Santa Monica celebrates the World Cup with soccer events and activations
June 8, 2026 11:06 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 8, 2026) — From the first match to the final whistle, Santa Monica will offer a host of opportunities to gather, watch matches and celebrate the energy of the World Cup from June 12-July 19.
On Friday, June 12, Santa Monica will host three free kickoff events featuring live broadcasts of the USA vs. Paraguay match.
In addition, the city will host watch parties, a family-friendly play zone, pre- and post-game gatherings and other events throughout the tournament, culminating with the COAST Open Streets festival made possible by Metro on Sunday, July 19. All events are free unless otherwise noted.
And there’s so much more than soccer this summer in Santa Monica. Several major community events, including SaMo Pride, Juneteenth, Make Music Santa Monica and Fourth of July festivities, offer residents and visitors an extensive lineup of programming and entertainment throughout the summer.
"We have been laying the groundwork for a true Renaissance in our city, and it’s incredible to see these efforts paying off," Mayor Caroline Torosis said. "World Cup season in Santa Monica is going to be a blast for residents and visitors, with the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club on the Pier, the COAST Open Streets festival, and weeks of soccer-themed events and programming. Santa Monica is again becoming the destination for community-focused fun in a unique location that you can’t get anywhere else."
Where to enjoy kickoff on Friday, June 12:
Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club, 3-9 p.m.
The Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club on the Pier will open to all fans ages 21+ from June 12 to 25. Kickoff festivities on June 12 include live match viewing with a “Match Day Live Show” by Men in Blazers, DJs and freestyle performances, soccer-themed games, surprise guest appearances and more. Admission is free but advance registration is required.
USA Kickoff Celebration, Fan Festival & Watch Party at Santa Monica Place, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
This all-day, festival-style celebration will transform Center Plaza into the Westside’s largest community watch party and matchday destination, featuring live broadcasts of the Canada match at noon and the USA Kickoff Match at 6 p.m. on a massive 30-foot LED screen. Attendees can also enjoy DJs, fan activations, games, trivia, interactive experiences, giveaways, photo opportunities, and beer gardens for ages 21+. Powered by Michelob ULTRA, Stella Artois and NUTRL.
Golden Hour on Third Street Promenade, 2-10 p.m.
Golden Hour is a new recurring event transforming Third Street Promenade into a vibrant, pedestrian-focused gathering space during tournament season. The inaugural event on June 12 will feature curated exhibitors, interactive fan experiences, local vendors, an all ages watch party, live music and more. Guests ages 21+ can also enjoy a drink in the Entertainment Zone or dine outside at a Promenade restaurant while watching the match.
More celebrations throughout the World Cup:
- June 12-25 | The Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club continues with free festivities and match viewing for guests ages 21+ daily on the Santa Monica Pier. Find hours and RSVP at michelobultra.com/pitchsideclub.
- June 11-27 | World Play Zone takes over the Kiss & Ride Lot adjacent to the Downtown Santa Monica Metro station, offering a family-friendly opportunity to get into the game through active drills, play, and hands-on soccer activities in a high-energy, outdoor setting.
- June 13 | Santa Monica Block Fest on Third Street Promenade, following the annual Pride on the Promenade, will feature a World Cup live broadcast in addition to a multi-stage music production, pop-up bars, and a Night Market.
- June 14 and July 12 | The Garden Series is a ticketed wellness series in Tongva Park featuring movement and wellness sessions, brand activations, and spaces for relaxation and restoration.
- June 21 | Make Music Santa Monica, in partnership with Metro, transforms the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station and the ancillary Kiss & Ride Lot into the central hub of the day’s events, where live performances, participatory jam sessions, and hands-on music and art workshops intersect with the global energy of the World Cup.
- June 25 | The World Cup Fun & Watch Party at the Annenberg Community Beach House will offer an all ages mix of soccer-inspired activities, arts and crafts, and games, as well as livestreaming of the Türkiye vs. USA and Paraguay vs. Australia matches.
- June 27 and July 10 | Two more Golden Hour gatherings will transform the Promenade into a vibrant, pedestrian-focused gathering space, building from afternoon energy into an evening social atmosphere.
- July 4 | Pulse in the Park is a high energy, World Cup themed festival in Tongva Park, following the annual community Santa Monica 4th of July Parade on Main Street.
COAST 2026, made possible by Metro, closes out the World Cup celebration
The revival of the COAST Open Streets festival on Sunday, July 19, will serve as the grand finale for Santa Monica’s soccer celebrations.
Spanning from the Promenade and Metro E Line station across to Ocean Park, Colorado, Arizona and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the city will come together for an unforgettable day of music, food and culture.
What you can expect from the festival:
- A complete open street takeover spanning the heart of the city
- Live art installations, music, and immersive visual performances
- Family-friendly activities and interactive zones
- Food trucks
- Beer gardens
Attendees are encouraged to take transit, walk or bike to all events.
For more on these events and celebrating the World Cup in Santa Monica, visit the city’s World Cup page. Interested in being a vendor or sponsoring an event? Learn more here.
Find a list of local business specials on Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s website.
And if you’re one of the lucky ones attending the matches at Los Angeles Stadium, skip the driving and parking hassle and take Big Blue Bus instead!
Media Contact
Lauren Howland
Communications and public information manager
lauren.howland@santamonica.gov