since its inception, the festival has centered on driving global change through citizen activism.
For 2025, the festival is tied to a three-part global campaign designed to tackle urgent challenges:
🎯 Goal 1: Provide Energy Access for 1 Million People in Africa
🌿 Goal 2: Mobilize $200 Million to Protect 30 Million Hectares of the Amazon
📚 Goal 3: Provide Education Access for 30,000 Children Worldwide
Each goal focuses on building a better future and tackling systemic inequality through practical and measurable solutions.
By using their voices and actions, Global Citizens (aka YOU) help apply pressure to world leaders, corporations, and philanthropists to fund these efforts and turn pledges into real results.
Headliners: The Weeknd and Shakira Lead the Charge
This year’s headliners need little introduction, but their involvement speaks volumes.
The Weeknd
With multiple Grammy Awards, chart-topping albums, and a global fanbase, The Weeknd is not just a music icon—he’s also been active in philanthropic efforts around hunger, human rights, and social justice.
He recently pledged millions toward food relief in Ethiopia and regularly uses his platform to amplify causes that affect marginalized communities.
His performance at Global Citizen Festival 2025 will mark one of his most purpose-driven appearances yet.
Shakira
Shakira brings her vibrant energy, global appeal, and deep activism roots to the Great Lawn stage. The Colombian superstar has long championed education access through her Barefoot Foundation, and her advocacy for Latin America’s youth has been recognized by UNICEF and world leaders alike.
Together, The Weeknd and Shakira represent the intersection of music and mission—two global figures using their influence for real impact.
Rising Stars Join the Mission
The 2025 lineup also features an impressive group of rising stars, each making waves not only in music but also in culture and representation.
Tyla
South African breakout artist Tyla, fresh off her global success with “Water,” brings Afropop flair to the festival. Her style and sound have captured the attention of a new generation, and her presence underscores this year’s focus on equity in Africa.
Ayra Starr
Known for her hit single “Rush,” Nigerian star Ayra Starr continues to shine as a voice of West African youth. Her genre-blending sound and empowering lyrics make her a perfect addition to the festival’s global slate.
Mariah the Scientist
Atlanta’s own Mariah the Scientist rounds out the initial lineup. Her emotionally raw songwriting and soulful R&B performances offer depth and nuance, aligning perfectly with the festival’s mission to elevate diverse voices.
Hugh Jackman Returns to Host for 11th Year
Few celebrities have shown the level of long-term commitment to global change as Hugh Jackman. The actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur returns to the Global Citizen Festival stage for his eleventh year as host.
His continued involvement adds both star power and credibility, reminding fans and attendees that lasting change takes time, consistency, and a community effort.
How to Attend: Earn Tickets by Taking Action
One of the most unique aspects of the Global Citizen Festival is that tickets are completely free—but not just handed out. Instead, they must be earned by taking action through the Global Citizen app or website.
How It Works:
- Download the Global Citizen app or go to globalcitizenfestival.com
- Take action by signing petitions, tweeting decision-makers, or emailing elected officials
- Earn points with each action
- Use those points to enter ticket draws for the event
This approach ensures that attendees are not only fans of the music, but also participants in the movement.
Why the Global Citizen Festival Matters in 2025
The world is facing compounding crises—climate change, inequality, health disparities, and education gaps. But events like the Global Citizen Festival show that positive change is possible when people come together.
By tying the energy of live music to real-world action, the festival provides a blueprint for how culture can serve as a catalyst for activism.
It also offers a refreshing model for youth engagement, turning the idea of passive fandom into active citizenship. You don’t just watch—you do something.
Central Park’s Great Lawn: A Stage for Global Change
There’s no better backdrop for this kind of event than New York City’s Central Park. The Great Lawn has long hosted legendary concerts and rallies, serving as a gathering space for causes that matter.
If you’re in NYC—or willing to travel—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger than a show. It’s a moment of unity, purpose, and collective power.
What to Expect on the Day
Aside from stellar performances, here’s what attendees can expect on September 27:
- On-stage commitments from world leaders, corporations, and change-makers
- Live broadcast and streaming for global accessibility
- Interactive booths and brand partners with eco-conscious initiatives
- Global Citizen pop-ups offering learning resources and on-site action-taking
- Emotional moments that remind everyone why they came
This isn’t a music festival with activism on the side—it’s activism led by music.
One Day, Global Impact
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival is more than a day of music—it’s a blueprint for how the world can change when people unite around shared goals and values.
Whether you’re there for The Weeknd, Shakira, or the mission itself, you’ll leave knowing you were part of a global effort to make the world more equitable, sustainable, and hopeful.
So mark your calendar for September 27, grab the app, take action, and earn your ticket to history.