TGIF!
I think we were all forced to play soccer as children. Unfortunately for me, my dad was my soccer coach for my elementary school team. He would yell at me from the sidelines, telling me to stop picking flowers at the defense line. What else was I supposed to do, wait for the ball? How boring.
Maybe that’s why I never qualified for the World Cup, but with the international soccer event finally coming to Arlington this weekend, I can’t wait to enjoy it from the sidelines.
Even though the 2026 FIFA World Cup won’t be in Arlington till Sunday, the games have already begun. Make sure to stop by Texas Live! Friday and Saturday for the U.S.A vs.Paraguay and Brazil vs. Morocco matches. Then, head over to the Entertainment District on Sunday for the big event, and even if you didn’t score tickets to the game, Texas Live! still has an event going on all day long.
Don’t want to wait through traffic at the Entertainment District? Stop by Rotary Dream Park for Downtown Arlington’s “Kick it in Downtown” fan experience. Enjoy the big game with a soccer-themed photo op, live music and UTA’s very own drumline. If you want to take a break from the noise, stop by UTA’s Central Library for their “Atlas of Champions” historic map exhibition.
If you still need weekend plans without the soccer frenzy, there is still plenty to do. Head over to the River Legacy Nature Center for a family-friendly storytime hike, or connect with your zen on The Lawn at Arlington Highlands for a free yoga session.
However you decide to spend your weekend, just know I am rooting for Mexico, and of course, send me an email to let me know what you’re up to. See you next Friday!
In the Entertainment District:
And make sure to catch the beginning matches throughout the weekend.
What: Netherlands vs. Japan at Texas Live!
When: 11 a.m. June 14
Where: Texas Live! 1650 E. Randol Mill Road
Admission: $20
Going downtown:
Map out how your team will win at UTA’s “Atlas of Champions” exhibition.
Experience more than 60 maps created over six centuries ago, as well as photographs and memorabilia from the 1994 Dallas World Cup.
What: Atlas of Champions: Historic Maps of the 2026 World Cup Nations
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11- 25
Where: UTA Central Library, 702 Planetarium Place
Admission: Free
Catch Sunday’s game without being in the stadium at Downtown Arlington’s fan experience.
Don’t forget to stop by Levitt Pavilion for their free weekend concert series.
What: Kick it in Downtown: Fan Experience
When: 1-8 p.m. June 14
Where: Rotary Dream Park, 100 E. Front St.
Admission: Free
Elsewhere in Arlington:
Combine a love of nature and reading with a Family Story Time hike.
The outdoor adventure will feature nature-themed books and will teach you and your family tips and tricks about hiking in North Texas.
What: Family Story Time: Hiking
When: 1:30-2:30 p.m. June 12
Where: River Legacy Nature Center, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd.
Admission: Free
Start off your Saturday with a free yoga session on The Lawn at Arlington Highlands.
And make sure to check out the new Lululemon store for your next yoga outfit.
What: Summer Workout Series with Lululemon
When: 9-10 a.m. June 13
Where: The Lawn at Arlington Highlands, 4000 Arlington Highlands Blvd.
Admission: Free
Bianca Rodriguez-Mora is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at bianca@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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