This weekend, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato, Major Lazer, and Metallica are headlining the 2016 Global Citizen Festival in New York City's Central Park. If you can't make it in person, find out how to you can watch and follow along with all the action here.
Tomorrow we will fill the Great Lawn of Central Park with more than 60,000 people to experience performances from Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato, Major Lazer, and Metallica for our fifth annual Global Citizen Festival. Top world leaders, activists, and business leaders will make major commitments to help solve the world’s biggest challenges, getting us all one step closer to ending poverty.
We want to make sure you get there, on time with all your questions answered. So if you’re coming to the 2016 Global Citizen Festival, here’s everything you need to know to get there on time and have a great time.
What Do I Need to Get into the Festival?
Don’t forget your ticket. Make sure you print your ticket and bring it the festival before coming.
Where Should I Go?
Your ticket will specify if you should enter Central Park through the East or West gate. There are two main general admission entrances to the Global Citizen Festival. The West Gate is located at 72nd Street and Central Park West and the East Gate is located at 72nd Street and 5th Avenue.
The ADA-Accessible Entrance is at East 84th and Fifth Avenue.
After you enter the park, you will enter into cordoned off pens filled with loads of activities, food, non-alcoholic beverages, restrooms, and more. Make sure you enter with your friends so you can be in the same area of the festival together. You will not be able to move between pens, but each pen is equipped with everything you need.
The pens aren't big enough to accommodate picnic blankets, so leave those at home.
Read More: What to Wear and Bring to Central Park
What Time Should I Get There?
Gates open at 12 p.m. for security screening and the show will start promptly at 4 p.m. sharp. Get there early to get the best spots in the pens.
Should I Come Before 12 p.m.?
Security is definitely tight with the number of performers, celebs, and foreign leaders coming this year. We recommend coming around 11 a.m. and getting in line to make getting into the park a smoother process for all.
What You Can (and Can't) Bring
Make sure you check out what you CAN and CANNOT bring into the park this year. The parks department is on top of it. Rules change year-to-year. For example, no selfie sticks this year. Check the list below and at the bottom of your ticket.
ITEMS ALLOWED
Cell Phones, Digital Cameras (Non-Pro / Point and Shoot), Disposable Cameras, Earplugs, Fanny Packs, Film Cameras (Non-Pro), Hats, Lighters, Small Beach Towel, Strollers (with toddler/infant), Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Walkie Talkie, Great Energy, and a Happy, Globally-Minded Attitude.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
NO Alcohol, NO Audio Recording Devices, NO Backpacks, NO Bicycles or Scooters, NO Blankets, NO CamelBaks, NO Cameras larger than point-and-shoot (If you can remove the lens, don't bring it), NO Chains/Chain Wallets, NO Chairs, NO Coolers, NO Fireworks, NO Flags, NO Frisbees, NO Glass or Metal Containers, NO Illegal drugs / paraphernalia, NO Laser pens or similar focused light, NO Musical instruments, NO Outside food or drinks, NO Pets / Animals, NO Refunds or Exchanges, NO Selfie Sticks, NO Skateboards, NO Smoking, NO Sports Balls, NO Tents, NO Tripods, NO Umbrellas, NO unlicensed vending of any kind, sorry you can’t sell your popsicles like this guy, NO Video recording equipment, NO Water Squirt Guns.
Please note that if you leave the secure, festival area, you will not be allowed to reeenter.
Most important: Have a great time! Be prepared and safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the show!