The FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City: A Free World Cup Party All Summer
If you only do one World Cup thing in Kansas City this summer and you do not have a match ticket, make it the FIFA Fan Festival. It is free, it is downtown, and it is set on what might be the prettiest piece of ground in the whole city.
I am genuinely so excited about this one, because it means everybody gets to be part of the World Cup, tickets or not. Here is everything I have learned about it.
Where it is
The Fan Festival takes over the south lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, right downtown by Union Station. If you have ever watched fireworks or a concert from that hill, you already know the skyline view is unbeatable. Now picture it with a giant screen and thousands of soccer fans.
When it runs
It is an 18 day celebration running from June 11 all the way through July 11, lined up with the matches. So even on days when nothing is happening at Arrowhead, there is somewhere to go feel the energy and catch a game on the big screen.
It is free, with a catch
Entry is free and open to the public, which I love. The thing to know is that the general admission pass is first come, first served and the site has a capacity limit, somewhere around 25,000 people at a time. On big match days, get there early if you want in.
What to expect on site
The centerpiece is a massive video board, around 45 feet by 25 feet, with extra screens so everyone can see. Beyond the matches, there are live performances, interactive zones, and a big spread of global and local food. Basically a month long block party with the world’s best soccer playing in the background.
The music lineup is no joke
The performer list genuinely surprised me. Headliners include The Chainsmokers, Sheryl Crow, Flo Rida, Cimafunk, Gabby Barrett, The All-American Rejects, and our own Tech N9ne. That alone is worth the trip downtown a few times this summer.
How to get there
This is a spot where I would skip driving if I could. The KC Streetcar, city buses, bike routes, and Union Station all drop you close by, and major highways are right there too. Parking downtown on event days is a hassle, so let the streetcar do the work and save yourself the circling.
My tips for going with family
Go on the earlier side for daytime matches so the kids are not out too late, bring water and sunscreen because that lawn gets sunny, and set a meeting spot in case anyone wanders off in the crowd. Then just let everyone take it in. This is the kind of memory that sticks.
The takeaway
The FIFA Fan Festival is the great equalizer of this whole World Cup summer. No ticket required, gorgeous setting, free music, global food, and matches on a screen the size of a billboard. I plan to be there more than once, and I hope I run into you.
Save me a spot on the lawn. xo, Pam
