Where to celebrate the FIFA World Cup in Metro Vancouver

The FIFA World Cup is bringing a variety of fan festivals, public watch parties, and community events to Metro Vancouver this summer.

While BC Place is hosting seven games, several communities across Vancouver are also presenting public events throughout the tournament.

From free fan festivals and live concerts to neighbourhood events and public watch parties, here is everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup celebrations popping up across the Lower Mainland.

FIFA Fan Festival

From June 11 to July 19, Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is free to attend and expected to become a hub for World Cup fans.

Attendees can watch matches on giant screens, enjoy live entertainment and music, and snack and sip on local and international food and drinks from vendors.

The newly constructed open-air amphitheatre at the PNE will provide seating for thousands of spectators. The venue will host match viewings and concerts throughout the tournament. 

KPU International World Cup Watch Party

At Grassroots Café on the Surrey campus, KPU International will host a watch party for Canada’s first game of the tournament.

Students can watch Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 at noon, while cheering on their team, partaking in games, and winning prizes.

Richmond Celebrates Soccer

The six-week long program, Richmond Celebrates Soccer, is hosted by the City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond, and the Richmond Hotel Association.

Running from June 12 to July 19, it includes free events across the city, featuring community watch parties, live entertainment, and soccer-themed activities.

The opening event will take place at the Richmond Olympic Oval, offering a barbeque, soccer activities, sports trivia, and a public watch party.

The closing event, in the Aberdeen neighbourhood, will display the World Cup final on the big screen, as well as feature soccer demonstrations, food trucks, family activities, and programming with local soccer clubs.

Surrey FIFA Fan Zones

The City of Surrey will host three fan zones from June 11 to July 19 at Surrey Civic Plaza, the Cloverdale Agriplex, and South Surrey Athletic Park, offering free public match broadcasts on large screens.

Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, beer gardens, live entertainment, inflatable amusement games, and soccer-themed activities.

More than 100 matches are expected to be shown across the fan zones. Local sports organizations will also be in attendance to share what they offer.

Uber Eats Canada Soccer House

At The Shipyards at North Vancouver, the Uber Eats Canada Soccer House will host public watch parties and community programming from the tournament’s start to end.

Visitors will be able to watch World Cup matches on a large screen. The event will also feature athlete appearances, food trucks, retail popups, and interactive experiences.

Tribuna Latina Fan Zone

At the Latin Plaza Hub in Gastown, Latincouver kicked off Tribuna Latina Fan Zones, which runs until July 19 and aims to bring together soccer fans during the World Cup.

Visitors can watch matches on big screens while enjoying authentic Latin food. The event will also feature live DJs and a family zone, creating a space where local residents can experience the tournament in a festive atmosphere.

To reserve a seat, visit www.latincouver.ca/tribunalatina.

CBC Home Pitch

For the World Cup opening match, Canada’s first game, and the seven games in Vancouver, CBC will create a pre-match hub.

Minutes from BC Place at CBC Vancouver headquarters’ outdoor plaza, fans can listen to B.C. musicians, watch cultural performances, and visit food trucks. Each event will feature performers and food from the country on the pitch.

The free event, which runs until July 7, also includes chant contests from B.C. soccer clubs, giveaways, and face-painting, and fans can kick their best shot against CBC hosts.