The FIFA World Cup is coming — and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at Decatur WatchFest ’26! Before you head to the Square, here’s everything you need to know to make your visit(s) easy, safe, and fun.
Admission + Hours
34 days of FIFA World Cup 2026™ events are FREE!
Free Admission
No tickets are required for 60+ matches shown on three big screens on the Decatur Square and 31 days of live music. (Tickets are only required for three major event day concerts.)
Hours
Access for non-fenced events is wide open. Activities including the Atlanta United Skills Zone, Atlanta United Lounge powered by Georgia Power, YMCA/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Mini Pitch, new inclusive playground, misters, food and beverage vendors, water stations, sponsorship activations, music and moments on screen begin when the event begins, approximately one hour before the first match or concert each day. The festival ends 30 minutes after the final match or concert each day.
Playground hours:
Decatur Square has a new play area! During WatchFest, the new playground hours are 7 am until WatchFest ends each night. On non-WatchFest days, the regular hours are 7 am until 30 minutes after sunset.
Entry
Open entry is from Church Street, Ponce de Leon at East Court Square, and North McDonough at Trinity Place.
On our two remaining major event days, the event area will be fenced. No ins and outs after entry.
Festival entry gates for ticketed events:
- East Ponce de Leon Avenue at East Court Square
- North McDonough at East Trinity Place
- VIP gate: West Ponce de Leon at 1 West Court Square (pedestrian access only).
Seating
This is a general admission, outdoor festival. Limited general admission seating is now provided near the stage. Chairs are permitted with the exception of 6/25 and 7/19 when gates are in place for high capacity events.
Accessibility
Our venue, the Decatur Square, is ADA and stroller accessible.
Accessibility and Seating
This is a general admission, outdoor festival. General seating is not provided. VIP and Platinum viewing areas will have limited seating.
Decatur WatchFest ’26 is ADA accessible and ADA seating for yourself plus a guest is accessible from North McDonough Street and is at the rear of the VIP seating area in the front of the general admission viewing areas. The ADA dropoff/entry is at the North McDonough/Trinity entrance.
ADA Parking
ADA parking is at North McDonough at Trinity
Sensory Accommodation
Emory Healthcare/Kulture City sensory accommodation bags are available at the Info tent near the food food vendor area. These bags featuring headphones can be loaned out for those experiencing sensory challenges at Decatur WatchFest and returned at departure.
Screens
There are three large screens in our venue. Depending on where you sit, stand, kick a ball, relax in the Atlanta United Lounge powered by Georgia Power, one should work for you. We also have new free general admission seating near the stage with unobstructed views.
When two matches are scheduled at the same time, we plan to accommodate both! One will show on the stage and the other on the rear screen. The middle screen will likely be the one with the most demand. Please check the website schedule to confirm.
Additional matches will be shown in WatchSpots— pubs and restaurants around Decatur. Hours dependent on individual businesses.
Tickets
All festival events are free. Tickets are required for concerts on three major event days. All other days and events do not require tickets.
All tickets are digital. Please visit Eventbrite to download your free tickets and have them saved in your wallet before you arrive in Decatur.
Have your ticket confirmation and barcode downloaded to your phone wallet to expedite your time in line.
Have a digital ticket issue? Ticket Resolution at each entry location is open during event hours. Event times may vary so please check our website.
For any ticket questions or issues prior to the festival, please contact info@decaturwatchfest26.com directly with your inquiry.
Entry Gates
Festival entry gates for ticketed events:
- East Ponce de Leon Avenue at East Court Square
- North McDonough at East Trinity Place
- VIP gate: West Ponce de Leon at 1 West Court Square (pedestrian access only).
New Bag Policy
(Updated) All bags are permitted, but on June 25 and July 19, all bags will be subject to mandatory search.
Allowed Items
These items are allowed on all days except for major event days June 25 and July 19:
- Chairs (except 6/25 and 7/19)
- Small coolers (except 6/25 and 7/19)
- Small umbrellas (except 6/25 and 7/19)
- Outside food and beverage (except 6/25 and 7/19)
- Water Bottles (always allowed; filled or unfilled)
Prohibited Items
Leave these things at home:
- Professional audio or video recording equipment including go pros
- Selfie sticks, go pros sticks or tripods
- Weapons, except those permitted under Georgia law by a lawful weapons carrier
- Illegal substances. Violators may be ejected and reported to law enforcement.
