The energy in the Heart of America is unmatched this summer. Kansas City’s place as a host city for the world’s largest sporting event has created an unforgettable atmosphere, drawing fans from around the world and delivering once-in-a-lifetime memories for everyone who attends the festivities.
Whether you’re a lifelong soccer supporter or a frequent guest to KC in search of new experiences, don’t miss the chance to explore the City of Fountains during a uniquely vibrant moment in time.
Here’s where to get started:
FIFA Fan Festival™
Kansas City is at the heart of all the action as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ host city. Fans from near and far can gather at the FIFA Fan Festival™, a free community celebration. The event will take place across 19 days of the tournament, from June 11 to July 11.
- Dates: June 11-14, 16, 19-21, 24-27 and July 3-6, 9-11
- Hours: Hours vary by day to accommodate match kickoff times, live performances and other special events. The full schedule is below.
- Location: Festivities are being held on the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
- Match broadcasts: More than 30 matches will be shown live on screen at the event, including all six matches hosted in Kansas City.
- Live entertainment: Dozens of live performances are slated to take the stage. Highlights include the Chainsmokers, Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow, the All-American Rejects and Tech N9ne.
- Cost: Kansas City’s Official FIFA Fan Festival™ is always free to attend. Additional VIP experiences are available for purchase. Registration is required for all attendees.
Watch Parties
Kansas City is an unmatched soccer destination, and the enthusiasm for this summer’s tournament is evident in locations all across the region.
Restaurants, bars, entertainment districts and community organizations are hosting events that welcome everyone to join the crowd. Use the calendar below to find locations across the KC area inviting fans to gather for each goal and every unforgettable moment.
More Events
This summer, Union Station has become a central location for Kansas City’s creative spirit. More than 100 businesses, artists, food vendors and more local innovators are showcasing their work at the CityofEntrepreneurs Marketplace, open Thursday to Sunday through July 12.
The Crossroads Arts District is the epicenter of one of Kansas City’s most popular monthly festivities. Now, the neighborhood is cultivating all the energy of its First Fridays celebrations on a weekly basis this summer. The Crossroads Night Market features pop-up food vendors, galleries on display and more ways to explore the vibrant neighborhood, reaching across five full weekends in June and July.
Nearby, Crown Center has transformed its popular outdoor space into the Center of Summer Soccer. Open through July 26, Crown Center Square features a sprawling soccer mural, towering soccer ball, lawn games and more photo-friendly ways to commemorate this summer in the Soccer Capital of America.
Plus, check out the Spanish-inspired Country Club Plaza, where one of the district’s central parking lots has been transformed into an interactive space known as the Plaza Pitch. There’s a turf soccer field, lawn games, dining picks from restaurants in the neighborhood and more. Check out the Plaza Pitch on select dates throughout June and July, including:
June 13-14, 16, 20-21, 25, 27-28
July 3, 10-11
The Country Club Plaza also features more celebrations and self-guided tour opportunities throughout the summer.
One of Kansas City’s most distinctive districts springs to life on the first weekend of each month. First Friday Weekends in the West Bottoms can’t be missed by those in search of a memorable shopping journey, with repurposed brick buildings opening their doors as multistory vintage and antique stores.
Check out this month’s celebration during Red, White & Boom in the Bottoms, July 3 to 5.
The area’s largest farmers market arrives in the City Market each weekend, convening dozens of producers in one of the region’s most historic neighborhoods. From fresh jams and honey to small-batch snacks, the rows of vendors offer something for everyone—and don’t forget to pick up a brilliant bouquet of flowers before you depart.
Kansas City Sports
Regardless of whether you have tickets to a FIFA Fan Festival™ match, you can see what it’s like inside the city’s iconic sports venue this summer. Step inside Kansas City Stadium on a tour and experience the tournament up close, with exclusive access to locker rooms, media zones, iconic pitch viewpoints and more.
Next door, Kansas City’s Major League Baseball team has big plans to welcome soccer fans this summer. With ConnectKC26 Region Direct bus service connecting the FIFA Fan Festival™ to Kauffman Stadium on each game day through July 6, it’s easy to arrive at The K.
The region’s newest pro team brings high-powered softball play to Kansas City, KS. Watch the KC Diamonds in two upcoming home series, July 2-4 and July 13-16.
The Diamonds aren’t the only team making an appearance at Legends Field. The Kansas City Monarchs play back-to-back series against the Cleburne Railroaders and the Sioux Falls Canaries, July 6-12.
Finally, soccer fans searching for a little more competition in KC have to look no further than the Berkley Riverfront district. The he Kansas City Current returns to its history-making CPKC Stadium on July 17 for a matchup against San Diego Wave FC.
Museums & Attractions
Some of Kansas City’s most beloved arts and cultural institutions are totally free. Step inside at no cost to visit The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Kansas City and more.
A trio of locations near the heart of this summer’s celebrations provide three distinct perspectives.
The National WWI Museum is within the FIFA Fan Festival™ grounds and open throughout the summer, showcasing the world’s largest collection of items from the Great War. Across the street at Crown Center, the Museum of BBQ features a colorful and interactive exploration of Kansas City’s signature cuisine. Inside Union Station, The Berlin Wall. A World Divided. is making its North American debut, artifacts and up-close history demonstrating life in Cold War Berlin.
Several institutions have developed limited-time exhibits to celebrate soccer. It’s no surprise that the community recognized as the best city in the Midwest for museums by Lonely Planet has produced more than a few special displays for fans—along with anyone seeking new perspectives on the game or the region—this summer.
From art created by athletes to the presence of soccer throughout the Great War, make your way to special exhibitions on display at treasured Kansas City institutions.
More Resources
As the world’s best take the pitch in Kansas City, the entire community is celebrating. Here’s where to find essential travel information, details on Kansas City’s official FIFA Fan Festival™ and more.
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