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The National Mall is turning into a giant festival ground next month, with a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone and a World's Fair-inspired playground packed into America's 250th birthday — plus August's IndyCar race on its heels.

Why it matters: Downtown D.C. may be in for one of the biggest tourism summers in recent history, with overlapping World Cup, IndyCar and America 250th celebrations expected to draw huge crowds for weeks.

State of play: Axios broke the latest news on Tuesday that FIFA and Freedom 250 organizers are launching a World Cup Fan Zone on the Mall for the tournament (June 11-July 19).

Freedom 250 is the administration's task force behind many America 250th events, including President Trump's UFC fight at the White House (June 14).

Organizers say the fan zone — designed for all ages — will include a mix of live match screenings, interactive exhibits, food, live music, cultural programming and youth activities. 

The intrigue: "The world's game" will overlap with an Americana-themed festival channeling the World's Fair, showcasing all U.S. states and territories.

Organizers exclusively shared with Axios the first wave of performers for the Great American State Fair (June 25-July 10).

Driving the news: Marquee names confirmed for the fair — slated for Thursday to Saturday evening performances — include:

"I love the 90s" featuring Vanilla Ice, C+C Music Factory and more (June 26)

Large white Ferris wheel dominates a park with green lawns and tents; the U.S. Capitol building is visible in the background beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A rendering of the giant Ferris wheel coming to the National Mall. Image: Courtesy of Freedom 250

Zoom in: Organizers say visitors can expect:

A 110-foot Ferris wheel overlooking the Mall

Food, music and cultural activations by state and territory (hello, lobster rolls and — we hope — fried Oreos)

Featured daily themes like "Future of America" or "MAHA Monday"

Between the lines: D.C.'s looming logistical questions: Where will everyone park — and perhaps more importantly, find a bathroom?

City officials say details on road closures, parking restrictions and crowd management plans are still to come. 

D.C. police tell Axios traffic guidance will be released "closer to the event," while National Park Service officials said federal, state and local agencies are coordinating to ensure a "safe and enjoyable experience" for visitors. Translation: Stay tuned.

What's next: Organizers say additional performers, speakers, pavilion details and activations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall

Sneak peek the first performers for D.C.'s massive Great American State Fair.

The Dome of the U.S. Capitol Building is visible as workers continue to build out Freedom 250's Great American State Fair infrastructure on the National Mall.

Crews build out Freedom 250's Great American State Fair on the National Mall. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The National Mall is turning into a giant festival ground next month, with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup Fan Zone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-fifa-fan-zone-national-mall-dc" data-vars-content-id="1fa6caf0-24ed-4e01-975a-e50462841482" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-fifa-fan-zone-national-mall-dc" target="_self">FIFA World Cup Fan Zone</a> and a World&#x27;s Fair-inspired playground packed into America&#x27;s 250th birthday — plus August&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IndyCar race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/09/indycar-national-mall-race-course-map-trump" data-vars-content-id="1fa6caf0-24ed-4e01-975a-e50462841482" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/09/indycar-national-mall-race-course-map-trump" target="_self">IndyCar race</a> on its heels.Why it matters: Downtown D.C. may be in for one of the biggest tourism summers in recent history, with overlapping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-expat-bars-embassy-watch-parties-dc" data-vars-content-id="1fa6caf0-24ed-4e01-975a-e50462841482" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-expat-bars-embassy-watch-parties-dc" target="_self">World Cup</a>, IndyCar and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America 250th celebrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" data-vars-content-id="1fa6caf0-24ed-4e01-975a-e50462841482" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" target="_self">America 250th celebrations</a> expected to draw huge crowds for weeks.

News

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D.C. will host a huge FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall this summer, organizers announced Tuesday — tying one of the world's biggest sporting events to America's 250th birthday celebration.

Why it matters: Even without hosting matches, D.C. is positioning itself as a World Cup destination — leaning into its international fanbase and an expected influx of global visitors during what's projected to be one of the biggest tourism summers.

The big picture: The free fan zone will run the full length of the tournament — June 11 through July 19 — on the National Mall between 3rd and 4th streets, close to the U.S. Capitol.

It's organized by a partnership between FIFA and Freedom 250, the administration's task force for many America 250th events, including President Trump's UFC fight at the White House (June 14) and IndyCar race (August 22-23) around the National Mall.

Zoom in: Organizers say the fan zone — designed for all ages — will include a mix of live match screenings, interactive exhibits, food, live music, cultural programming and youth activities.

All Team USA matches will be shown regardless of kickoff time, along with every knockout-round game.

The fan zone will generally open daily, one hour before the start of the first match, throughout the tournament.