- Fireworks, explosives or combustible materials
- Outside food or beverages, coolers or picnic baskets (with the exception of official open container cups, water bottles, and toddler snacks). (6/25 AND 7/19 ONLY)
- Framed backpack
- Pets/animals, 6/25 AND 7/19 ONLY. Service animals are always welcome
- Glass containers
- Skateboards, scooters, bikes or personal motor vehicles
- Drones or aircrafts
- Hammocks or slacklines
- Carts or wagons of any kind (6/25 AND 7/19 ONLY)
- Chairs, lawn chairs or stools of any kind (6/25 AND 7/19 ONLY)
- Blankets of any type larger than a beach towel (6/25 AND 7/19 ONLY)
- Tents, canopies
- Umbrellas (6/25 AND 7/19 ONLY)
- Large chains or spiked jewelry
- Laser pointers
- Unauthorized solicitation materials (handbills, flyers, samples)
- No illegal vending is permitted
- No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed
Security Screening
On Decatur WatchFest ’26 major event days, all guests entering the major event area will go through airport-style security upon entry. Details here.
Getting Here
Decatur WatchFest events are on Decatur Square in the heart of downtown Decatur, Georgia. We strongly encourage guests to arrive early as our events open 1 hour prior to the first match or concert.
Parking is very limited, and rideshare service, MARTA, and biking are strongly encouraged especially ahead of major match days and concerts. Please follow all posted parking regulations.
Rideshare Drop-off/Pickup
Use these locations for easy access to or from the festival:
Take MARTA
The Decatur MARTA station is directly under the festival site. Exiting the train puts you at the festival entrance. Consider parking at the East Lake or Avondale MARTA stations, each just one stop from Decatur.
Use the app to plan your MARTA ride here.
Biking
Bike parking will be provided at the DeKalb Courthouse lawn. BYO Lock.
Parking
Use the new Decatur Parking app to find – and prepay for – parking. When parking in Decatur, please observe all parking signs to avoid a ticket, boot, or towing. Parking regulations are strictly enforced.
Driving Directions
Find your way to the entry gates here.
Security
All attendees at Decatur WatchFest ’26 major events will be subjected to an airport-style search upon entry. This may include magnetometer screening, wanding, physical pat-down, and bag search. (Read our bag policy here.)
If you prefer to be screened by security personnel of your same gender, please let security personnel know prior to the search process. Screening of children will always take place with the consent of a parent or guardian. If you have dangerous, illegal, or prohibited items, you will be denied entry. This is a big worldwide soccer reunion with thousands of your favorite cousins. Let’s take care of each other.
Decatur WatchFest ’26 reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone.
We have a zero tolerance policy for harassment. Please let our staff know if you feel harassed or threatened in any way.
We want every attendee to feel safe at Decatur WatchFest ’26. We will not tolerate any harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, body size, appearance, age or national origin. If you feel like you’re being harassed, are the victim of nonconsensual touching, or otherwise feel unsafe, please report it to the nearest staff member.
Attendees under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Attendees assume risk of participation and attendance at the festival.
Weather
The festival will be held rain or shine. In case of severe weather, updates will be shared via PA announcement and on screen graphics.
Georgia summers are HOT. Dress comfortably and stay hydrated. On major event days umbrellas and chairs are not allowed within the venue, but hats, fans, beach towels/yoga mats, sunscreen and water bottles are permitted. Water refilling stations are located at the new permanent restrooms, and at two locations near the children’s playground.
Food + Drinks
Food
Decatur Square and the surrounding districts feature endless great food options. In addition, we will have various food vendors onsite that will vary throughout the festival. Snacks and picnic items are allowed too! The only exceptions are June 25 and July 19; read more.)
Alcoholic Beverages
The City of Decatur open container ordinance allows you to bring purchased alcoholic beverages outdoors within the restaurant districts and onto the Square. Drinks must be served in the WatchFest aluminum to-go cup. Many local restaurants and pubs participate. Michelob Ultra Bars will also be set up in the venue in three locations for your convenience.
Outside Food + Drink Not Allowed On Major Event Days
On major event days, outside food or beverages (with the exception of official open container cups, water bottles and toddler snacks), will be prohibited. Food trucks will be stationed inside the ticketed festival area for major event days.
Water Bottles
Water bottles are always permitted, filled or unfilled. Bottle refilling stations are located at the permanent restrooms and at two locations near the children’s playground.
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