A Three-Day Soccer Festival Lights Up Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward
From June 11th through 13th, the historic neighborhood of Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta will host a free, public soccer festival that taps into the excitement of the ongoing World Cup. Organizers have turned the streets into a vibrant gathering place, inviting residents and visitors alike to share in the celebration.
The opening night features a bar crawl that winds through designated checkpoints, where attendees can pick up event passports to track their progress. The passport system adds a playful element while encouraging exploration of local venues.
On Friday, Historic Fourth Ward Park will transform into a massive watch zone for the U.S. versus Paraguay match, complete with giant screens, food vendors, live performances, and a DJ set from Atlanta United’s own EU. The atmosphere is designed to mimic a stadium experience without the ticket price.
Saturday’s program shifts focus to the next generation, offering a free youth soccer clinic that provides pickup games for children aged five to thirteen. The initiative aims to nurture local talent and give families an accessible way to engage with the sport.
Tom Boyle, president of the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association, emphasized that the festival is about more than soccer; it is about fostering community connections and ensuring that every resident can partake in the World Cup spirit at no cost.