Showcase Atlanta Unveils a Free, Citywide Summer of World Cup Programming, Headlined by a Full Ludacris Set at Piedmont Park

Nonprofit initiative moves from preparation to delivery with a summer of free, family-friendly activations open to all

ATLANTA – Tuesday on Atlanta's Westside, Mayor Andre Dickens and Showcase Atlanta announced a summer of free, citywide programming tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, sending a clear message: Atlanta is ready to welcome the world. The announcement was made at a community kickoff event at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center——Mayor Dickens, Council President Marci Collier Overstreet, Councilmembers Andrea Boone and Eshe Collins, CEO of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment Showcase ambassadors, Soccer in the Streets, U.S. Soccer, sponsors and local youth and families in attendance.

The centerpiece of the summer programming: A Celebration of Sound & Soccer—a free festival at Piedmont Park on July 19, 2026, anchored by a live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and headlined by a full set from Atlanta’s own Ludacris. He will be joined by other local acts in a festival produced by ONE Musicfest. 

“When we created Showcase Atlanta, we started with a clear mission: major global events should happen with Atlanta and not to Atlanta. Our residents and business community should experience and benefit from this once in a lifetime event—whether they have a ticket to a match or not,” said Mayor Dickens. “These activations create opportunities for residents and small businesses to be part of a defining moment in Atlanta's history while helping showcase the culture, creativity and hospitality that make our city unique. In the end, we want Atlantans—especially our youth—to see themselves reflected in this global event.”

Festivalgoers are encouraged to catch Ludacris during Fan Fest programming, but July 19 is the main event. A Celebration of Soccer & Sound delivers a complete headline performance, free to the public. The day is designed for families, with an on-site soccer pitch and programming for children alongside the main stage. DJs, a drumline and local vendors will complete the experience. 

“Atlanta knows how to host, and we do it like nobody else. This is our city, our culture, our moment and we are putting all of it on display,” said Lamar Stewart, interim executive director of Showcase Atlanta. “When the world arrives this summer, they are stepping into something we built together, neighborhood by neighborhood. Having Ludacris close it out at Piedmont Park says everything. That is what Showcase Atlanta is about: Atlanta showing up for Atlanta.” 

The free model is deliberate. While some host cities are charging for fan programming, Showcase Atlanta’s flagship community events are free and open to all. RSVPs are encouraged to opt-in for information about the event, and vendors can still apply: showcaseatlanta.com/celebration 

Also announced at the press event was Capture the Flag ATL, running June 15, 2026 through July 15, 2026. This activation, done in partnership with Butter ATL, turns the city into a month-long digital passport experience. Ten sites across Atlanta, representing nine nations playing in the tournament and a bonus location with all the flags seen together, are linked through a digital passport that participants check in to as they explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods, restaurants, cultural institutions and small businesses. The flags are already installed at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights; Monday Night Garage on the West End; Woodruff Arts Center; Municipal Market; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Ponce City Market; Westside Provisions; High Museum; ZuCot Gallery and Wish ATL in Little Five Points. Check out showcaseatlanta.com/capture-the-flag to sign up. 

On June 13, 2026, 17 Miles United stages a cultural relay along the Atlanta Beltline, described as the city’s version of the torch run. A Showcase Atlanta soccer ball will travel 17 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Ponce City Market, carried by community members, athletes, artists and every day Atlantans, passing through community hubs at Lee + White in the West End, Pittsburgh Yards and Ponce City Market, each with photo moments, merchandise and World Cup ticket giveaways. The activation is produced in partnership with Union Fit Hub and runningnerds. Learn more about how to join the fun at showcaseatlanta.com/17Miles 

The new announcements complement existing programming already underway. The O4W Kickoff Festival runs June 11 to 13, 2026, with a neighborhood festival weekend featuring Showcase Atlanta small business vendors. The Welcome to ATL Experience, a sold-out Downtown vendor activation places more than 150 local businesses in front of visitors on match days and the day after. The activation also includes a UPS Shipping Counter for visitors to ship their goods home while they enjoy the match or explore Downtown. While vendor spaces are sold out, the activation will be free and open to the public on match days +1. The ATL Cultural Exchange at The CTR, is open through July 15 and will also feature Showcase Atlanta vendors throughout its run. The Showcase Atlanta Community Engagement grantees are ready to host events in Summerhill, Cascade Heights, Herman E. Perry Park, Chastain Horse Park, Elizabeth Baptist Church, South River Gardens Community, City of Refuge and Little Five Points. 

Further information about what the City of Atlanta is doing for FIFA World Cup 2026™ can be found at https://atl.direct/theroadtofifa/ 

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About Showcase Atlanta

Showcase Atlanta is a City of Atlanta initiative, led by Mayor Andre Dickens, built on a simple and powerful conviction that major global events should happen with Atlanta and not to Atlanta. Through neighborhood kickoffs, pep rallies, international delegation receptions and small business readiness tools, Showcase Atlanta creates pathways for residents, entrepreneurs and community organizations to participate in, and be celebrated on, the world stage. Showcase Atlanta is made possible through the commitment of partners, including the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority; Presenting Sponsor, Delta Air Lines; Delivered by UPS; Silver Sponsor, Arrive; and Bronze Sponsor, Flock Safety. For more information, visit ShowcaseAtlanta.com.