Big Boi to Kick Off Decatur WatchFest ’26 as Atlanta Gears Up for World Cup 2026

Atlanta’s soccer soundtrack is going to be busy for the summer of 2026 — and it starts in Decatur.

Decatur WatchFest ’26 announced today that Big Boi, Atlanta’s own hip-hop icon, will kick off the month-long celebration with a free concert on Decatur Square on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the same day the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off.

A World Cup Party, Atlanta Style

Big Boi — one half of the legendary duo OutKast — called it “a great honor” to perform for his hometown crowd.

“As an Atlantan and huge soccer fan, performing for Decatur WatchFest ’26 to kick off our World Cup festivities is a great honor,” Big Boi said. “I’ve seen the energy the World Cup creates and I’m excited to get the party started for music and soccer fans in my backyard.”

Decatur WatchFest ’26 will transform downtown Decatur into a celebration of global soccer and local culture. Over 34 days, the Square will come alive with concerts, food and drink, games, and daily World Cup match viewings.

Connecting the Square to the Stadium

With a MARTA stop directly beneath the festival site, Decatur is uniquely positioned to be a key gathering spot for fans heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will host eight matches during the tournament.

City Manager Andrea Arnold said Big Boi’s concert is the perfect way to set the tone.

“The City of Decatur is so excited to kick off Decatur WatchFest ’26 with Big Boi, an artist who has such a deep connection to Atlanta,” Arnold said. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the Square to start the celebration.”

Decatur’s Deep Soccer Roots

photo: VisitDecaturGA

Soccer is woven into Decatur’s identity. From packed Atlanta United watch parties and some of the longest-running youth leagues in the region to the rise of Decatur FC, which broke WPSL attendance records in its first season, the city has embraced the sport on every level. Next summer, Decatur WatchFest '26 will solidify Decatur's place on the regional soccer map.

Decatur WatchFest ’26 builds on that passion — offering:

• Daily World Cup match viewings at official WatchFest pubs and restaurants

• Three large outdoor screens (pending FIFA approval) for select matches on the renovated Square

• Nightly concerts featuring local, national, and international artists

All musical programming is being produced in partnership with Amplify My Community, known for the annual Amplify Decatur Music Festival.

The Road to 2026

Additional concert details and free ticket information will be released in early 2026 after the World Cup draw in December.

The World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, with Atlanta set to host some of the most high-profile matches in the tournament, including a semifinal match on July 15.

Between the roar of the stadium and the rhythm on the Square, next summer promises to be a defining moment for Atlanta’s place on the global soccer stage.

Stay tuned to SDH for continuing coverage of World Cup 2026 preparations across metro Atlanta — from the Brewhouse to the Benz, and from College Avenue to Castleberry Hill.