On Sept. 24, more than 60,000 spectators will gather in Central Park to experience a music festival like no other. Contrary to other popular festivals such as Coachella, Firefly and Lollapalooza, the fifth-annual Global Citizen Festival is more than just another venue—it’s a concert with a conscience available to everyone, free of charge.

What is Global Citizen?

Global Citizen is a community managed by the Global Poverty Project, which seeks to open a platform for all generations to discuss a variety of social injustices and challenges occurring worldwide. They seek to address the “greatest challenges” plaguing the world today, such as global poverty, social and political inequalities, as well as supporting sustainable ways of life to protect the future of the planet. Rather than focusing their efforts on fundraising, the community seeks to create advocates—people who will in turn challenge governments, businesses and those deemed as oppressors to improve the quality of life for citizens around the world.  Recent initiatives have focused on education for young girls, food and hunger, environmental crises, water and sanitation, and global health, among other causes. Global Citizen strives to increase awareness of the inequalities in today’s world and motivate people of all generations to take action and stand up for their fellow human beings.

What is THE Global Citizen FESTIVAL?

Since its inception in 2012, the annual Global Citizen Festival has offered musical performances for its participants, as well as brought attention to injustices plaguing communities worldwide. The festival last year, hosted by actor Hugh Jackman and comedian Stephen Colbert, featured performances by Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé and Pearl Jam. Alongside these Grammy Award-winning acts were appearances by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzsai, Vice President Joe Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama. Pop culture icons like Laverne Cox, Leonardo DiCaprio and Salma Hayek Pinault. They were in attendance to promote issues they’re passionate about, challenging the audience to truly become “Global Citizens.”

HOW DO I GET TICKETS?

The Global Citizen Festival is a free-ticketed event, meaning that it’s free to the public; however, you will need a ticket to participate. To earn a ticket you can visit globalcitizen.org, upon which you will be prompted to “take action” within a specific campaign. Past tasks include signing petitions, crafting emails and even calling local government branches. Each time you take action you earn points. These points can then be redeemed and entered into the contest lottery. Lottery winners are awarded two tickets, so you and a friend can experience the festival together. Look out for additional opportunities to earn tickets through social media contests and other events throughout the city leading up to the festival.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT Global Citizen?

Attend the festival! This year’s annual festival is hosted by Chelsea Handler, Deborra-Lee, Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra and Salma Hayek Pinault. Music headliners include Rhianna, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato, Major Lazar and Metallica, who are bound to deliver an experience like never before. The festival also includes special guests throughout, keeping the audience in constant anticipation wondering who will appear next and what task they will challenge the audience to do next.