A Look Inside FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver

Walking around the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) grounds that have been transformed for FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver, it’s easy to get excited about the 2026 World Cup.

Flags with Vancouver’s official FIFA branding decorate Hastings Park, along with rows of food trucks and stalls from local restaurants. There’s no shortage of soccer-themed activities for the whole family to participate in. And of course, there are numerous big screens to watch the matches.

Today, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico. Over the next six weeks, Vancouver will host seven matches at BC Place, with the first on Saturday, June 13.

That also means today marks the start of FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver, a free event where people can gather, watch the matches, enjoy musical performances and so much more. Here’s what to expect at Vancouver’s official World Cup watch party.

 

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What to Know About FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver

The FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver is an open-air, free admission event, with the option to purchase tickets and reserve seats at the newly updated PNE amphitheatre, the Freedom Mobile Arch. Across the festival’s 28-day run, it will stream more than 70 matches and feature over 120 artist performances.

The festival divides Hastings Park into different areas, drawing inspiration from parts of British Columbia.

The Park features a second large stage (aside from the amphitheatre), streaming games and hosting live performances. There are also themed food stands like Kickin’ Chicken and Sideline Slices, as well as the official FIFA store with jerseys and mascot merch. The Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations also have setups to share their history, culture and traditions on this land with attendees.

The Neighbourhood is inspired by street food and night markets. The food stalls lining the road include menus from some big names in B.C.’s food scene, like the Paella Guys, Vij’s and Nuba. Follow more food trucks (Rosie’s BBQ and Smokehouse, Japadog, Pastaggio and more) around the corner to The Backyard. Here, there are more live broadcast screens and fun outdoor games like soccer Skee-Ball. Look out for the LEGO replica of the World Cup trophy.

Other highlights include The Vineyard, an Okanagan-inspired space to sit back and relax with a glass of B.C. wine (plus it’s family-friendly!). The Plaza, right beside the amphitheatre, also has a slew of fun activations with official FIFA partners. Destination BC’s mini indoor soccer pitch is surrounded by 360 degrees of screens showcasing the best of B.C.’s natural environment.

The amphitheatre is the heart of the festival. At the Freedom Mobile Arch, fans can gather (general standing entry or ticketed seats) in front of a trio of screens to watch games as well as performances before, after and in between matches. While the grounds can host roughly 25,000 people—and there’s plenty of space to roam—the amphitheatre holds up to 10,000. It’s first-come, first-served, so get there early for big game days.

There’s space to lounge on the grass, or snag a seat at one of the many table and chair setups throughout the park. There are some shady areas and booths with tents, but most of the event is outdoors and uncovered. There are water stations and mist sprays for hot days. But be prepared for the weather—bring a hat and lots of sunscreen or a rain jacket.

Get the full schedule for FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver online.

PNE Grounds at Hastings Park, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, B.C.