The FIFA World Cup trophy on display in Zurich, Switzerland on Nov. 20, 2025. (Image Credit: The Canadian Press/AP-Keystone, Claudio Thoma)
FIFA World Cup

City of Kamloops announces lineup of 2026 FIFA World Cup festivities at Riverside Park

Jun 5, 2026 | 11:39 AM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops has laid out its plans to celebrate the FIFA World Cup with watch parties at Riverside Park, which will feature live music and community activations.

As part of the festivities, the city said all 104 games of the tournament – which runs June 11 to July 19 – will be shown for free on a large screen at the Rotary Bandshell, after the city scored $90,000 in provincial funding.

“Building on the energy gathering in our province, in Canada, on our continent, and throughout the world, we are so excited to bring the community together to cheer on their team at Riverside Park,” Dušan Magdolen, the City’s Cultural Services and Events Manager, said in a statement.

“I’m especially looking forward to the community activation days where entertainment and activities will bolster the watch parties even further, making for truly memorable connections for Kamloops residents,”

Those community activation days will take place on June 12 when Canada plays Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 24 when Canada plays Switzerland and for the final on July 19. Another one is tentatively scheduled between June 28 and July 2, depending on whether Canada advances and what day they play.

The city said these community activation days will feature a beer garden, food trucks, football-themed activities, giveaways, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Community Activation Days will also have live music performers, including:

  • Shattered Blue, June 12 at 4:00 p.m.
  • March Hare, June 24 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Velvet Groove, one of the following days: June 28, June 29, or July 2 (time to be determined)
  • Serious Dogs, July 19 at 2:30 p.m.

“Big Moments are even better when they’re shared, and Riverside Park is set to become the ultimate gathering place for fans this summer,” added Erik Fisher, the CEO of Tourism Kamloops. “From the excitement on the big screen to the energy throughout the park, these watch parties will showcase the welcoming spirit and vibrant atmosphere that make Kamloops a great place to visit and explore.

“We can’t wait to see the community and visitors come together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories.”

The city is also one of 34 stops on the FIFA’s cross-Canada celebration tour. It’ll take place on June 18, the same day Canada plays Qatar at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. More details for the Canada Celebrates stop in Kamloops will be unveiled closer to June 18. 

“Fans can expect live match viewings on large screens, cultural and music performances, interactive football-themed zones, family-friendly activities, and local food and community programming,” a statement from the city said.

On all other days, the people will be able to bring their own alcohol as part of the city’s Responsible Liquor Consumption Program at Riverside Park. Food trucks are also expected to be on-site on these days, though schedules are subject to changes.

For the full schedule and more information, go here.