Your D.C. Weekend: World Cup watch parties, plus Warped Tour
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The World Cup has finally kicked off, and it's soccer mania in Washington this weekend.
Why it matters: Fútbol is life!
State of play: USA faces off against Paraguay in its first match on Friday at 9pm.
- And there are plenty of spots where you can chant "U-S-A!"
⚽️ FIFA Fan Zone: The fandom destination opens Thursday and will run through July 19 on the National Mall between 3rd and 4th streets.
- Catch all the games here, plus live music, cultural events and food.
- Ahead of America's first match on Friday, it will open at 2pm. This weekend, the fan zone opens at 2pm Saturday and 12pm Sunday. (Free)
🥅 United in Play: D.C. United will host a World Cup bash this weekend at Franklin Park, with food vendors and tunes.
- It will open at 6pm on Friday ahead of the U.S. game, then at 3pm Saturday and 12pm Sunday. (Free, register in advance)
- Can't make it? There'll be another D.C. United get-together next weekend at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard.
🏆 Wunder Garten: The NoMa beer garden is teaming up with Volo Sports to become a World Cup HQ.
- Swing by Thursday evening for World Cup-themed trivia — you could score the grand prize of two tickets to a World Cup match in Philly.
- And post up there this weekend to watch matches via indoor and outdoor screens, with giveaways and international beers. (Free)
🏅 Hi-Lawn: The Union Market rooftop bar is scoring big with "The People's Pitch," a four-day watch party stretching Thursday to Sunday.
- Catch the weekend games alongside DJ sets, photo installations, food and drinks and astroturf painted to look like a soccer field. (Free, register in advance)
🇺🇸 The Wharf: Pearl Street will transform into a World Cup watch zone with a 14-foot jumbotron starting Thursday and running through July 19.
- During Friday's Team USA match, expect giveaways and fan events, plus match-day specials at nearby Wharf restaurants and bars. (Free)
More watch parties ... plus, where to watch by country
More fun things to do this weekend:
🎬 Catch over 100 documentaries and shorts from across the world at the annual DC/DOX Film Festival, running Thursday to Sunday at venues across the city like Planet Word and Woolly Mammoth. (Ticket prices vary)
🏳️🌈 Celebrate Pride at The Wharf's "Pride on the Pier" event Saturday, co-hosted with The Washington Blade, with DJs and grooving. (Free, VIP tickets available)
🤘 Rock out with bands like Third Eye Blind and Yellowcard when the Vans Warped Tour stops at the RFK Festival Grounds on Saturday and Sunday. (Ticket prices vary)
🍽️ Ring in 250 years of America by eating your way through the District via Eat250's restaurant specials and food tastings, kicking off Sunday and running through June 28.