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What Is the Fan Festival
The FIFA Fan Festival is the official free public event zone for the World Cup — think of it as the tournament's party headquarters. Every FIFA World Cup since 2006 has had Fan Festivals in host cities, and Vancouver's is expected to be one of the largest in North America at PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) grounds in East Vancouver.
The Fan Festival is the place to go if you don't have a match ticket, or if you want to watch matches in a massive crowd atmosphere. It typically opens hours before each match and stays open post-match for celebrations. Entry is free during most sessions, though specific premium events may require tickets.
Location & Getting There
The PNE is located at East Hastings Street and Renfrew Street in East Vancouver — about 6km from BC Place stadium. Address: 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC.
By SkyTrain
Take the Expo Line to Renfrew Station — the PNE is a 10-minute walk north. Alternatively, Rupert Station is slightly further but the walk is pleasant through a residential neighbourhood.
By Bus
Routes 16 and 14 run along East Hastings and stop directly in front of the PNE entrance.
By Bike
The Central Valley Greenway cycling route passes near the PNE — a flat, enjoyable route from downtown via the Burrard Bridge cycle path.
Match Screenings
Every FIFA World Cup match is screened live at the Fan Festival on giant LED screens. When Vancouver matches are playing, the crowd at the PNE will be enormous — arrive 2+ hours early for a good viewing spot near the main screen. For non-Vancouver group stage matches, the atmosphere is still excellent, especially when two nations with large Vancouver communities are playing.
Audio is at full stadium volume. Subtitles with match stats are typically displayed on secondary screens. The simulcast is the official FIFA broadcast feed.
Entertainment & Events
Fan Festivals at previous World Cups have featured an enormous programme of entertainment. Expect at Vancouver's PNE:
- Live music — Canadian and international artists, likely including Latin, African, and global acts reflecting the World Cup nations
- Football skills challenges and mini-pitches for recreational play
- National pavilions — interactive cultural exhibits from participating nations
- FIFA merchandise store and official partner activations
- Youth football camps and coaching clinics during daytime sessions
- Meet-and-greet events with former football legends
Full programming will be announced by FIFA closer to the tournament. Check the FIFA official app for the event schedule.
Food & Drink
The PNE grounds are large enough to host a serious food festival alongside the football. Expect food trucks from Vancouver's diverse culinary scene, licensed beer gardens serving BC craft beer, and food stalls representing World Cup nations' cuisines. Prices will be festival-standard (higher than supermarkets, lower than stadium). Arrive with cash as a backup — large events can overwhelm card readers.
Tips
- Arrive 2–3 hours early for Vancouver matches — the PNE will be at capacity.
- Bring layers — Vancouver evenings cool down, and you may be there late.
- Stay hydrated — July is warm and standing in a crowd dehydrates fast.
- Meet at a landmark — agree on a specific statue or sign to reconvene if you lose your group in the crowd.
- The PNE is large — different areas have different vibes. Explore early to find the best spot.
- No match ticket needed — the Fan Festival is the event for fans without BC Place tickets.