Visit South Jersey Announces SoccerFest26: A Region-Wide Celebration of the World’s Biggest Sporting Event
As the world’s most anticipated sporting event arrives in the United States this summer, Visit South Jersey is inviting residents and visitors to experience the excitement through SoccerFest26, a series of free events designed to bring communities together and celebrate the global game throughout South Jersey.
Running from late June through July, SoccerFest26 will transform the Camden Waterfront and communities across the region into gathering places for soccer fans, families, and visitors, offering large-screen match viewings, youth soccer experiences, live music, international food, local vendors, cultural programming, and community celebrations.
“Events like the World Cup have the power to unite people across cultures, generations, and communities,” said Michael Snyder, Director of Operations for Visit South Jersey. “SoccerFest26 is about creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience that excitement together while showcasing the incredible places, businesses, and organizations that make Camden and South Jersey special.”
SoccerFest26 Comes to the Camden Waterfront
The centerpiece of the celebration will be FREE SoccerFest26 at the Camden Waterfront, taking place June 25–27 at Wiggins Waterfront Park. The three-day festival will feature live World Cup match screenings, international food offerings, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, a vendor marketplace, and the South Jersey Flavorfest Wine Village featuring regional wineries.
Designed as a welcoming destination for both passionate soccer fans and casual visitors, SoccerFest26 will create a vibrant festival atmosphere where guests can gather to watch matches, explore local vendors, enjoy live performances, and celebrate the tournament together.
Free Youth Soccer Experiences
Each morning during SoccerFest26, Visit South Jersey will partner with Rutgers University–Camden Athletics and the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association to host free youth soccer activities at the Camden Athletic Fields.
Beginning at 9 a.m. daily, young athletes will participate in age-based small-sided games and skill-building activities led by Rutgers-Camden student-athletes and coaches. Sessions are designed to encourage participation, teamwork, and fun while introducing young players to the sport in a welcoming environment.
Official Community Watch Parties Across South Jersey
In addition to the Camden Waterfront festivities, Visit South Jersey will bring the World Cup experience directly into local communities through a series of Official SoccerFest26 Watch Parties. Hosted in partnership with municipalities, schools, and community organizations, these events will provide residents with opportunities to watch matches together while supporting local businesses, downtown districts, and public gathering spaces.
The first community watch party will take place July 1 at Rowan College at Burlington County in Mount Laurel, followed by a July 19 celebration along the Haddon Avenue Corridor, connecting Haddonfield, Haddon Township, Collingswood and Camden through a shared day of World Cup festivities. Additional activations and partnerships are expected throughout the tournament.
Independence Day Celebration
The festivities continue on July 4 with the Freedom Festival at the Camden Waterfront. Visitors can enjoy World Cup match screenings beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a performance from legendary Motown group, The Commodores at the Roland Traynor River Stage and a fireworks display to close out the evening. Admission to all July 4 programming is FREE.
Bringing the World Cup Home
While the tournament’s biggest matches will be played on international television screens, SoccerFest26 aims to ensure that South Jersey residents can experience the energy, excitement, and sense of community that define the world’s game.
Whether attending a match viewing on the waterfront, participating in youth soccer activities, exploring local vendors, or gathering with neighbors at a community watch party, SoccerFest26 offers opportunities for everyone to be part of the celebration.
For event schedules, registration information, partnership opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and updates, visit Visit South Jersey’s SoccerFest26 website.