The intrigue: "The world's game" will overlap with a World's Fair-size showcase of Americana on the National Mall: Freedom 250's Great American State Fair (June 25 - July 10), a massive festival ground stretching from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial with food, entertainment and cultural activities from every state and territory, plus a 110-foot Ferris wheel.

Both are free and open to the public — and coincide with Trump's projects around the National Mall, including repainting the reflecting pool and installing a "Garden of Heroes." 

What's next: Additional details about programming and participating partners will be announced soon.

D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall

D.C. is launching a massive FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall next month — with live match screenings, concerts, food and cultural events tied to America's 250th anniversary celebration.

Aerial view of the U.S. Capitol with its domed rotunda, flanked by buildings and green lawns, dense trees, and a distant cityscape under a clear blue sky.

A huge 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone is coming to the National Mall by the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Graeme Sloan/Getty Image

D.C. will host a huge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/22/where-to-watch-world-cup-dc-2026" data-vars-content-id="44203120-7bf4-4c75-be0c-167c5c5132da" data-vars-headline="D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/22/where-to-watch-world-cup-dc-2026" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> Fan Zone on the National Mall this summer, organizers announced Tuesday — tying one of the world&#x27;s biggest sporting events to America&#x27;s 250th birthday celebration.Why it matters: Even without hosting matches, D.C. is positioning itself as a World Cup destination — leaning into its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international fanbase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-expat-bars-embassy-watch-parties-dc" data-vars-content-id="44203120-7bf4-4c75-be0c-167c5c5132da" data-vars-headline="D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-expat-bars-embassy-watch-parties-dc" target="_self">international fanbase</a> and an expected influx of global visitors during what&#x27;s projected to be one of the biggest tourism summers.

Sports

D.C.'s soccer scene is going into overdrive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with massive outdoor watch parties, beer gardens and rooftop bars turning into fan hubs across the region.

Why it matters: Washington lost its bid to host World Cup matches, but the region's deep soccer culture, international identity and large expat communities mean few U.S. cities will feel the tournament more intensely.

Driving the news: D.C. will host a huge FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall starting June 11 — tying one of the world's biggest sporting events to America's 250th birthday celebration.

The activation near the Capitol will run through all World Cup games (July 19) and feature live match screenings, interactive exhibits, food, live music, cultural programming and youth activities.

Meanwhile, D.C. United is hosting two major watch events through the "United in Play Soccer Celebration" coming to Franklin Park in Downtown D.C. (June 12-14) and Navy Yard's Tingey Plaza (June 19–21).

The family-friendly events will feature youth soccer activities, local food vendors, music and more.

Matches will air live alongside programming celebrating the city's soccer culture and global communities.

Admission is free with advance registration. 

🌍 Other big hubs: Wunder Garten and Volo Sports are teaming up to create one of the city's largest World Cup watch party destinations.

The Shaw beer garden plans more than 75 activations through July 19, starting with USA vs. Senegal (May 31) and USA vs. Germany (June 6).

Expect giant indoor and outdoor screenings, themed entertainment, giveaways, fan competitions and specialty international brews.

Watch parties are free and open to the public.

Meanwhile, Hi-Lawn atop Union Market will transform into a World Cup hub with a turf soccer pitch, giant LED screens and space for up to 1,000 fans — plus soccer-themed trivia, DJs and more entertainment.

It's kid-friendly during daytime hours. Free admission with reservations available.

For Latin American countries, La Cosecha marketplace will have all the action with large-screen viewing experiences, themed pop-ups and tournament specials — plus plenty of tacos, arepas, pupusas and Latin drinks to match. 

The Wharf is still finalizing details on its FIFA World Cup Watch Zone (June 11-30, July 1-19).

Pearl Street will transform into an open-air viewing destination with a large outdoor screen for match viewing.

Kirwan's and Pink Tiger are partnering for patio watch party experiences, with more restaurants expected to join.

An aerial view of a modern dark glass Union Market building with a white base, an outdoor event area with orange umbrellas and tents, and a vertical banner advertising leases.

Catch all the World Cup action at Hi-Lawn, a massive bar with LED screens and turf atop Union Market. Photo: Courtesy Edens 

Every bar with a TV will likely be showing World Cup — these places kick things up a level with viewing parties, themed specials and more. 

Hall Pass (Chinatown): The beer hall is becoming "Global Matchday HQ," featuring every tournament match, including country-themed viewing parties, international beers and street food-inspired menus. USA opener festivities begin June 12.

Penn Social (Penn Quarter): The massive sports bar is kicking off with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 opening day, and plans to show marquee matches throughout the tournament.

