The FIFA World Cup begins Thursday, June 11, and you don't need a $430 ticket to watch it.

Seattle Center's Armory Food & Event Hall launches a free, 39-day fan experience with daily match screenings, live music, and cultural programming running through Sunday, July 19.

The Armory sits at 305 Harrison St. That's a 10-minute walk from Queen Anne Ave N.

Thursday's schedule starts at 10:45 a.m. with Mariachi Guadalajara de Seattle, followed by welcome remarks from Seattle Center Director Randy Engstrom and Mexican Consul Víctor Hugo López Ortega. The first match broadcast, South Africa vs. Mexico, starts at noon.

KEXP DJ Supreme LaRock spins at 5 p.m. Czechia vs. Korea follows at 7 p.m. Visual art by Eileen Jimenez, René Julio, and Victor Melendez is on display all day.

On Friday, June 12, the Armory screens Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Canada at noon and the U.S. opener against Paraguay at 6 p.m.

All screenings are free. Seating is first-come, first-served. The KEXP Gathering Space offers additional viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Over the tournament, the Armory and KEXP space will show more than 60 FIFA-authorized matches. Signature outdoor watch parties at the Mural Amphitheatre are scheduled for June 15, 19, 24, 25, and 26, and July 1, 4, and 6, featuring live DJs, cultural programming, and expanded fan areas. Drone shows will light up the sky near the Space Needle on the evenings of Seattle's six home matches.

Engstrom called the program a chance "to welcome the world" through the city's cultural diversity.

King County Metro's free Waterfront Shuttle runs every 15 minutes (every 10 on match days) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., connecting Seattle Center to Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, and the stadium district. No fare required through Monday, September 7.

Neighborhood Watch Parties

Seattle Parks and Recreation is running its "Beautiful Game Series" across the city, with several free events in your neighborhoods:

  • Friday, June 19, noon — Outdoor watch party at Ballard Commons Park (USA vs. Australia)
  • Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. — North Seattle Soccer Jamboree at Magnuson Park Fields 6 & 7 (registration required)
  • Wednesday, July 1, 1 p.m. — Indoor watch party at Queen Anne Community Center (Round of 32)
  • Thursday, July 2, 4 p.m. — Indoor watch party at Magnolia Community Center (Round of 32)
  • Monday, July 6, 5 p.m. — Indoor watch party at Loyal Heights Community Center (Round of 16)

Ballard Pool is also hosting a soccer-themed swim as part of the series.