The Global Citizen Festival was an awesome experience, and I'll definitely be attending again. However, there are definitely a few changes I'd make to how I prepared for the experience.
1.Plan out what time you’re going to leave for the concert based on where you would like to sit.
The actual start time of the concert isn’t until 2pm, but depending on where you’d like to sit I would get there early. This year my friends and I arrived outside central park at 10:45 am and were towards the middle of the first section on the lawn. During the concert, they asked the individuals in the front row what time they arrived and the answers varied from sleeping in the park, to 8 am.
2. Know what to bring and what not to bring.
The ticket for the festival has a general list of the prohibited items. Do NOT bring any of those items. Most notably, backpacks and unopened plastic water bottles. The sheer number of backpacks on the side of the road and people pouring out plastic water bottles on line was very disheartening. My advice is to bring a string bag, or backpack purse so your hands are free and you can bring maximum amounts of food. However the ticket also said that blankets are not allowed, and there were many people with blankets, so for that one I would bring an
3. Bring your own food.
Food is extremely overpriced at the venue. Of course, it is technically a free concert that supports many amazing causes, so if you’re able I would think of it as a donation. This year the food options were pretty okay, but each item was about eight dollars. Be prepared to spend that much, or bring your own!
4. Make sure someone in your group has a portable charger or reliable battery.
Whether it’s to check the time, or simply to record memories of the experience it’s important to have a charged phone. The concert itself doesn’t go too late, especially if you don’t stay for the entire thing. This year Rihanna didn’t come out until around 9:45 pm, so be prepared for a long day.
5. Dress for the weather.
At the beginning of the day you might be thinking about how hot it is outside and how it will only be hotter when you’re surrounded by people. For the most part, this is true. If you’re in the first section it does feel kind of like a mosh pit. However if you’re not in the first section, it gets cold in Central Park at night! It might seem like a hassle to carry a sweatshirt or sweater with you all day, but it will be worth it when you’re freezing after the sun goes down.
6. Have fun!
The Global citizen lineup is always an odd mix of artists to appeal to range of audiences. This year the artists ranged from Demi Lovato, to Cat Stevens, to Metallica. Even if one act isn’t your cup of tea, don’t let that ruin the experience! Bang your head along to Metallica, and scream the words to the Demi Lovato and Cat Stevens songs that you know. The Global Citizen Festival is a very long day, so be prepared not to take yourself too seriously and have a good time.
