The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today as Atlanta opens its free FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park with a performance by Summer Walker. Centennial Yards reveals its Rise ATL pop-up experience running through July 15. The BeltLine celebrates completing 16.7 continuous miles of mainline trail just in time for the tournament. In Inman Park, Krog District sees Nando's and YETI opening this week. Decatur's revamped town square is ready for WatchFest. DeKalb County extends its data center moratorium through September 30. And the city debuts ATL Spoke, an autonomous shuttle connecting the BeltLine to MARTA.
FIFA Fan Festival Opens at Centennial Olympic Park as World Cup Kicks Off
The free festival features Summer Walker, watch parties on giant screens, and programming celebrating Atlanta's African, Caribbean, and Latino communities throughout the five-week tournament.
World Cup
3 storiesCentennial Yards Unveils Rise ATL Pop-Up Experience for World Cup
The Entertainment District transforms into an immersive destination through July 15, featuring rotating food vendors like King of Pops, future tenants including Shake Shack, and new openings from Cosm and The Irish Exit.
Development & Housing
4 storiesKrog District Kicks Off Busy Season with Nando's and YETI Openings
South African chicken restaurant Nando's opened Tuesday in the former Bar Mercado space, while outdoor retailer YETI celebrates its grand opening June 18-21 at the corner of Lake Avenue and Krog Street.
Transportation & Infrastructure
3 storiesBeltLine Reaches Milestone with 16.7 Continuous Miles of Trail
The completion of Southside Trail Segments 2 and 3 creates 'The U' connecting 36 neighborhoods from Northwest to Northeast corridors, finished just ahead of World Cup matches.
Government & Policy
3 storiesDeKalb Extends Data Center Moratorium as Backlash Grows Across Georgia
The county commission voted Tuesday to extend the moratorium through September 30, with residents urging a full year and citing concerns about contaminated water and property damage.
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Business & Economy
3 storiesChef Jonny Rhodes Debuts alonetogether in Midtown
The acclaimed Houston chef opens an upscale brasserie and non-alcoholic beverage bar at 1270 W Peachtree Street, rooted in Haitian French Creole cooking with Thai influences.
Crime & Safety
2 storiesPolice Seize 25 Pounds of Fentanyl in Cobb County Traffic Stop
Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Narcotics Unit agents discovered the drugs with a street value of $1.65 million during a month-long investigation.
Community & Culture
3 storiesAtlanta Streets Alive Debuts New World Cup Route on MLK Drive
The free event on Sunday, June 14, will close Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to cars from Burbank to Northside Drive, connecting Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the BeltLine Westside Trail.
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Food & Dining
1 storyWhere to Eat Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium During the World Cup
From Castleberry Hill to Vine City to the newly revamped Adair Park, here's your guide to comfort food, cocktails, and creative sushi within walking distance of match day action.