Global Citizen has unveiled the star-studded lineup for its 2026 festival, set to take place on the Great Lawn of Central Park in New York City on Saturday, September 26. The announcement, shared across social media on August 13, highlights a diverse bill headlined by Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fugees’ landmark album The Score.
The full announced performing roster includes Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, country star Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Actor Hugh Jackman returns as host for the 12th consecutive year. Additional appearances are planned from Rachel Brosnahan and Gayle King, with more artists and special guests expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
In a promotional post, Global Citizen described the bill as offering “a little something for everybody.” Individual teaser videos highlighted each act: Hill and Jean reuniting for the anniversary performance, Kravitz bringing his rock energy, Legend appearing as a Global Citizen ambassador and board member, Wilson delivering country sounds, Shaboozey adding contemporary flair, TXT providing a high-energy K-pop presence, and Jackman serving as the evening’s host.
The festival has long combined major live music with advocacy aimed at ending extreme poverty. This year’s campaign focuses on three core goals: creating opportunities for two million children to access education, supporting 1.5 million smallholder farmers, and providing electricity to 2.5 million homes. Organizers frame the event as both a celebration and a call to collective action.
Tickets are not sold in the traditional sense for the majority of attendees. Fans can earn free entry by downloading the Global Citizen app or visiting the website, completing advocacy “action journeys,” and accumulating points.
Options include entering a free ticket lottery or making a modest charitable donation to secure a spot more immediately. Proceeds from certain donations support New York City parks programming and organizations assisting people experiencing homelessness.
Gates are scheduled to open at 2 p.m., with the show beginning at 4 p.m. and running until approximately 10 p.m., rain or shine. The Great Lawn setting has become synonymous with the festival’s annual return, drawing tens of thousands of attendees who participate in both the music and the underlying mission.
The choice of Hill and Jean as headliners carries particular cultural weight. The Score, released in 1996, remains one of hip-hop’s most influential albums, featuring enduring tracks such as “Ready or Not,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and the Grammy-winning cover of “Killing Me Softly.” Their joint appearance marks a significant anniversary moment for the project and its fans.
Supporting Acts
Supporting acts span genres and generations. Lenny Kravitz brings decades of rock and funk credibility. John Legend, a frequent collaborator with Global Citizen, adds soul and advocacy credentials. Lainey Wilson and Shaboozey represent contemporary country and crossover success, while TXT expands the festival’s international appeal to younger global audiences.
The mix is designed to attract a broad crowd while keeping the focus on the organization’s anti-poverty agenda.
Hugh Jackman, a longtime ambassador, emphasized the dual purpose of the gathering in statements surrounding the announcement. He described the day as an opportunity for people to take concrete actions and then celebrate together through music, reinforcing the message that ending extreme poverty is achievable through collective effort.
Lainey Wilson expressed enthusiasm about her first Global Citizen Festival appearance, noting pride in supporting work around children’s education, farmers and food security, and access to electricity while delivering an entertaining performance.
As with previous editions, the 2026 festival builds on Global Citizen’s model of turning awareness into measurable commitments from governments, corporations, and individuals. The Central Park event serves as a high-visibility platform that amplifies those efforts through the draw of major artists.
With the lineup now public and ticket-earning actions available, attention turns to the weeks ahead. Additional performers are still expected, and fans are encouraged to begin their advocacy journeys promptly.
On September 26, the Great Lawn will once again host a day that blends world-class entertainment with a sustained push against extreme poverty, continuing a tradition that has defined Global Citizen Festival for more than a decade.
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