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The basics:

• All seven Flag Cities 2026 festivals across North Jersey now free to attend
• Events run June 12 through July 3
• Festivals feature World Cup watch parties, live music, food, family activities
• Organizers secured support from NJEDA, Choose New Jersey, regional partners

Flag Cities 2026 will now be free to attend at all seven locations. Organizers say they secured additional support from state, regional and local partners for the series of World Cup-themed festivals planned across North Jersey.

The announcement comes days before the June 14 Bergen County event at Overpeck County Park. Overall, the seven events will take place between June 12 and July 3 in Jersey City, Bergen County, Secaucus, Newark, East Rutherford, Bayonne and Paterson.

Flag Cities 2026 is presented by Goya Foods in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health. The initiative is designed to build excitement around the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament will bring eight matches – including the championship match – to MetLife Stadium this summer.

All seven Flag Cities 2026 events are now free to attend:

• June 12: Jersey City | 5–11 p.m.
  Headlined by the Village People
• June 14: Overpeck County Park, Bergen County | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  Headlined by Jessie’s Girl
• June 21: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Freestyle Night featuring TKA, George Lamond and Judy Torres
• June 24: Mulberry Commons, Newark | 4–9 p.m.
• June 26: Riggins Memorial Field, East Rutherford | 5–11 p.m.
• June 28: Stephen Gregg Park, Bayonne | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Live performance by Trapped in Static
• July 3: Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson | 4–9 p.m.

More info

• Events feature World Cup watch parties, live music, food trucks, international cuisine, family activities and interactive fan experiences
• The Bergen County event will offer free parking as well as shuttle service

Fun for all

Organizers said support from Choose New Jersey, the state, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the NYNJ Host Committee, as well as participating counties and municipalities makes the free-admission model possible.

The Bergen County event will feature live entertainment, World Cup match broadcasts on giant LED screens, food trucks, international cuisine, a beer garden, family activities and soccer-themed attractions.

“By making this event free, we’re ensuring that families from across Bergen County and beyond can be part of this historic moment,” said James Tedesco, Bergen County executive. “We encourage everyone to come out on Sunday to enjoy the festivities and help us welcome the world to Northern New Jersey.”

By making this event free, we’re ensuring that families from across Bergen County and beyond can be part of this historic moment.
– James Tedesco, Bergen County executive

Jim Kirkos is president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber. He said making the events free helps ensure the World Cup experience reaches residents throughout the region.

“We are grateful to Choose New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, NJEDA, NY/NJ Host Committee and our county and municipal partners for helping make Flag Cities accessible to everyone,” Kirkos said. “By removing admission costs, we are ensuring that every family, resident, and visitor can experience the excitement of the World Cup right here in their own community.”

Goal: Uniting fans

Beyond live entertainment and match watch parties, sponsors will also offer a variety of fan experiences. Goya Foods plans to host interactive photo opportunities, giveaways and food offerings inspired by the cultures represented in the tournament.

“Soccer has a unique ability to unite people across cultures, generations and communities, which makes Flag Cities a natural fit for Goya,” said Peter Unanue, president of Goya Foods. “We are proud to help create celebrations that bring people together through great food, shared experiences and the spirit of the world’s game as New Jersey welcomes the global spotlight during the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Hackensack Meridian Health will feature a fan zone. The area will include a soccer-themed health persona quiz and AI-generated soccer videos. It will also offer exclusive giveaways and other interactive activities designed to engage attendees.

“Flag Cities is a wonderful opportunity to bring communities together through the excitement of the World Cup while promoting health, wellness and active lifestyles,” said Jose Lozano, chief growth officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are proud to partner with this initiative and look forward to engaging with families and fans through interactive experiences that are educational, entertaining and memorable.”

The Flag Cities initiative is part of a broader effort to bring World Cup-related celebrations into communities across North Jersey as the region prepares to host global visitors during FIFA World Cup 2026.

More information, event schedules and updates are available at FlagCities.com.