Downtown Lawrence adds two more free World Cup watch parties

Downtown Lawrence will get two more free World Cup watch parties this week, extending a run of summer events that has already packed the 1000 block of Massachusetts Street. The Granada will host a U.S. match watch party on Wednesday, July 1, followed by an Algeria watch party on Thursday, July 2. Emily Taylor, the marketing director for The Granada group, said the goal is to “keep the energy going while the teams remain in the bracket,” even if no additional city money or sponsorship is available.

Saturday’s Algeria gathering showed why organizers are continuing. The 1000 block of Massachusetts Street filled with fans in Algerian gear as they watched Algeria’s 3-3 draw, a result that was enough to send Les Fennecs into the round of 32. For downtown businesses, that kind of turnout means more than a screening on a big screen: it brings bodies onto the street, keeps people in the district before and after the match, and creates spillover for nearby bars, restaurants and retailers along Massachusetts Street.

The Granada and the Lawrence Busker Festival each received support from Score Lawrence to put on three official watch parties, and the two added events will push that downtown effort further. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and includes 48 countries playing 104 matches, with Score Lawrence serving as a local resource for Lawrence and Douglas County residents. Its information includes transportation options such as the KC26Connector, Lawrence bus service and fan shuttle parking, and Score Lawrence HQ at 1026 Massachusetts St. opened June 12 as a place for visitors and locals to connect with World Cup activities and stream matches.

The World Cup push has spread beyond the watch parties. Lawrence’s public art exhibition includes six artworks, with walking tours held June 5 and June 26, and the first Granada fan-fest kickoff on June 12 closed the 1000 block with food and craft vendors, live music and kids’ activities. A June 27 Algeria party added a 20-foot screen under the stars along with performances by Bayati, DJ Jalapeño and Grupo Folklorico del Sol. Local officials have said the city’s response has drawn comments, emails and letters from the Algerian diaspora, while coverage of Lawrence’s Algeria connection has reached outlets including The New York Times, The Guardian, the BBC and Algerian television.