Bellingham is a FIFA Fan Zone with Free Events This Summer

By BRIAN HENDERSON · May 3, 2026 · PNW Daily

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Downtown Bellingham will serve as an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone this summer, hosting a series of public watch parties and community events tied to the global tournament.

Organizers plan large outdoor screenings, neighborhood gatherings and themed activities, aiming to turn Bellingham into a regional hub for fans who want a match-day atmosphere close to home.

Fan Zone to Feature Key U.S. Matchups

The official fan zone centers at the Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden, 298 W. Laurel St., where organizers will host free outdoor watch parties for several United States matches. Large screens, food vendors and activities for all ages round out the experience.

Kulshan Trackside Fan Zone — Watch Party Schedule

June 12 at 6 p.m. — USA vs. Paraguay
June 19 at noon — USA vs. Australia
June 25 at 6 p.m. — USA vs. Turkey
July 1 at 1 p.m. — Seattle-hosted match
July 6 at 5 p.m. — Seattle-hosted match
July 19 at noon — Final matchAll events free and open to the public. 298 W. Laurel St., Bellingham.

Downtown Block Party Adds Second Viewing Hub

A second gathering will take place on Commercial Street. The Den and The Wild Buffalo will host a watch party on June 19 at noon during the USA vs. Australia match, offering a more nightlife-focused setting. By contrast, the beer garden maintains a family-friendly atmosphere. Organizers are also encouraging a citywide viewing push, with many venues planning to show matches simultaneously.

Local Venues Expand Viewing Options

Across Bellingham and Whatcom County, businesses will show matches during regular hours, giving fans flexible viewing options throughout the tournament. Participating locations include breweries, taprooms and community spaces ranging from 21-and-over venues to all-ages locations such as the Whatcom Sportsplex and the Whatcom Family YMCA.

Additional Events Extend Soccer Theme Citywide

Beyond match screenings, organizers have planned several soccer-themed events running throughout the tournament:

Bellingham Fan Zone — Community Events

Allied Arts — Indigenous-led art demonstrations and hands-on activities
Bellingham Bells — Soccer-themed night with free tickets for youth and adult teams
Community Boating Center — Kayak soccer tournament: group play July 2-3 and July 9-10, championship July 18
KMRE — Soccer-related programming throughout the tournament
Mallard Ice Cream — Children’s activities tied to the tournament
Whatcom Museum — Fan Zone Fridays with match screenings and themed crafts

Some events still depend on final coordination with the City of Bellingham.

Regional Draw Expected

Because several matches connect to nearby Seattle, organizers expect strong regional turnout. Visitors from across Whatcom County and nearby communities may attend.

Ultimately, the goal is simple. Fans can gather, watch and share the experience without traveling to a host city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Bellingham FIFA fan zone?

The official Bellingham fan zone is at Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden, 298 W. Laurel St. A second viewing hub on June 19 will be at The Den and The Wild Buffalo on Commercial Street. Additional venues across Bellingham and Whatcom County will also show matches throughout the tournament.

Are the Bellingham watch parties free?

Yes. The outdoor watch parties at Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden are free and open to the public. All-ages viewing options are also available at the Whatcom Sportsplex and the Whatcom Family YMCA.

When is the USA vs. Australia match watch party in Bellingham?

The USA vs. Australia match on June 19 at noon is the biggest watch party day in Bellingham, with events at both Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden and The Den and The Wild Buffalo on Commercial Street. Many other venues across the city plan to show the match simultaneously.

What other events are planned beyond the watch parties?

Bellingham has planned a full slate of soccer-themed community events including a kayak soccer tournament at the Community Boating Center, Fan Zone Fridays at the Whatcom Museum, Indigenous-led art demonstrations at Allied Arts, a soccer night with the Bellingham Bells, and children’s activities at Mallard Ice Cream. See the full schedule at bellingham.org/fan-zone-events.