Mike Brooks
Audio By Carbonatix
The World Cup has finally arrived in Dallas. While local games run through July 14, there are many more events and things to look forward to far beyond just the game days. The city is taking the initiative to make sure Dallas is the place to be. All of the major institutions have launched programming, including the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Deep Ellum Association, the Nasher Sculpture Garden and many more. There’s even a bus to Buc-ee’s.
Let’s be honest: when all is said and done, the actual World Cup in Dallas will be less than 12 cumulative hours. But we love a party, so we’ve gathered a list of all the things happening during the World Cup that don’t involve kicking balls. Probably.
If you want to watch the games amongst fellow fans, be sure to check out our guide to bars hosting country-specific watching parties. And if you’re just here for the food, we have a local’s guide to the Dallas dining essentials.
As we gear up for the World Cup, expect this list (and the interactive map below) to grow with more events to fill the time between games.
Cultural Events
FIFA Streaming at Cosm Dallas
June 11-July 19
Cosm Dallas, 5776 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony
Why watch the World Cup on a flat, boring Jumbotron when you could watch it on panoramic “shared reality” dome screens? Cosm, an 87-foot-diameter LED orb, will screen 40 World Cup games, including all those played by the U.S. Men’s National Team. It’s wall-to-wall action. Based on soccer screenings at other Cosm locations, it looks pretty cool. Tickets in the dome start at $110, and they’re selling out fast.
Summer of Soccer at Sundance Square Plaza
June 11-July 19
Sundance Square Plaza, 420 Main St., Fort Worth
Who knew there were so many underutilized jumbotrons sitting around North Texas? We, the American people, are united by our love of watching sports on as big a screen as possible, and one of the best places to do it is in Fort Worth. The World Cup will be streamed in the city center for the entire tournament. Bring your blankets and your boots.
Watch Parties at the Jambox
June 11-July 19
The Jambox at EpicCentral, 2959 S State Highway 161, Grand Prairie
If there’s one thing the human species has learned during this World Cup, it’s that a Texas summer is no joke. If overheating is a concern of yours, watch the World Cup from the Jambox at EpicCentral and make use of the entertainment district’s indoor water park, or gaze at the center’s nightly free fountain show, Illuvia. The watch parties are free, of course. The venue will not play four matches with 11 p.m. start times (noise ordinances ruin all the fun): Australia vs. Turkiye on June 13, Austria vs. Jordan on June 16, Tunisia vs. Japan on June 20 and Jordan vs. Algeria on June 22. As a consolation, the Jambox is broadcasting all of Mexico’s games in Spanish. While we’d love to see a United States victory, we’d be lying if we said we wouldn’t be excited if our amigos down south took the Cup. ¡Viva México!
FC Dallas Soccer Celebration
June 11-July 19
Simpson Plaza, 6094 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco
Of course, our very own soccer team is hosting a massive watch party. The soccer team is hosting an activation zone with big-name sponsors. The park is playing 97 matches across 34 days, and has big-name sponsors (like HEB and Takis) with activations for the whole family. The watch parties are free, but RSVPs do fill completely.
FIFA Watch Party X McDonald’s at Halperin Park
June 11-12
Bridge Deck Park, 626 S. RL Thorton Freeway
McDonald’s is rolling up to Halperin Park in Dallas on June 11 and 12 for games, fun and “food donations for fans attending the watch parties.” The free watch parties will take place Thursday, June 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. for the Mexico versus South Africa game. Then, Friday, June 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. for the U.S. versus Paraguay game. This beautiful new park in southern Dallas is a beautiful spot to visit any day.
Japan Day: Ultras Meets Plano
June 13
McCall Plaza, 998 E 15th St., Plano
One of the more spotlighted matches in Dallas is Japan vs. the Netherlands, and the city of Plano is preparing to celebrate Japanese culture with a late-night festival. The party is free and will have live entertainment, expert speakers, and of course, Japan’s loyal fan base, the Ultras Nippon. There will not be a watch party; consider this event the ultimate pre-game.
Pegasus Plaza Chill Zone
June 14-July 19
Pegasus Plaza,1500 Main St.
Need a reprieve from the scorching Texas sun between matches? Pegasus Plaza has you covered, literally. The city is transforming the plaza into a designated “chill zone” with ample shade, frozen treats and refreshing lemonade. Entry to the “cooling oasis in the center of the Downtown action” is free.
American-Croatian Friendship Parade and Gathering
June 16,
Civic Garden, 1014 Main St.
The Croats are going to paint the town red, and they’re doing it on horseback. Ahead of the Croatian game in Dallas, where the Croatian Men’s National Team will face England, a top contender for the Cup, the high-ranked small nation will bring all its support to Downtown Dallas in a pre-game parade. Croatia, with a population of fewer than 4 million, is the highest-ranked small nation, noted for its strong team. A Croatian victory is unlikely, as they go against England, ranked fourth by FIFA in the current standings, but not impossible. Win or lose, the pre-game parade will be full of horse rides, red checkerprint and accordion music.
Argentinian Banderazo
June 21 and 26
Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Banderazos are grass-roots rallies organized by Argentinian soccer fans. The mark of a good Banderazo? Innumerable massive Argentina flags are waving through the air. Expect blue smoke bombs, drumlines (or bombos, if you’re cultured), thousands of fans in Albiceleste jerseys and a national pride that would put the Fourth of July to shame. Lucky for us, we get to experience it twice. Seriously, the Argentinians are serious about their soccer, but we would be too if we claimed one of the best soccer players of all time as one of our own. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em for free.
