Soccer fever is officially taking over Kansas City, and there may never be another summer quite like this one! Don’t have tickets to the games? The fan-centered parties planned all around the metro might be even better, or at least easier for families to navigate and enjoy. The city is turning into one huge global celebration from now through mid July, and you will want to be a part of the excitement!
Family-Friendly Events to Attend During the World Cup in Kansas City
Fan Marches
International fans are serious about their football! Expect parades throughout the city with visitors singing, waving flags and marching toward viewing locations on match days for countries using KC as their home bases. Street celebrations are also planned around certain entertainment districts hosting the marches, but all are meant to be family-friendly, especially during daytime events.
Argentina fans are planning a banderazo the day before their game against Algeria. The event is set for 6 p.m. on June 15 at Mill Creek Park. Note: A banderazo is a fan gathering known for passionate displays of flags, chants and team spirit. Argentina is known for its passion followers, so expect this to be a lively gathering.
Netherlands fans will participate in the Orange Fanwalk through downtown Kansas City when they play Tunisia on June 25. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. at KC Live! in the Power & Light District. The staple for these fans is an iconic Orange Bus that leads the procession. Fans plan to march all the way to the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where the official Fan Fest is taking place.
Fans from Ecuador are organizing a banderazo as well. It is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Liberty Memorial. Before and after the Ecuador vs. Curaçao match, fans will meet at Dos Lokos Sports Bar in Westport.
Free Events and Watch Parties
Border Brewery Watch Parties
Border Brewery in the Crossroads wants you to sip some of their brews while you and your family take in a game! Each watch party will feature live match viewing, a lively taproom atmosphere, and a lineup of craft beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic options so everyone can join in.
Current Landing
The jewel of KC soccer is hosting the ultimate watch party at Current Landing. Fans can expect live broadcasts of every major international match, themed food & beverage offerings, family-friendly activities and a festive atmosphere all along the riverfront.
Futbol Fridays in Lee’s Summit
Futbol Fridays kick off in Lee’s Summit on June 12 at the Green Street Market Downtown. Each week will feature a different theme along with live music, watch parties and activities for all ages. Kids are welcome to play on the new playground, run around in the turfed area and cheer along with all the fans!
Go North KC
Kansas City’s Northland is banding together for a multi-community watch party series spanning seven communities, each with different themes and activities. Visitors will enjoy family-friendly festivals while watching matches on large screens with special sound systems. Some locations will have live local music ranging from bands to DJs. Food trucks and vendors will showcase some of the best tastes each city has to offer. Expect lots of activities to keep kids and their parents entertained!
Dates and Locations:
June 12: Liberty
June 16 – Central Bank Sporting Complex
June 19 – Kearney
June 20 – Gladstone
June 27 – Zona Rosa
July 3 – Riverside
July 11 – North Kansas City
Pitch Lenexa
Up to 5,000 fans can gather at the corner of City Center Dr. & Hampton St. to watch two huge LED screens, enjoy food trucks, face painting and inflatables for kids.
Theatre in the Park
Theatre in the Park will host a series of watch parties from June 16 through July 19 on select match days. They will show the games on a massive 20′ x 30′ LED screen, and food trucks and live entertainment will be on site. Soccer play spaces and hands-on art experiences will be available to keep kids busy while parents relax and watch. Visitors must register for each event they would like to attend.
Wyandotte Street Festival
On select dates, fans can also experience the One World Wyandotte Street Festival along 7th Street in downtown KCK. There are planned live performances, food trucks, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities.
Dates:
Thursday, June 11
Tuesday, June 16
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18
Wednesday, June 24
Fan Fest
The Official FIFA Fan Festival is the main event for families all summer long. It will transform the lawn of the WWI Museum into a giant celebration over the course of a month, filled with match broadcasts, concerts, food vendors, cultural experiences, kids’ activities, photo ops and soccer energy everywhere you look. Read for more details here.
This summer is going to feel a little magical in Kansas City. And the best part? You don’t need expensive tickets to be part of it. Grab the kids, wear your team colors and spend a few afternoons soaking up the once-in-a-generation energy happening right here in Kansas City this summer!
