Ms. Lauryn Hill and her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean are set to headline the 2026 Global Citizen Festival in New York City’s Central Park, anchoring a marquee lineup dedicated to celebrating the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, “The Score.” According to USA Today, the high-profile advocacy event will take place on Sept. 26, bringing together a mix of classic hip-hop and contemporary chart-toppers to support global initiatives targeting education, food security, and electricity access.
The upcoming festival places the politically charged catalog of Hill and Jean front and center three decades after the release of “The Score,” which yielded hits such as “Ready or Not,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and their Grammy-winning cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.” Joining Hill and Jean on the Central Park bill are Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and Tomorrow x Together. Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman is scheduled to host the event on the Great Lawn, with additional special appearances slated from Rachel Brosnahan and Gayle King.
Beyond the music, this year’s festival ties directly into large-scale philanthropic goals coordinated by the international advocacy organization. USA Today reports that the event will support efforts to expand education, aid farmers, and bring electricity to millions worldwide. Fans can secure free tickets through the Global Citizen app or the organization’s official website by completing specific advocacy actions to earn points, which can then be redeemed through a free ticket lottery or converted instantly via a $25 charitable donation.
All funds raised through direct ticket donations will be split between the New York City Parks Foundation—supporting youth education programming and parks initiatives across all five boroughs—and organizations aiding individuals experiencing homelessness across the city. Lainey Wilson expressed enthusiasm about her involvement, stating, as reported by USA Today, “It’s a chance to come together and support important work around children’s education, farmers and food security, and access to electricity — and have a whole lot of fun while we’re at it.”
Festival Lineup and Advocacy Goals
The 2026 event follows a massive operational year for Global Citizen, which produced the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show in July featuring performances by Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Madonna. That partnership generated more than $60 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund through a $1 allocation from every tournament ticket sold, alongside direct artist royalties, corporate contributions, and philanthropic donations.
The focus in Central Park shifts back to domestic community impact alongside international advocacy. With Hugh Jackman as host and an eclectic roster spanning hip-hop, rock, country, and K-pop, organizers aim to mobilize thousands of fans in person and online ahead of the September event.
How Fans Can Attend
Supporters looking to attend the September 26 festival can engage with the organization’s digital platforms to earn admission. By completing designated civic actions, users earn points redeemable for a chance at free admission. Alternatively, attendees can make a $25 direct donation to instantly secure their entry, with those contributions designated for local NYC parks and homelessness support services.
Official updates, set times, and additional lineup announcements will be released through the Global Citizen mobile application and the festival’s official web portal as the autumn date approaches.
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