World Cup watch parties worth leaving the couch for
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
You don't need a stadium ticket to be in the thick of the World Cup. From district-wide festivals to parties at Brazilian steakhouses, KC has a watch party for every match.
- Here are just a few.
District festivals
The official fan zone takes over the south lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, with giant screens and room for 25,000.
Stop by: Big matches run all tournament, including the June 11 opener at 2pm and USA vs. Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at 8pm.
- Admission is free, though you must register online to enter.
Go deeper: Inside KC's almost-finished World Cup Fan Fest
⚽ Soccer in the City at KC Live
The Power & Light District shows matches outdoors on a big screen and hosts parties, including the Dutch "Big Oranje Party" and Argentina-born Bresh.
Stop by: USA vs. Paraguay plays Friday, June 12, at 8pm, and Netherlands vs. Japan follows Sunday, June 14, at 3pm.
Street festivals will accompany these eight watch parties at the historic Memorial Hall in downtown Kansas City, Kansas.
- The matches feature countries with strong cultural ties to KCK, including Mexico and Argentina, and games will be broadcast in both English and Spanish.
Stop by: Mexico vs. South Africa opens the World Cup on Thursday, June 11, at 2pm.
Bars and restaurants
⚽ Soccerpalooza at Strange Days
This soccer-friendly brewery in the River Market plans to show every single game, retro TVs and all.
Stop by: You can catch any kickoff June 11–July 19, from the afternoon slots to the late nightcaps. Its house beers run from easy lagers to experimental pours.
⚽ World Fußball at Kansas City Bier Company
This German-style brewery and biergarten in Waldo is the obvious pick for the German match.
Stop by: It airs most games, including Germany vs. Curaçao on Sunday, June 14, at noon, and Haiti vs. Scotland on Saturday, June 13, at 8pm.
⚽ Fogooooal Experience at Fogo de Chão
The Brazilian steakhouse on the Country Club Plaza serves all-you-can-eat churrasco while Brazil takes the pitch.
Stop by: The five-time champions' first match is against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, at 5pm.
- Gauchos carve steak, chicken and more at your table.
Go deeper: Visit KC keeps a big list of spots across the metro, and KC Parent lists additional Johnson County parties.