Lucky Bar (Dupont): The longtime soccer bar will host several USA watch parties, starting with USA vs. Australia.

Elephant & Castle (Downtown): The popular soccer bar plans to show a full roster of World Cup games, starting with Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11). Reservations available.

Metrobar (Edgewood): The outdoor venue near Rhode Island Ave, NE plans Team USA watch parties on its 20-foot screen with cocktails, beers and pizza specials.

Boundary Stone (Bloomingdale): The Bloomingdale pub will show the full tournament schedule with $6 local drafts during matches.

Station 4 (Southwest Waterfront): Go for a variety of matches on four big screens alongside food and drink specials, starting June 11. Free RSVP

Public Bar Live (Dupont): The sports bar plans to open early for World Cup games.

Immigrant Food: Ballston and White House locations will stream matches and offer the $13 "World Cup Combo," featuring Greek wings and a beer.

Tom's Watch Bar (National Harbor, Navy Yard): The massive sports bar plans tournament-long viewing events across its wall-to-wall screens.

Shipgarten (Tysons): The sprawling outdoor beer garden is hosting tournament watch parties and themed events throughout the World Cup — plus a "passport challenge."

BOE (Clarendon): The country bar is branding itself "America's Home Bar for the World Cup," with Team USA parties, DJs, drink specials and, of course, stars-and-stripes shots.

Over/Under Sports Bar (Mount Vernon Triangle): The rooftop sports bar is hosting World Cup watch parties with wall-to-wall TVs, game sound and all-day drink specials, including a Brazil vs. Morocco viewing party on June 13.

Sport & Social (U Street): The venue plans to show tournament matches while its Upstate FTW kitchen rolls out World Cup-inspired dishes themed around host countries, including birria tacos, shrimp siu mai and disco fries.

Don't see your favorite World Cup bar? Email Anna.spiegel@axios.com

This is a developing list. Check back for updates.

https://www.volosports.com/d/29a4ea97-04ac-4fb1-8224-06be8a4aad55

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup around D.C.

Massive fan zones, rooftop bars, beer gardens and embassy-backed watch parties are popping up across the region for the World Cup. Here's where to catch the matches.

Illustration of a calendar with a soccer ball pattern as the front page. 

D.C.&#x27;s soccer scene is going into overdrive for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="7d41d484-7c5f-4ed8-8762-2b1d42e1f2a2" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the 2026 World Cup around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>, with massive outdoor watch parties, beer gardens and rooftop bars turning into fan hubs across the region.Why it matters: Washington lost its bid to host World Cup matches, but the region&#x27;s deep soccer culture, international identity and large expat communities mean few U.S. cities will feel the tournament more intensely.

D.C.'s expat communities, embassies and cultural groups are turning these bars into home hangouts for the World Cup. 

Flor (Georgetown): The Argentine coffee and bookshop is organizing watch parties on its patio with food, drinks and match screenings, including Argentina vs. Austria on June 22. Tickets ($25-$35) include two drinks, chivito and more

Clarendon Ballroom: Arena Brazou is organizing multiple Brazil watch parties throughout the tournament, bringing together the region's Brazilian community with full game sound, DJs and match-day celebrations. Tickets $23+

Over/Under Sports Bar (Mt. Vernon Triangle): The rooftop sports bar is also hosting Brazil-focused viewing parties, including Brazil vs. Morocco on June 13.

Public Bar (Dupont): Colombia fans gather in droves at this popular sports bar.

Franklin Hall (14th Street): The Croatian Embassy is co-hosting a Croatia vs. England watch party on June 17 for the match against England. Free RSVP

Duke's Grocery (Foggy Bottom): England supporters are gathering June 17 for England vs. Croatia with happy-hour drinks, halftime raffles and gear giveaways. Tickets $21

The Queen Vic (H Street NE): The beloved pub will open early for all England, Scotland and USA matches during the group stage — more detail to come.

Penn Social (Penn Quarter): Kronenbourg 1664 and French wine will be flowing for the June 26 match vs. Norway.

Hook Hall (Park View): The Haitian Embassy and Roots of Development are hosting a family-friendly watch party for Haiti vs. Morocco (June 24) with Haitian food and drink, music and metal art for sale. Tickets starting at $13, kids free

Elephant & Castle (Downtown): The Dutch community plans to gather at the popular soccer bar for Netherlands matches — wear orange!

Hosting a watch party? Or want to tip us off to your favorite soccer bar? Email DC@Axios.com and let us know!

From Croatia to Argentina: Where expats are watching the World Cup in D.C.

