Mike Brooks
Audio By Carbonatix
The World Cup has finally arrived in Dallas. While local games run through July 14, there are many more events and things to look forward to far beyond just the game days. The city is taking the initiative to make sure Dallas is the place to be. All of the major institutions have launched programming, including the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Deep Ellum Association, the Nasher Sculpture Garden and many more. There’s even a bus to Buc-ee’s.
Let’s be honest: when all is said and done, the actual World Cup in Dallas will be less than 12 cumulative hours. But we love a party, so we’ve gathered a list of all the things happening during the World Cup that don’t involve kicking balls. Probably.
If you want to watch the games amongst fellow fans, be sure to check out our guide to bars hosting country-specific watching parties. And if you’re just here for the food, we have a local’s guide to the Dallas dining essentials.
As we gear up for the World Cup, expect this list (and the interactive map below) to grow with more events to fill the time between games.
Cultural Events
FIFA Streaming at Cosm Dallas
June 11-July 19
Cosm Dallas, 5776 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony
Why watch the World Cup on a flat, boring Jumbotron when you could watch it on panoramic “shared reality” dome screens? Cosm, an 87-foot-diameter LED orb, will screen 40 World Cup games, including all those played by the U.S. Men’s National Team. It’s wall-to-wall action. Based on soccer screenings at other Cosm locations, it looks pretty cool. Tickets in the dome start at $110, and they’re selling out fast.
Summer of Soccer at Sundance Square Plaza
June 11-July 19
Sundance Square Plaza, 420 Main St., Fort Worth
Who knew there were so many underutilized jumbotrons sitting around North Texas? We, the American people, are united by our love of watching sports on as big a screen as possible, and one of the best places to do it is in Fort Worth. The World Cup will be streamed in the city center for the entire tournament. Bring your blankets and your boots.
FIFA Watch Party X McDonald’s at Halperin Park
June 11-12
Bridge Deck Park over 626 S. RL Thorton Freeway
McDonald’s is rolling up to Halperin Park in Dallas on June 11 and 12 for games, fun and “food donations for fans attending the watch parties.” The free watch parties will take place Thursday, June 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. for the Mexico versus South Africa game. Then, Friday, June 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. for the U.S. versus Paraguay game. This beautiful new park in southern Dallas is a beautiful spot to visit any day.
Japan Day: Ultras Meets Plano
June 13
McCall Plaza, 998 E 15th St., Plano
One of the more spotlighted matches in Dallas is Japan vs. the Netherlands, and the city of Plano is preparing to celebrate Japanese culture with a late-night festival. The party is free and will have live entertainment, expert speakers, and of course, Japan’s loyal fan base, the Ultras Nippon. There will not be a watch party; consider this event the ultimate pre-game.
Pegasus Plaza Chill Zone
June 14-July 19
Pegasus Plaza,1500 Main St.
Need a reprieve from the scorching Texas sun between matches? Pegasus Plaza has you covered, literally. The city is transforming the plaza into a designated “chill zone” with ample shade, frozen treats and refreshing lemonade. Entry to the “cooling oasis in the center of the Downtown action” is free.
Unfiltered Soccer Live with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard
July 13
Krimson Park, 208 N. Market St. # 300
Former U.S. Men’s National Team members Landon Donovan and Tim Howard are recording their soccer podcast, Unfiltered Soccer, for live audiences across the U.S. The two professional athletes will take the stage in Dallas as part of an Airbnb-sponsored experience. The show will offer insider knowledge of the historic 48-team tournament from two men who have been on the field. The recording is free, but requires an RSVP, and a ticket does not ensure entry. The event is first-come, first-served. The night will have photo opportunities with the two hosts, and food and drink vendors will be on-site.
Soccer: More Than a Game
Now through Sept. 7
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N Field St.
In preparation for the World Cup, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is teaching people the science of soccer. The exhibit’s activations measure kicking force and reflex speed, and the entrance resembles a locker room. This exhibit is fun for the family, and you’re sure to learn a lot about the physics of the game. As a plus, Minerals of the World Cup in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall will feature gems and minerals from host nations and competing countries.
Concerts & Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park
June 11-July 19
Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave.
The city’s official party is going on at Fair Park for 34 days of straight fun. The host site for the Texas State Fair will host watch parties on megascreens, and not just the games streamed out of Dallas, either. The Fan Festival is produced by FIFA in conjunction with the city. The screenings will occur at the Dos Equis Pavilion. The amphitheater will open an hour before the games begin and close an hour after the end. Games that begin after 10 p.m. will not be streamed.
Sunset Safari Block Party
June 21
Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway
On June 21, a large, and wild, sector of South Dallas will party the night away. The block party, featuring live music, special installations in the zoo, vendors and food trucks, will stretch from the newly built Halperin Park all the way to the zoo. The soccer-themed fan zone in the zoo, Goal Wild, will be open, and the massive Illuminature corridor, featuring large-scale light installations, will have reduced-priced tickets. Halperin Park and the East Dock will remain free.
Flora Street Live
June 26
Sammons Park, 2403 Flora St.
Flora Street Live is produced by the AT&T Performing Arts Center and will include performances at the Winspear Opera House, Annette Strauss Square, Moody Performance Hall and the Meyerson Symphony Center. The Square will have performances from Texas-based Shakey Graves, Broadway Dallas will put on performances of Clue, the Dallas Arts District will put on a block party, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will play music from Back to the Future. The night aims to give visitors a tour of Flora Street at its best.
Main Street Social Saturdays
June 20, June 27, July 4 and July 11
The city has spruced up the city center in preparation for tourists. During the World Cup, streets in downtown will be closed on Saturdays, making room for vendors, food trucks, chalk art and live music. If you’re in town and looking for a weekend activity outside the games, check out Main Street Social Saturdays.
Sports Illustrated Beyond the Pitch with Gordo
June 20
Sports Illustrated, the premier sports print publication and employer of many bikini models, is throwing a party in Dallas. The magazine’s party of the century will be at the nightclub SILO in the Design District. Award-winning producer and DJ Gordo will perform as the party’s headliner, with other performers to be announced. The party is a recent initiative by SI to celebrate the biggest moments in sports, usually with a guest list full of influencers and celebrity athletes. The organization will also throw parties in Miami, Los Angeles and New York City. Tickets are available now.
