The City of Kearney is thrilled to announce Cleats & Beats, a premier community FanFest, watch party, and concert event set for Friday, June 19, 2026, at Jesse James Park beginning at 11 am. This high-energy celebration brings together the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event with the best in local entertainment, offering a unique experience for soccer fans and neighbors alike.

As soccer fever sweeps the nation, Kearney proudly invites the community to a special public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the USA and Australia. One of seven Northland locations participating in a live viewing partnership with GONorthKC, the city is bringing the global game to its own backyard on a massive outdoor screen.

“Cleats & Beats is designed to bring that stadium-sized energy right here to our local park,” said Mayor Randy Pogue. “Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a great once-in-a-lifetime event out with your neighbors, this event has something for everyone. We are honored to partner with GONorthKC to ensure Kearney is a destination for fans across the region.”

Following the match, the celebration continues with the "Beats" portion of the event. High-energy party band The Bangerz will take the stage, performing a non-stop set of fan favorites, while a live DJ keeps the atmosphere electric well into the afternoon and evening.

Attendees can look forward to an array of activities and amenities, including:

Food Trucks & Concessions: Enjoy a variety of local flavors and game-day snacks.
Selfie Stations: Capture memories with custom-designed photo ops for friends and family.
Fan Zone: Participate in interactive activities and concessions for fans of all ages, including a drop-in soccer camp with international coaches from Challenger Sports from 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Admission to Cleats & Beats is free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Gates at Jesse James Park will open early to allow fans to secure their spots before kickoff.

For more information and a full schedule of the day’s events, visit kearneymo.us or follow the City of Kearney on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

GoNorthKC has announced the GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series, a summer lineup of seven free, public watch parties taking place at various Northland locations. Designed as lively, family-friendly gatherings, the series aims to bring soccer enthusiasts together to celebrate international tournament matches right in their own neighborhoods.

Each event will feature live match streams on big screens, local food trucks, family activities, soccer challenges, interactive games, and more. Parks, entertainment districts, and community spaces will be transformed into energetic hubs as fans of all ages join in the excitement.

“The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is about bringing our community together,” said a Go North KC spokesperson. “We’re creating welcoming, high-energy environments across the Northland where families and fans can connect, support the sport, and experience the excitement of tournament play right here at home.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, wear their team colors, and arrive early to enjoy pre-game activities and local vendors. All events are free and open to the public.

GOooal North KC Watch Party Schedule

June 12 – Liberty High School, Liberty, MO: USA vs. Paraguay | Kickoff at 8:00 PM
June 27 – Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO: Algeria vs. Austria | Kickoff at 9:00 PM
June 16 – Central Bank Sporting Complex, Kansas City, MO: Argentina vs. Algeria | Kickoff at 8:00 PM
June 19 – Jesse James Park, Kearney, MO: USA vs. Australia | Kickoff at 2:00 PM
June 20 – Happy Rock Park, Gladstone, MO: Ecuador vs. Curaçao | Kickoff at 7:00 PM
July 3 – Morton Amphitheater, Riverside, MO: Round of 32 Match | Kickoff at 8:30 PM
July 11 – Armour & Swift, North Kansas City, MO: Quarterfinal Match | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is part of Go North KC’s ongoing mission to spotlight the Northland as a vibrant destination for sports, entertainment, and community connection.

For the latest updates and event details, visit GoNorthKC.com/soccer-central or follow @gonorthkc on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.