Soccer fans in Bellingham are getting something to cheer about this summer: the City's official FIFA World Cup fan zone is kicking off with free watch parties starting June 12. Bellingham is one of nine designated fan zone cities across Washington State, selected by the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee to ensure communities across the state can be part of the historic tournament.
The first event is set for Thursday, June 12 at 6:00 PM at Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden on the south side of Bellingham, where fans can watch Team USA take on Paraguay on a giant screen. Earlier that same day, the Whatcom Museum will host its first of two "Fan Zone Fridays" from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring soccer-themed activities, giveaways, and match screenings. Admission details for the museum event can be found on the Whatcom Museum's website.
The second watch party is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at noon, when Team USA faces Australia. Soccer fans will have two options: The Den and Wild Buffalo are joining forces to shut down a stretch of Commercial Street in downtown Bellingham for a block party, and Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden will also host a simultaneous event for those who prefer a more relaxed setting.
Bellingham was designated as an official fan zone city in 2025, one of nine communities statewide chosen to host programming throughout the tournament. The Bellingham fan zone website lists the full schedule of watch parties, participating venues, and activities running throughout June and July. Fifteen local businesses were selected as official fan zone venues, meaning matches will be streaming at establishments across the city throughout the tournament.
The tournament itself runs through mid-July, with Seattle's Lumen Field hosting multiple group stage and knockout matches. Washington State is deeply invested in the event, with significant economic activity and tourism expected throughout the region. Bellingham's proximity to the Canadian border is expected to draw cross-border visitors as well, particularly for the June watch parties coinciding with early Team USA matches.
The City's Inside Bellingham newsletter, published weekly by the City of Bellingham, detailed the fan zone launch alongside other summer reminders including the voluntary watering schedule and updates on local construction projects. Residents can sign up for the weekly newsletter through the City's website to stay current on events, public works projects, and community announcements.
Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or just looking for a free reason to get out and be part of something larger, Bellingham's World Cup summer is officially on. Check the Bellingham fan zone website or follow the City of Bellingham and Bellingham Parks and Recreation on social media for updates as the tournament schedule unfolds.
