Don’t miss these events around 5 Fifa World Cup host cities

Sixteen cities across Canada, the US and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 Fifa World Cup this summer, creating a vibrant atmosphere across the continent. This guide covers the most exciting football-adjacent events you shouldn’t miss in five of the host cities, as well as what to look forward to at the official fan festivals. 

For a closer look at all participating cities, check out our comprehensive guide to the World Cup host cities here. 

Vancouver 

During the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July, the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone in downtown Vancouver will transform into a lively hub, featuring patio dining and an outdoor market with a rotating lineup of local vendors on select days. At the same time, arenas, stadiums and theatres across town will come alive with concerts by global artists, from Ne-Yo and Akon to Summer Walker and Five Seconds of Summer; meanwhile, the city’s symphony orchestra conducts Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert. 

Fifa Fan Festival Vancouver 

Hosted at the PNE Grounds (also home to amusement park Playland and an annual summer fair), this 28-day official fan event offers free admission to live match broadcasts, food trucks and vendors featuring local favourites – Lee’s Donuts and Japadog, among dozens more – as well as interactive experiences and music performances. Between matches, challenge yourself against a robot goalkeeper or in other mini-games led by local football athletes, or catch a performance on one of two stages. 

Toronto 

The 20th anniversary of the Luminato Festival, happening 3-28 June, coincides with the World Cup and provides a rich cultural and art programme that balances out the feverish football energy. Magic shows, acrobatic performances and more will pop up around the city’s landscape – you may find yourself drifting from one act to another, sometimes in unexpected public places. The Toronto Jazz Festival also takes place at the same time, during which bands and artists colour plazas, parks and the waterfront with groovy bass riffs and dynamic saxophone melodies. 

Fifa Fan Festival Toronto 

Toronto’s official fan festivities are split into two locations: Fort York Historic Site and The Bentway. The former houses heritage buildings from the 1800s and a large open field, while the latter is tucked beneath the overhead Gardiner Expressway in downtown Toronto. Fans will be able to watch match broadcasts and shows and sample local eateries. More details will be announced on its website. 

Los Angeles 

Bars and restaurants across Los Angeles will become heated grounds for spectators to watch matches – so keep an eye out for one that supports your favourite team. Across the city, several fan zones, from LA’s Union Station to Venice Beach, will gear up with community experiences for short stints throughout the World Cup. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art continues to exhibit Fútbol is Life, a football-themed mixed media sculpture exhibition, while the California Science Center demonstrates the science behind sports and play with educational challenges and mini-games. 

Fifa Fan Festival Los Angeles 

The LA Memorial Coliseum will be the site of the five-day event, streaming matches live on massive screens and filling in the gaps between games with performances, local flavours and cultural programming. Stay tuned for more details on its website . 

New Jersey (New York) 

Celebrations of the US’s 250th anniversary will overlap with the high-stakes football tournament, supplementing the football frenzy with a layer of history. Expect educational events ranging from history lectures, walking challenges encompassing historic sites and parks and guided tours. The New Jersey State Museum is also presenting a year-long exhibition on the nation’s bicentennial 50 years ago, Spirit of ‘76.  

Instead of a fan festival, the host city of New York New Jersey will organise a fan zone at Louis Armstrong Stadium from 17-28 June, and a fan village at Rockefeller Center from 4-19 July. The latter transforms the Rockefeller Center Rink into a football pitch, framed by large screens broadcasting live matches, while the surrounding plaza joins the celebrations with festive displays and cultural programming.  

A separate ticketed fan event series called “Flag Cities ” offers exclusive event and entertainment experiences like food trucks, beer gardens, kid’s zones, shopping booths and more. 

Philadelphia 

For America’s 250th birthday, new galleries and exhibitions are opening in Philly, and what better time to go check them out in this historically significant city than while you’re already in town for football festivities? Wander the new permanent gallery America’s Founding, at the National Constitution Centre, which features rare founding-era artifacts, including an original copy of the US constitution. Or admire underrepresented artists’ works at A Nation of Artists, co-hosted across Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. 

Fifa Fan Festival Philadelphia 

Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park will play host to 39 days of high-energy football fun – making Philly the only US host city to hold celebrations for the entire duration of the tournament. Besides free-to-watch live broadcasts on match days, there’ll also be ticketed events like concerts and public community events on days without games. Expect giveaways, photo ops, immersive games, a diverse selection of food trucks and a local market showcasing handicrafts and unique wares from independent creators.