Social activism incentivized by a free concert, who could want anything more?

Every fall, New York gathers into Central Park to listen to music from a variety of artists.

Only, the way you get tickets is a bit unconventional.

Using the Global Citizen app, individuals can complete short quizzes and petitions for point to enter for a chance to attend Global Citizen Fest in the fall.

This year was supposed to be the Weeknd as a headliner, but he unfortunately dropped out just a week before. Nonetheless, I rallied my troop (my other friend who got my extra ticket) and subwayed down to the festival at 5 pm. Although my ticket was on the East Side entrance, we decided to go to the West Side entrance.

We soon regretted that decision. The line spanned blocks, wrapping every which way. Determined to get into the park, we crossed the park to the rumored shorter East Side entrance. After 20 minutes of walking, we walked straight into a barricaded area that led us straight into security and then into the park.

In total, it was about 40 minutes of walking to finally reach the entrance, but we also avoided a 2 hour line!

We arrived just in time for Mariah the Scientist and enjoyed the Central Park grass as we bought overpriced Coca-Cola in lieu of a water cup.

Each set was about 15-20 minutes, with the exception of Tyla, and was separated by 20ish minutes of people talking about their organizations.

While it was a long walk, a long ticket-getting process, and short musical sets, it was a concert for free. And for that, in itself, it was worth it.

Image via Flickr