As Atlanta prepares to welcome the world for the World Cup, residents won't need a match ticket to join the excitement.
The Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association will host the O4W Soccer Kickoff Festival June 11-13, transforming Historic Fourth Ward Park and surrounding neighborhood destinations into gathering spaces where residents, visitors, and soccer fans can celebrate together.
All festival events are free and open to the public.
"The World Cup shouldn't be something Atlantans only watch on TV; it should be something they can walk to," said Lamar Stewart, interim executive director of Showcase Atlanta. "Whether you have a ticket to a match or not, there will be a place for you to show up, celebrate, and feel like this moment belongs to you."
The celebration begins Thursday, June 11, with the O4W Bar Crawl starting at 5 p.m. along the Eastside BeltLine and Edgewood Avenue. Participating establishments will offer specialty food, drinks, and experiences inspired by World Cup countries.
Additional programming throughout the weekend includes watch parties, DJ sets, and neighborhood showcases.