Fans are uniting in the most spectacular way for the World Cup. Across the planet the parties and events celebrating the game are kicking up the thrills.
Raising Cane’s had a slam dunk moment at Fanatics Fest. Todd Graves brought together football legends and former teammates Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski for the ultimate dunk tank showdown at the Raising Cane’s Fan Zone. The GOAT and Gronk reunited for an afternoon of riendly trash talk, laughs and larger-than-life competition. After playfully teasing the crowd with a few warm-up throws—including a hit off the iconic Cane’s logo—Brady delivered his signature perfect spiral, nailing the target and sending Gronk plunging into 500 gallons of Cane’s Sauce.

(Courtesy Raising Cane’s)
Hyatt Regency Times Square hosted “Kicking it to the Final” an event with rising soccer star Julian Hall, from the New York Red Bulls. The event on JUly 16, which featured a soccer pop-up pitch on the hotel’s expansive porte-cochere, served as the pitch’s Grand Opening and as a countdown towards the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19th at NY/NJ Stadium nearby.

(Courtesy Gabi Porter for Hyatt Regency Times Square)
Guests had a chance to interact with Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall, one of the most exciting new talents in Major League Soccer. During his inaugural season he became the youngest debutant in the team’s history and the following season he became the league’s second youngest goalscorer of all-time. During the event, Hall participated in interactive soccer themed moments with fans and signed memorabilia to attendees and hotel guests.
Getting plans together to watch World Cup? The Official Hard Seltzer Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer is bringing fans together in NYC for the tournament’s biggest match. The final will be shown at a free community viewing party located at The SeaPort on July 19 where soccer fans can gather to watch the championship match alongside fellow supporters. DJ Sidequest goes on 6 p.m. and there will be exclusive NÜTRL merchandise giveaways.

(Courtesy NÜTRL)
America may be out of the World Cup, but the spirit is still in the air. There’s nothing more American than a great burger and fries, and Black Tap has that in spades.

(Courtesy Black Tap)
At its New York flagship at 45 W. 35th St., the globally recognized burger and shake destination is inviting soccer fans to gather and soak up the tournament atmosphere, award-winning burgers, signature wings, CrazyShakes®, sundaes, handcrafted cocktails, and ice-cold drinks. For a limited time, fans can also celebrate with Black Tap’s Team USA Classic Shake, featuring a vanilla frosted rim coated in red, white, and blue star sprinkles, topped with whipped cream, festive sprinkles, a cherry, and a Team USA flag. Available for just $13, the patriotic, photo-worthy shake is the perfect treat in the heat while enjoying every match. Whether stopping in for kickoff or staying through the final whistle, Black Tap delivers an unbeatable World Cup watch-party experience with great food, festive drinks, and an electric atmosphere for soccer fans.

Florence Pugh (Courtesy Raising Cane’s)
Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves hosted an exclusive World Cup Finals weekend for celebrity guests in New York City, kicking off the festivities with a private pre-match celebration at Zero Bond. The celeration continued on final dy with a private brunch at Sartiano’s, where guests including Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso, Christina Aguilera and Matthew Rutler, Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek, Mick Jagger, Joe Burrow, Mckenna Grace, and more gathered before kickoff to fuel up on Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers to prepare for one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

(Courtesy French Heritage Society)
In the Hamptons, it was a different kind of sport – the social calendar hop around. The French Heritage Society welcomed nearly 240 guest

(Courtesy Dandelion)
If you are looking for a sophisticated stop in between all the festivities try Dandelion. A late-night bar from hospitality guruw Eytan Sugarman and Will Makris, the delightful offerings appeal to all and elevate your sports night. Thee duo with collective downtown nightlife experience that spans members club Zero Bond, historic bar White Horse Tavern, and Hunt & Fish Club is proving once again that New York City is the best city in the world.
At 115 Christopher Street space find divine cocktails and mocktails in a room full of charismatic energy and with folks who want to enjoy the night. Service is impeccable and be sure to try bites that are culinary wins.

(Courtesy Smash Kitchen)
Smash Kitchen, the better-for-you food brand co-founded by Glen Powell, and HexClad, the premium cookware brand backed by Gordon Ramsay, teamed up to celebrate National Hot Dog Day with New Yorkers on July 14.
The brands partnered with the U.S. veteran Dan Rossi, known as the New York Hot Dog King, for a fun activation, drawing a crowd outside The Met as they handed out 500 free hot dogs. New Yorkers from all over stopped by to try out the limited-edition specialty Hot Honey and Caesar dogs made with Smash Kitchen Hot Honey Ketchup + Caesar Dressing . They also had the chance to have the onsite hot dog calligrapher customize their hot dogs with Smash Kitchen’s ketchup and mustards.

(Courtesy Beres Hammond and Beenie Man)
Reggae’s best is coming to the stage with Beres Hammond and Beenie Man at Prudential Center. Hammond is one of Jamaica’s most esteemed vocalists and Man is a global dancehall legend celebrated for his electrifying stage presence and groundbreaking impact on reggae and dancehall. Rising to international fame with “Who Am I (Sim Simma),” he became one of Jamaica’s most recognized musical ambassadors worldwide.
The will be at NJPAC with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham on August 29. The exceptional evening will feature captivating performances. ‘I don’t sing for charts; I sing for hearts,” Hammond states. Prepare to dance and sing to uplifting reggae songs with the legendary Jamaican lovers’ rock singer, known for hits like “One Love, One Life” and “Rockaway.” He will be joined by special guests Romain Virgo, known for “Soul Provider,” and Louie Culture. Sit back, relax, and embrace the love! A Grammy-nominated reggae icon, Beres Hammond has been enchanting audiences with his smoky-sweet vocals and diverse riddim tracks for nearly 40 years. Tickets to see Beres Hammond and Beenie Man are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
One Art Space is opening up Hamptons Fine Art Fair with Shepard Fairey. In Tribeca at its home gallery, the unique and versatile space for exhibitions provides the perfect backdrop for the artwork and artist to shine. By featuring a variety of international and local contemporary artists, One Art Space showcases the artist’s progression through stages of life, and further highlights the narrative of contemporary art.

(Courtesy Time Out Market Union Square)
Time Out Market Union Square (124 E. 14th St.) is the ultimate World Cup finals viewing destination . For the finale of the competition, all TV screens throughout the market will stream every game, ensuring wall-to-wall coverage until the final match. With live screenings on a big screen, a high-energy, social atmosphere, and a bar program tailored for match day—think beer buckets, pitchers, pints, and specialty cocktails—this is the go-to hub for fans looking to catch every goal in style.
Entry is free with first come, first served seating, while upgraded experiences include a $10 all-day happy hour pass or a $50 package that includes happy hour pricing plus a $20 food voucher, along with premium viewing access. Premium high-top and centered low table reservations offer the best views of the screens, dedicated space, and beverage packages, making them perfect for group outings, client hosting, or anyone looking to secure their spot for kickoff.
Fans of Five Star Weekend be sure to check this out. On The Rocks Cocktails is giving viewers the chance to experience a five-star weekend beyond the screen!.

(Courtesy on The Rocks)
To celebrate the launch, On The Rocks is giving consumers the chance to win their own trip to Nantucketfor themselves and four friends, including roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay at the White Elephant Nantucket, branded luggage, a gift card, and a sailing excursion with an island tour. More information can be found here.
Cover art by Danny Howe on Unsplash