Take a look inside the now-complete FIFA Fan Festival opening Thursday

A crowd packed with thousands of cheering fans, the 60-foot-wide screen playing the latest fiery matchup, and dozens upon dozens of food vendors await the FIFA Fan Festival, the cheapest and most immersive way to enjoy the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia.

Starting Thursday, the Fan Festival opens daily to 15,000 fans, for free, to roam the million square feet of festival grounds that have transformed quaint Lemon Hill into an almost unrecognizable extravaganza of global soccer.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

The main spectacle is the 60-foot screen that takes over the main stage in Lemon Hill, where the majority of fans will congregate to watch the match. But, throughout the festival are multiple smaller screens playing the game, so fans don’t miss a moment when they roam for food, fun, or the bathroom.

“Even if you’re not a soccer fan, you can still come out and have a great time,” said Michael DelBene, executive producer of FIFA Fan Festival for Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “You can come and listen to music or eat delicious food, or shop.”

The festival is intended for fans of all ages and promises to be kid and family friendly.

The Fan Festival delivers what many large-scale music festivals offer, with ways to enjoy the main attraction while also having side activities to keep you busy during a lull.

More than 80 local food trucks will serve up meals based on dishes from the many cultures across Philadelphia and, of course, the city’s very own, like cheesesteaks, pretzels, and more.

Outside of food trucks, there will also be vendors selling beverage basics, such as water, soda, and beer, to the small bites like tacos and sandwiches. Pricing varies. Some vendors have beer and beverage prices at $10 or less. Many will also sell food menu items in the $15 to $25 range.

A Michelob Ultra beer garden will welcome those 21 and over to a variety of brews, and the Coca-Cola corner has all the tasty carbonated beverages a fan could ask for.

No outside food or beverage are permitted besides a reusable water bottle that can be filled at hydration stations. For a full list of what you can’t bring, visit phillyfwc26.com/fifa-fan-fest.

Throughout the festival, more than 50 live acts will grace the stage at Lemon Hill, including the opening night concert with headliner Luis Fonsi of Despacito fame. Festival showrunner DelBene said that while they’ll kick off the event with one of the biggest global artists, many local Philadelphia musicians and acts will rotate through the 39-day event.

“It’s a really cool juxtaposition of global talent and the juxtaposition of local talent and culture,” DelBene said.

The Philadelphia Festival Marketplace will showcase the best artisans and makers the region has to offer with distinctive soccer swag, accessories, jewelry, original artwork, and more.

Philly’s fan festival will also host the largest World Cup retail space across all 11 U.S. host cities. Sitting at 10,000 square feet, the Fanatics World Cup shop has everything a soccer fan needs for official tournament gear.

Outside of shopping, many sponsors have built elaborate exhibits with interactive games and chances to win giveaways. Some of those sponsors include Kia, Bank of America, and The Home Depot.

ADA-accessible ramps are located throughout the festival and accessible public transportation is available entering and departing the venue. A golf-cart shuttle will also be available from the welcome center.

Attendees have access to nursing stations, sensory booths, prayer booths, and meditation booths. ASL interpreters will be present throughout the event. Any questions can be directed to the welcome center booth or to staff with shirts.

The festival will run rain or shine and will be canceled in case of any dangerous weather (thunder, lightning, high winds, or very high temperatures.)

Location: East Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill

To enter the venue, go to the secured entry point at Kelly and Sedgley Drives.