As the soccer world descends on the Pacific Northwest next month, King County Department of Local Services and White Center Pride are teaming up to bring together community to celebrate in a way that’s uniquely White Center. 

On Friday, June 26, they will hold a free community watch party and festival called “Gather for Goals” along 16th Avenue SW in the heart of White Center. 

The watch party is a chance for community members to enjoy the world’s largest soccer competition without leaving their community or venturing into the neighboring host city. 

It’s also a chance to remind the world that White Center respects and appreciates people of all backgrounds. 

“The Gather for Goals watch party and festival is a chance to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event while highlighting everything that makes White Center such a vibrant and special community. This is an incredible opportunity for our community to be part of a truly global experience. We’re proud to showcase White Center and can’t wait to welcome the world to our doorstep.” – Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson

“White Center Pride is always game to help bring more joy, inclusion and togetherness in our community. We can’t wait to Gather for Goals!” – White Center Pride President Eliot Hills

Between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., matches from the world’s largest soccer competition will be shown on one of five giant screens along a three-block stretch of 16th Avenue SW, starting north just past SW Roxbury Street and extending south to SW 100th Street. 

The matches taking place on June 26 that will be shown include Norway vs. France; Senegal vs. Iraq; Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia; and Uruguay vs. Spain. 

Aside from the watch party, event-goers will be able to shop dozens of local street food and merchandise vendors, as well as nearby restaurants and shops that will be open for business. There will also be plenty of family activities, including a kids area with face painting and balloon artists. 

During the event, this portion of 16th Avenue SW will be closed to vehicle traffic. Attendees will be encouraged to take transit to the event. Organizers are also coordinating with nearby organizations for potential event parking. More information will be available closer to the day of the watch party. 

So, remember to mark your calendars for June 26 and prepare to celebrate every goal with your community in White Center.