Photo via Isabelle Vauclair / Curiocity
If sports bars aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Patio season has arrived, and so many of them are coming alive with flowing drinks, large FIFA World Cup screens, and unmatched summer energy that’s just too infectious to ignore. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore fan, it’s worth hitting up your local watering holes to see how they’ve transformed for the world’s biggest sporting event while it’s in town.
For the purposes of this list, we’ve included outdoor watch parties as well as indoor ones with the potential of spilling out onto a patio. Because really, you’re going to want to duck out for some sunshine and a cold, crisp beer no matter where you are, or which team you’re rooting for—especially during the commercial breaks!
Here are some of the best spots to catch the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver that aren’t sports bars.
Situated behind Granville Island Brewing, this massive watch party is a must-visit at least once this FIFA season. The energy in the air is palpable, with room for up to 1,000 people, a 24-foot screen, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ games, and a bike valet. The gates here open one hour before each match and close one hour after.
In addition to the matches, the patio will operate alongside the upcoming Vancouver International Jazz Fest, Indian Summer Festival, Canada Day, and dozens more free and ticketed events. If you want to be in the centre of the action this summer, Granville Island is a strong contender for the title.
Where: Behind Granville Island Brewing (1441 Cartwright St.)
This sprawling outdoor patio is a huge vibe, with plenty of different seating options to choose from depending on your group size. Plus, they have some truly refreshing, summery beers in rotation, including the Mango Street wheat ale and the Shiori Peach Sour. Pro-tip: Order the “Frigate” and get all 12 draft tasters on one board!
Where: 1216 Franklin St.
Yes, everyone’s favourite shipping container bar is open for FIFA season. Not only is Batch on Plaza located at the centre of the action, adjacent to Science World, but it’s a hotspot for live music by talented local artists and local beers and pours. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly!
According to their Instagram page, Batch on Plaza has added TV screens for fans to watch each match unfold. So for a watch party that feels slightly off-the-beaten-path but still in the centre of the action, consider heading here!
For another giant patio that’s actually screening the games outdoors, head to Parallel 49 in East Van. Not only do they have some fantastic pours ranging from berry cider to the haziest of pale ales, but they’ve turned their already massive patio into a huge outdoor FIFA extravaganza, complete with expanded seating, a giant screen, happy hour food deals, and plenty of sunshine. No cover or reservations are required to access the P49 Soccer Garden.
Where: 1950 Triumph St.
For an open-air viewing party that has live entertainment between matches, head to South Flats between June 18 and 21. There’s a beer garden, an array of food trucks, a kids’ zone, and first-come, first-served seating. Perfect for groups of all sizes and ages!
Free, reserverable tickets are available online.
Where: 1155 East 6th Ave.
Known for their incredible pizza and lager-forward pours, Luppolo Brewing is your spot if you’re in search of a more intimate patio that still feels alive with FIFA energy. According to their Instagram page, tables are now reservable for all the games this upcoming week.
Where: 1123 Venables St.
33 Acres is playing every FIFA match, and continuing the party on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8 p.m. with live DJs, low lights, and tons of dancing. Plus, the first Reigning Champ Lager purchased each day gets a 33xRC footy.
Where: 15 West 8th Ave.
This spot is great if you’re looking for a laid-back patio in Mount Pleasant to visit in between match screenings indoors. Plus, on Canada game days (June 18 and 24), there will be a special Canadian Pizza and Beer combo for $26 a pop!
Where: 54 East 4th Ave.
This free, family-friendly celebration has transformed the Shipyards in North Van into the ultimate fan zone, operating on select days through July 7. On all other days, the Shipyards will run soccer-related programming and watch parties, including the final match on July 19.
And considering how many award-winning breweries are within minutes away, catching a watch party here only makes sense if you plan to get a celebratory (or commiserating) drink after.
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way
If you’re already downtown, it’s worth checking out this year’s Junction Public Market, which has so many cool vendors and artists in rotation. The fact that there are pitchside patio parties for so many matches is just the cherry on top!
For a viewing party that’s actually outdoors and fully encapsulates the patio vibe, definitely consider adding this one to your list.
Where: 200 Granville St.
The Rec Room has expanded its outdoor patio on Granville to help fans in the area gather to keep the good times rolling. Situated in the heart of one of FIFA’s many pedestrian zones downtown, The Rec Room will offer expanded seating, interactive patio games like Jenga, and curate a laid-back outdoor atmosphere that invites visitors to hang out or head indoors to catch a match.
Where: 855 Granville St.
If you’re on or near Vancouver’s UBC campus, you don’t have to make the trek all the way downtown or to the PNE to enjoy a match screening. UBC Properties Trust is throwing a free, all-ages FIFA World Cup viewing party right in the heart of Wesbrook Village at Norman MacKenzie Square up until July 19.
Fans can come together under a shaded tent with picnic seating available to cheer on their team, with room for up to 150 guests. Plus, there will be movie screenings and live entertainment between each match.
Where: 3378 Wesbrook Mall
This watch party is the culmination of the larger Gastown United passport experience, which takes you to different participating locations across Gastown throughout June and July. Presented by Low Tide, this specific viewing party will take place on July 3 only, in the alley between Monarca and Guilt & Co. This street-side viewing event is not one to miss, bringing together fans and casual viewers alike for outdoor match screenings and party vibes at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Alexander St. (July 3 only)
Strange Fellows is also hosting watch parties all FIFA season long, with a big screen, sound on, and flowing brews and pizza. While you can reserve a table ahead of time, it’s not required.
Where: 1345 Clark Dr.
Bookmark this for later if you’re feeling indecisive or don’t know where to start planning your FIFA viewing experience! We will be adding to this list as the match days unfold.
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