City of Rochester Public Market to welcome soccer fans with two nights of FIFA World Cup watch parties on June 25 and 26

Rochester, New York – Soccer fans in Rochester will soon have a new place to gather, cheer, and celebrate as the City of Rochester Public Market prepares to host two special Soccer Watch Parties tied to the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 26™.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the city’s historic market district, the free community events will take place on June 25 and June 26 at the Public Market, located at 280 N. Union St. Organizers have planned six hours of soccer-themed entertainment each evening, running from 6 p.m. until midnight.

The watch parties are designed to bring residents together in a festive atmosphere where fans can enjoy live broadcasts of World Cup matches while supporting local businesses. A major highlight of the two-night event will be Team USA’s matchup against Turkey, scheduled for 10 p.m. on June 25.

Mayor Malik D. Evans said the Public Market offers the perfect setting for a gathering centered around one of the world’s most popular sports.

“Our Public Market is already a lively and fun gathering place, making it an ideal place to host a Soccer Watch Party,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Pairing soccer action with Market businesses will make for very festive evenings. Thank you to the Market District Business Association, Rochester Area Community Foundation, Empire State Development Corporation, Visit Rochester, and our Public Market team for making this unique event possible.”

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To accommodate spectators, organizers will set up a designated viewing area featuring communal tables and seating. Matches will be shown live on two large screens, allowing visitors to enjoy the action in a shared outdoor setting. The arrangement is intended to create an energetic atmosphere similar to the public viewing events commonly seen during major international tournaments.

The event will also shine a spotlight on several businesses that call the Market District home. Participating establishments include Giordano European Cheese Shop, Cure, Public Provisions, Velvet Belly, Bitter Honey, Ziggy’s, Katboocha, and Rohrbach Brewing Company. Their involvement is expected to add a local flavor to the celebrations, giving visitors an opportunity to explore food, beverages, and other offerings while watching the matches.

The Rochester watch parties are part of a broader effort taking place across New York State as communities prepare to embrace the excitement of FIFA World Cup 26™. The local event received financial support through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, an initiative connected to Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal of extending the tournament’s reach beyond host venues and into neighborhoods across the state.

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By creating community-centered events like these, organizers hope to make the global tournament accessible to residents while encouraging local engagement and economic activity.

With giant screens, local businesses, and international soccer all coming together in one location, the Public Market is expected to become a gathering place for fans looking to experience the energy of the World Cup alongside fellow supporters.

Residents and visitors interested in attending can find additional details through the City of Rochester Public Market and its special events programming.