From Croatian embassy parties to Argentine patios and England pub crowds, bars across the region are turning the World Cup into a global celebration.

Photo illustration of Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium), Vinicius Jr. (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappe (France) in front of a blue background

Photo illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios. Photos:  Peter Lous/BSR Agency, Aurelien Meunier, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Catherine Steenkeste via Getty Images

D.C.&#x27;s expat communities, embassies and cultural groups are turning these bars into home hangouts for the World Cup. 🇦🇷 Argentina<ul><li>Flor (Georgetown): The Argentine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee and bookshop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flor.coffee/" data-vars-content-id="8ddba373-0358-47db-a2f8-271fbc449200" data-vars-headline="From Croatia to Argentina: Where expats are watching the World Cup in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flor.coffee/" target="_blank">coffee and bookshop</a> is organizing watch parties on its patio with food, drinks and match screenings, including Argentina vs. Austria on June 22. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-cup-watch-party-argentina-vs-algeria-tickets-1988946939838?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" data-vars-content-id="8ddba373-0358-47db-a2f8-271fbc449200" data-vars-headline="From Croatia to Argentina: Where expats are watching the World Cup in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-cup-watch-party-argentina-vs-algeria-tickets-1988946939838?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" target="_blank">Tickets</a> ($25-$35) include two drinks, chivito and more</li></ul>

Chaos gardening — the viral TikTok trend of scattering seeds and "letting nature decide" — is taking root as demand for native plants is rising around D.C.

Why it matters: Native chaos gardens appeal to homeowners seeking lower-maintenance yards that also help local wildlife thrive.

The big picture: "Native plants offer this easy solution to make positive change," Sara Ressing, an education and program coordinator with nonprofit Wild Ones, tells Axios.

Native species support wildlife, improve ecosystems and help address climate pressures — while also "connecting us to a sense of place," Ressing says.

Chaos gardening complements that philosophy. "What better plants to grow in cracks than a plant that really, truly belongs?"

Catch up quick: Chaos gardening embraces a less structured approach: Scatter seeds, observe what survives and let soil, sunlight and water determine the outcome.

Ressing says the trend overlaps naturally with native gardening because both prioritize welcoming nature back into yards — even if the results look a little "chaotic."

Yes, but: Garden experts warn that tossing random seed packets into the yard doesn't always work as advertised — especially in the Mid-Atlantic's fickle climate.

Zoom in: Bridget Murphy, store manager at Ginkgo Gardens on Capitol Hill, says the shop frequently sells out of native flower seeds. But many plants are slower-growing and more delicate than social media videos suggest. 

Some native seeds won't bloom until their second or third season.

Others, like Liatris (blazing star), are often easier to grow from bulbs than seed.

What they're saying: You may need to organize your chaos for success — mixing bulbs and starter plants into a less structured garden.

"There's an alternative way that's still affordable and can add to the chaos, but with a higher success rate," Murphy says.

What to plant: Local garden centers say milkweed, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, blanket flowers and coreopsis remain among the most sought-after native species in the D.C. area.

The bottom line: Chaos gardening may look carefree online, but experts say the best results come from pairing experimentation with intention.

"Chaos gardening" is blooming — and native plants are coming with it

The viral TikTok gardening trend embraces a less structured approach to planting.

A small gray-brown butterfly sits on the black center of a bright yellow daisy, with vivid petals and a softly blurred green background.

Native species like black-eyed Susans can add color to your chaos garden while attracting wildlife like this ocola skipper butterfly. Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Chaos gardening — the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TikTok" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chaosgardening" data-vars-content-id="e6015d67-b22c-47d8-aeb9-a1518bcfaa53" data-vars-headline="&quot;Chaos gardening&quot; is blooming — and native plants are coming with it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chaosgardening" target="_blank">TikTok</a> trend of scattering seeds and &quot;letting nature decide&quot; — is taking root as demand for native <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/08/backyard-pond-plant-care" data-vars-content-id="e6015d67-b22c-47d8-aeb9-a1518bcfaa53" data-vars-headline="&quot;Chaos gardening&quot; is blooming — and native plants are coming with it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/08/backyard-pond-plant-care" target="_self">plants</a> is rising around D.C.Why it matters: Native chaos gardens appeal to homeowners seeking lower-maintenance yards that also help local wildlife thrive.

Anna Spiegel

Featured stories

Exclusive: Flo Rida, FIFA and a giant Ferris wheel are coming to the National Mall

D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall

From Croatia to Argentina: Where expats are watching the World Cup in D.C.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup around D.C.

"Chaos gardening" is blooming — and native plants are coming with it