Visit Jordan Experience
June 25-27
Levitt Pavilion, 100 W Abram St., Arlington
Levitt Arlington is partnering with the Jordan Tourism Board to host the Visit Jordan Experience, a 3-day festival celebrating the nation and its first appearance in the World Cup. The party will have authentic cuisine, live entertainment, shopping and more. Doors will open an hour before the day’s games begin. An RSVP is appreciated.
TIFO Market National Kit Swap
July 11-12
Four Corners Brewery, 1311 S Ervay St.
If you don’t know, now is the best time to learn that FIFA jerseys are collector’s items, and they’re a big deal. Soccer fans across the globe will descend upon Dallas with their prized possessions to talk shop, trade and sell soccer jerseys. Whether it be the easily identified green and yellow of Brazil, the red devil of Manchester United, or a completely unrecognizable ultra-rare jersey from a defunct team, you’ll find it at Four Corners. The event adds a touch of style to soccer. It’s free to attend and up to a couple of grand to leave with a new jersey.
Come ‘N Kick It
July 12
Vanta Athletics, 600 N Pearl St.
In the words of Vanta Athletics: “The event is designed to celebrate Black fatherhood through sport, conversation, and community. The afternoon includes a panel featuring voices on fatherhood, wellness, family, and culture — followed by 3v3 and 5v5 soccer activations open to parents and kids alike.” This event is free.
Unfiltered Soccer Live with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard
July 13
Krimson Park, 208 N. Market St. # 300
Former U.S. Men’s National Team members Landon Donovan and Tim Howard are recording their soccer podcast, Unfiltered Soccer, for live audiences across the U.S. The two professional athletes will take the stage in Dallas as part of an Airbnb-sponsored experience. The show will offer insider knowledge of the historic 48-team tournament from two men who have been on the field. The recording is free, but requires an RSVP, and a ticket does not ensure entry. The event is first-come, first-served. The night will have photo opportunities with the two hosts, and food and drink vendors will be on-site.
Soccer: More Than a Game
Now through Sept. 7
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N Field St.
In preparation for the World Cup, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is teaching people the science of soccer. The exhibit’s activations measure kicking force and reflex speed, and the entrance resembles a locker room. This exhibit is fun for the family, and you’re sure to learn a lot about the physics of the game. As a plus, Minerals of the World Cup in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall will feature gems and minerals from host nations and competing countries.
Concerts & Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park
June 11-July 19
Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave.
The city’s official party is going on at Fair Park for 34 days of straight fun. The host site for the Texas State Fair will host watch parties on megascreens, and not just the games streamed out of Dallas, either. The Fan Festival is produced by FIFA in conjunction with the city. The screenings will occur at the Dos Equis Pavilion. The amphitheater will open an hour before the games begin and close an hour after the end. Games that begin after 10 p.m. will not be streamed.
Alta Joda Fest
June 16, 22 and 27
Backyard Dallas, 505 N Good Latimer Expressway
Alta Joda Fest is a touring Argentinian cultural celebration. The party circulates across the United States almost all year long, celebrating the nation’s futbol team, but they’re making two stops in Dallas this year for the World Cup games. The party will start by watching one of the greatest prides of Argentina, their dominant team, and then the party, in true Alta Joda fashion, will go on until it can’t anymore. Alta Joda Fest is known for its riotous festivities and very loud cumbia, reggaeton and cuarteto music. Oh, and lots and lots of Fernet, a bitter Italian herbal liquor, the Argentinians mix with Coca-Cola by the vat. Tickets are sold at the door and early birds get in free.
Main Street Social Saturdays
June 20, June 27, July 4 and July 11
The city has spruced up the city center in preparation for tourists. During the World Cup, streets in downtown will be closed on Saturdays, making room for vendors, food trucks, chalk art and live music. If you’re in town and looking for a weekend activity outside the games, check out Main Street Social Saturdays.
Sports Illustrated Beyond the Pitch with Gordo
June 20
Sports Illustrated, the premier sports print publication and employer of many bikini models, is throwing a party in Dallas. The magazine’s party of the century will be at the nightclub SILO in the Design District. Award-winning producer and DJ Gordo will perform as the party’s headliner, with other performers to be announced. The party is a recent initiative by SI to celebrate the biggest moments in sports, usually with a guest list full of influencers and celebrity athletes. The organization will also throw parties in Miami, Los Angeles and New York City. Tickets are available now.
Sunset Safari Block Party
June 21
Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway
On June 21, a large, and wild, sector of South Dallas will party the night away. The block party, featuring live music, special installations in the zoo, vendors and food trucks, will stretch from the newly built Halperin Park all the way to the zoo. The soccer-themed fan zone in the zoo, Goal Wild, will be open, and the massive Illuminature corridor, featuring large-scale light installations, will have reduced-priced tickets. Halperin Park and the East Dock will remain free.
Wingstop’s House of Flavor
June 24-July 3
The Bomb Factory, 2713 Canton St.
Wingstop is throwing one of the biggest World Cup festivals in the city. The Dallas-headquartered company hosted pop-ups at the last two Olympic Games, and now they’re giving the gift of free wings for the World Cup. This entire festival is free, including a concert on Wednesday night headlined by FERG, formerly known as A$AP Ferg. The event is first-come, first-served, and the line will likely be long. The doors will open at 11 a.m. and close late, with World Cup matches screening in between. More information can be found on the website.
Flora Street Live
June 26
Sammons Park, 2403 Flora St.
Flora Street Live is produced by the AT&T Performing Arts Center and will include performances at the Winspear Opera House, Annette Strauss Square, Moody Performance Hall and the Meyerson Symphony Center. The Square will have performances from Texas-based Shakey Graves, Broadway Dallas will put on performances of Clue, the Dallas Arts District will put on a block party, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will play music from Back to the Future. The night aims to give visitors a tour of Flora Street at its best.
