Nyack Celebrates World Cup Games

The Village of Nyack invites residents and visitors to experience the spirit of international connection through a 3-part celebration of food, culture, community – and soccer.

These activities will encourage the public to learn more about the tournament of teams from all over the globe and its 104 matches, held over six weeks.

Activities will include soccer-themed programming, family entertainment, cultural performances, food, music, and community celebrations throughout the tournament.

Part 1 – Kickoff on June 11

The celebration’s first part begins on Thursday, June 11, the opening day of World Cup competition, with a special “Futbol Fest Kickoff” event at the Nyack Farmers Market. This event will promote the July 5th Global Rhythms Futbol Festival and encourage the public to watch the matches together in Nyack.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Village of Nyack Mayor Joe Rand and Nyack Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Batson will join Kazbek Tambi, Director of Coaching for Orenburg’s World Class FC Soccer Academy in a friendly skills challenge.  

Kazbek Tambi is a former U.S. Olympic Team member, four-time Ivy League champion at Columbia University, and professional player with the New York Cosmos. A highly accomplished coach, he led the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team to a World Cup silver medal and currently serves as Director of Coaching for World Class FC.

Part 2 – Watch parties from 6/11-7/19

Nyack’s festivities around the tournament extend throughout the competition. From June 11 through July 19, dozens of local restaurants, pubs, and gathering places will host watch parties and televised matches, creating opportunities for fans to come together and cheer on their favorite teams.

Several Nyack restaurants reflect the cultures and cuisines of nations participating in this year’s tournament and will serve as natural gathering places for supporters and members of those communities:

• Patisserie Didier Dumas will welcome fans for France’s June 21 match against Iraq.
• Cy’s Restaurant will serve as a gathering place for Haiti supporters during its June 24 match against Brazil.
• Casa del Sol will welcome fans for Mexico’s June 24 match against Czechia.

The village’s diverse dining scene reflects many of the other nations represented in the tournament.

Part 3 – Day-long Global Rhythms Futbol Festival on Jul 5

The centerpiece of the weeks-long celebration will be the Global Rhythms Futbol Festival, taking place on Sunday, July 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The festival will be at Hezekiah Easter Veterans Memorial Square and South Broadway at Hudson Street in downtown Nyack.

Presented by the Nyack Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Rockland County, I LOVE NY, Visit Nyack, and the Village of Nyack, this day’s festivities will feature family-friendly activities, soccer demonstrations, games for children, music, cultural performances, dancing, and opportunities for visitors to explore Nyack’s internationally diverse restaurant scene.

Natural Gathering Place

Local soccer clubs, youth leagues, adult recreational teams, supporters’ groups, and community organizations are encouraged to make Nyack their tournament gathering place. Whether attending a watch party, organizing a team outing, or joining the July 5 festival, visitors will find a welcoming community that reflects the international spirit of the world’s game.

With its walkable downtown, vibrant waterfront, cultural diversity, and wide range of restaurants and gathering spaces, Nyack offers a uniquely Hudson Valley setting for celebrating a tournament that unites billions of people around the globe.

Event at a Glance 

June 11, 11:00 a.m. – Futbol Fest Kickoff at the Nyack Farmers Market, Hezekiah Easter Veterans Memorial Square and South Broadway at Hudson Street, Nyack, New York

June 11 – July 19 – Watch parties, including at restaurants reflecting the cultures and cuisines of some of the tournament’s participating countries.

July 5, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. – Global Rhythms Futbol Festival at Hezekiah Easter Veterans Memorial Square and South Broadway at Hudson Street, Nyack, New York

Festival activities during the tournament period will include soccer-themed programming, family entertainment, cultural performances, food, music, and community celebrations throughout the tournament period.