Where to watch the World Cup final in D.C., plus more weekend events
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National Mall's FIFA Fan Zone. Photo: Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images
It's the World Cup's last week, with Saturday's third-place match between England and France and Sunday's final with Argentina and Spain.
Why it matters: It's been a cracking tournament, and there are plenty of D.C. watch parties for the grand finale.
It'll be a full day of footy at Union Market, starting Sunday morning with a 3v3 community soccer tourney at a pop-up field called "The Yard" (1271 5th St. NE).
- It's free to compete between 9:30am and 1pm, with prizes for winners.
- And later, the Latin American market La Cosecha is putting on a watch party next door at Neal Place and 4th Street NE, with a giant screen. A post-game block party runs until 9pm with food, drinks and DJs.
- Plus: Hi-Lawn is holding an open-air viewing party Saturday and Sunday.
🏟️ At the Wharf, a 14-foot jumbotron will start showing coverage at 1pm on Sunday — plus several restaurants will offer food and drink specials.
- Yala Greek Ice Cream: The Georgetown shop is celebrating its first birthday with an outdoor watch party, giveaways and four limited-edition World Cup flavors: Dulce de Leche (for Argentina), San Sebastián (Burnt Basque Cheesecake for Spain), Pain au Chocolat (France) and Strawberries & Cream (England). More info
- Franklin Hall: The massive beer hall has been hosting matches all tournament, with a menu of classic bar fare.
- National Mall FIFA Fan Zone: The third-place match and finale will be shown, capping off a month-plus of outdoor viewing on the big screen. Free admission
- PubKey: The Chinatown pub will have the final on a 5-foot-by-10-foot screen.
Other events this weekend:
🟦 A nighttime light show shines on the historic Smithsonian Castle on Friday and Saturday, put on by internationally acclaimed artist Refik Anadol. Titled "Smithsonian Dreams," the building's red stone exterior will be illuminated with AI-generated visuals inspired by the Smithsonian's collections, starting at 9pm each night. More deets
🎬 Back after a two-year hiatus, the D.C. Asian Pacific American Film Festival debuts tonight, with showings in the city and Silver Spring until Sunday. Opening night is at Alamo Drafthouse on Bryant Street. Schedule
🪷 Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens hosts the Lotus and Water Lily Festival on Saturday and Sunday. You'll find blooming flowers and events like cultural dances, live performances, and morning yoga. More info