Community Events Across the City Celebrate Soccer, Community, Neighborhood Pride and More!  

Seattle’s neighborhoods come alive in the summer! As we all relish warmer weather and longer days, the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) wants to help you enjoy the vibrancy of our city – block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood. This summer is extra special as we welcome visitors from around the globe for the FIFA World Cup. Throughout June and July, we have an opportunity to represent the values of our city on a global stage and share the rich culture, hidden gems, and undeniable charm that lay off the typical tourist path. The City of Seattle has worked closely with the World Cup Local Organizing Committee and regional, state, federal, and community partners to prepare for this exciting event.  

For more information on event logistics and City resources visit the City of Seattle FIFA Website: FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 | seattle.gov  

Safety Tips

You may see more police while you’re out and about. This is typical for major events. City employees, including police, don’t enforce federal immigration laws and cannot ask about your immigration status. Seattle is committed to maintaining policies that support all Seattle residents regardless of ancestry, race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical or mental disability, religion, or immigration status. Police in Seattle wear a Navy-Blue uniform with the word “POLICE” printed on the back of their vest. On game days, Seattle police officers will all wear fluorescent yellow shirts to stand out. 

Hydration

Warm weather is here! Enjoying World Cup festivities downtown will likely involve some walking, rolling, or waiting for a ride outside in the summer sun. Seattle recently unveiled seven water bottle refill stations to help residents, workers, and visitors quench their thirst as they move through Downtown. The new refill stations provide day-to-day and emergency access to clean and safe drinking water and feature colorful illustrations from local artist Stevie Shao. The art celebrates Seattle’s mountain-sourced and watershed-protected drinking water. 

Getting Around 

Worried about getting around the city during the World Cup? Don’t let traffic deter you from kicking off the summer fun! A little planning is your best strategy for tackling traffic. This resource guide from Commute Seattle and tips from Seattle Department of Transportation can help you set the perfect formation for moving stress-free around the city.  

On match days in Seattle streets in Pioneer Square will be closed to traffic to create a pedestrian zone around the stadium to increase safety and create more space to walk, roll, gather, and patronize local businesses in the neighborhood. Bike and scooter share entering the area will be slowed to 8 MPH and valet parking offered. View a pedestrian zone map and closure schedule at: www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/pioneer-square-pedestrian-zone

Community Events

In addition to delivering a world-class sporting event for fans and teams, the City has helped organize safe, fun, and inclusive gatherings that strengthen civic pride and community involvement in our neighborhoods.  

These summer events present opportunities to celebrate the World Cup, enjoy the character and charm of our city, or simply gather with community all summer long.   

• June 11 – July 19 | Hometeam Soccer + Sounds, Brick Park (Occidental Mall)  
  Join us in Brick Park (Occidental Mall) for our Soccer + Sounds Series. Catch live music, performances, watch parties, and more, on the outdoor stage throughout the World Cup. Events are hosted by Seattle Arts & Culture 

• June 13 – July 7 | Children of Shelly’s Leg Exhibitions & Performances, Pioneer Square. The Children of Shelly’s Leg is intentionally celebrating queer and trans lives through visual and performance Art activations in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic gay neighborhood, during Pride and the FIFA World Cup for locals and international visitors. 

• June 15 – June 21 | Belltown Mural Festival, The 3rd annual Belltown Mural Festival is a celebration of art in the Belltown community. Beginning June 15, local artists will begin transforming blank walls into vibrant works of art — actively painting throughout the week — and all over Belltown! 

• June 18 | Largest Dim Sum Dinner: GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Attempt, Wing Luke Museum 3 – 4 PM. Share a meal that celebrates the neighborhood’s culture, local restaurants, and community spirit. Your registration supports small businesses, highlights the CID’s heritage, and keeps the neighborhood welcoming for residents and visitors. Hosted by Chinatown International District Business Improvement Association and sponsored by DON. 

• June 18 | 25^th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Rainier Beach Community Center. The Atlantic Street Center and Seattle Parks & Recreation celebrate Black Excellence and History in the community. Tickets are free, RSVP requested. 

• June 18 | Welcoming the World Night Market, Pike Place Market. Explore 60+ local craftspeople, 20 food vendors, 13 farmers, 2 live art demos, plus enjoy live music from Lace Cadence and Larry Mizell Jr. of KEXP, backyard party games, and more fun throughout the Market. Join soccer fans from around the globe as Pike Place Market and Seattle celebrate the culture and diversity that make this city so special.

• June 19 | Ethiopian Community World Cup Watch Party & Festival, 8323 Rainier Ave S. A culturally rooted World Cup match‑viewing experience bringing the Ethiopian community together through sports, culture, and shared celebration. Featuring games, Ethiopian DJ, a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and a cultural vendor marketplace highlighting local small businesses. Hosted by Ethiopian Community in Seattle and supported by DON. 

• June 19 | USA vs. Australia Match Afterparty, Slim’s Last Chance, 5606 First Ave S. A community-centered celebration following the Australia vs. USA World Cup match featuring live music, culturally inspired programming, and an inclusive gathering space designed to welcome both international visitors and neighborhood residents. Supported by DON 

• June 26 | Ballard Regnbue Pride Festival & Watch Party, downtown Ballard. Kick off summer at this all-day Pride Festival and Pride Match Watch Party with include performances, kids’ activities, a vendor market, and three soccer matches displayed on a jumbo screen.   

• July 3 & 4 | FIFA World Cup Eritrean Arts and Music Celebration, Eritrean Community Center. A two-day, family friendly, block party weaving together Eritrean food, music, art, and dance with the excitement of soccer. Hosted by the Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle and supported by DON and the Office of Arts & Culture.