FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum
BBQ, jazz, and football history collide at KC's iconic Memorial
Your Fan Zone Guide
The FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City is where you celebrate the World Cup with tens of thousands of fellow fans from around the world. Held at FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum, this free outdoor celebration runs for the entire tournament with giant screens, live music, food from every continent, and an electric atmosphere that only a global sporting event can create.
Kansas City's FIFA Fan Festival takes over the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial - one of Kansas City's most iconic landmarks with its 217-foot Liberty Memorial tower offering panoramic views of the city. Spanning 18 days (June 11–July 11), this historic hilltop setting provides a stunning backdrop for world-class BBQ, Kansas City jazz, and Midwest hospitality. This is where America's heartland shows the world how to host a party.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, what to expect, where to eat nearby, insider tips, and answers to your most common questions.
FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum
2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64108
What to Expect
Giant Screens
1/6Massive screens on the Memorial grounds with the Liberty Tower as dramatic backdrop
Jazz & Blues Stage
2/6Kansas City's legendary jazz heritage comes alive with live performances
BBQ Championship
3/6KC's famous BBQ joints compete for fan zone supremacy - burnt ends, ribs, brisket
Tailgate Zone
4/6KC-style tailgating experience with games, grills, and pre-match festivities
Memorial Tower
5/6Climb the 217-foot Liberty Memorial tower for panoramic views of KC and the fan zone
Family Area
6/6Kids' activities, mini pitches, and family-friendly entertainment
Getting There
KC Streetcar
Main Street line
The FREE KC Streetcar stops at Union Station, a 5-minute walk from the Memorial grounds.
The KC Streetcar is FREE. Take it from downtown, then walk uphill to the Memorial from Union Station.
Bus
Multiple routes
RideKC buses connect the metro area. Routes serving Penn Valley/Memorial area include 39 and 51.
KC buses are affordable but less frequent than rail. Check schedules and plan around them.
Rideshare
Uber/Lyft available. Parking available at the Memorial and nearby Union Station.
KC is still a driving city. The Memorial has event parking and Union Station garage is nearby ($10-15).
Walk
The Memorial is a 10-15 minute walk from downtown via Pershing Road. Union Station is 5 minutes away.
The walk from Union Station uphill to the Memorial offers incredible views of the KC skyline.
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16 Cities, One Global Festival
The Kansas City fan zone is open june 11-july 11, 2026. Check individual city schedules as dates vary by location.
Eat Nearby
Joe's Kansas City BBQ
BBQ
Legendary BBQ - the Z-Man sandwich is one of the most famous in America
Tom's Town Distilling
Craft distillery in the Crossroads with Prohibition-era charm and small-batch spirits
Union Station
Magnificent 1914 Beaux-Arts train station with museums, restaurants, and Science City
Messenger Coffee
Specialty coffee roasters in the Crossroads Arts District with excellent pastries
Crossroads Arts District
Trendy neighborhood with galleries, murals, and independent shops
Insider Tips
KC BBQ is a religion. Joe's, Q39, and Slap's are the holy trinity. Try burnt ends - they're a KC invention.
The fan zone runs 18 days (June 11–July 11). Check the schedule for your visit dates.
The Liberty Memorial tower observation deck is a must-visit - panoramic views of the entire city.
KC has more fountains than any city except Rome. Take a fountain walking tour between matches.
Severe weather can develop quickly in the summer. Pay attention to alerts and know where shelter is.
The Crossroads Arts District (walking distance) has amazing galleries and restaurants. Visit after matches.
Weather in Kansas City
June - July 2026
KC summers are hot with dramatic weather swings. Carry sunscreen, water, and watch for storm warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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