The Best World Cup Events Happening Around KC
FIFA Fan Festival
If you only attend one World Cup-related event, this is probably the one I would pick.
The FIFA Fan Festival will feature live match broadcasts, entertainment, food, activities, and thousands of soccer fans gathering together to watch the tournament unfold.
General admission tickets are free, but there is one important catch: free tickets do not guarantee entry if the event reaches capacity. There will also be paid ticket options and upgraded experiences available for those who want guaranteed access or extra perks.
My advice? If this is high on your list, arrive early and treat it like a major event day.
There will be kid-friendly areas and activities. Personally, I plan to bring my kiddos on weekdays when I expect things will be less rowdy.
Get your pass HERE.
Soccer Capital Summer at Sporting Park
Sporting Kansas City is hosting Soccer Capital Summer. There will be match watch opportunities, activities, entertainment, and plenty of chances to soak up the World Cup atmosphere.
Just like the Fan Festival, general admission tickets are free but do not guarantee entry if capacity is reached. Paid upgrades and premium options will also be available.
Get tickets HERE.
Free Watch Parties in Overland Park and with Go North KC
One thing I love about these events is that you do not have to head downtown to join the fun.
Both Overland Park and North Kansas City are hosting free World Cup watch parties, giving families another way to experience the tournament atmosphere closer to home, or at least not in the chaos and traffic of the city. The Overland Park watch parties do require registration.
One of the Go North KC watch parties will be July 3rd at the brand new Morton Amphitheater. It is free to attend, park, and will have fireworks after the game.
Register for the Overland Park Watch Parties HERE.
Get more information on the North KC Watch parties HERE.
The Crossroads is Having 5 Weeks of Night Markets
For five straight weekends, the Crossroads will host 20 days of World Cup-themed night markets that are a lot like First Fridays but with a soccer twist.
Expect watch parties, food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, and even parking lots transformed into temporary soccer fields.
If your family already enjoys First Fridays, this feels like a must-visit.
Get more information HERE.
Coming to KC? This is where you should stay
If you're traveling to Kansas City for the World Cup festivities, where you stay can make a huge difference in your experience. Here are my picks based on what kind of trip you're looking for.
Stay Downtown and Be in the Middle of the Action
Loews Kansas City Hotel
If you want to be within walking distance of many of the downtown World Cup events, Loews is one of the best options. It is modern, family-friendly, and puts you close to the FIFA Fan Festival, Crossroads Night Markets, restaurants, and all the excitement happening downtown.
Book it here
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
The Westin is another great downtown choice. Crown Center offers plenty to do for families, and you'll be close to Union Station, the streetcar, and many of the World Cup festivities. It is a convenient home base if you plan to spend most of your time downtown.
Book it here
Stay Close, But Skip Downtown
Aloft North Kansas City
If you want easy access to the events without dealing with downtown traffic and parking every day, Aloft North Kansas City is a great option. You'll be just minutes from downtown while enjoying a quieter area with plenty of restaurants and amenities nearby. It is also convenient for attending the Go North KC watch parties and much cheaper than the downtown hotels.
Book it here
Stay Away From the Crowds
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center
For visitors who want to enjoy some World Cup fun without staying in the middle of the congestion, this is my top pick. The hotel sits right next to the Overland Park FIFA transportation hub, where visitors can catch transportation into downtown for just $5 per day. That means you can enjoy the Fan Festival, Night Markets, and other downtown events without worrying about parking or navigating traffic. Plus, you'll be close to the free Overland Park watch parties and all the great restaurants and attractions Johnson County has to offer.
Book it here
No matter where you stay, my biggest recommendation is to book early. Hotels are already filling up as Kansas City is about to welcome visitors from all over the world.
Getting Around
Parking is extremely limited and expected to be expensive (some lots could cost $225+), so Kansas City has created several transportation options that are actually pretty easy to use.
Going to a match?
The ConnectKC26 Stadium Direct service offers round-trip motor coach transportation from the FIFA Fan Festival and several park-and-ride locations, including North Kansas City, Independence Center, Highway 40, and Oak Park Mall. Tickets are $15 round trip per person and are available to match ticket holders.
Exploring the city?
The ConnectKC26 Region Direct network connects the FIFA Fan Festival to destinations across the metro, including Mission Transit Center, Lenexa City Center, The Legends, and even Lawrence. Passes cost just $5 per day, $25 per week, or $50 for the entire tournament.
Flying into KC?
There will be free round-trip transportation between Kansas City International Airport (KCI) and the ConnectKC26 Bus Mall downtown.
Summer of Soccer Pass in Lawrence, Kansas
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This is a fun way to explore Lawrence and have fWhen you stop at places on the pass you earn points and collect prizes or can be entered for the sweepstakes! Plus, different locations offer discounts or free merchandise just for participating!
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