World Cup Pride Houses are putting on ‘Big Gay Watch Parties’ in host cities
So far, at least half of the host cities have Pride House hubs and venues for World Cup 2026, and work continues to establish LGBTQ-inclusive spaces in the others.
Mark
If you haven’t got a ticket to see a World Cup match this summer (and with such inflated prices, who could blame you), then going to a “Big Gay Watch Party” is the next best thing.
These get-togethers are on the itinerary for Pride House United 2026, the project that’s helping to create LGBTQ-friendly venues to welcome you in during the tournament.
At the time of writing, we know that at least half of the host cities have dedicated, confirmed hubs and spaces where LGBTQ fans and allies will be able to gather, watch the matches, and celebrate together.
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Work continues in a bid to establish inclusive venues and events in all the World Cup host cities, as per the project’s initial ambition. At the time of writing, there haven’t been ‘official Pride House announcements’ for Dallas, Kansas City, Miami, Seattle or Vancouver, but there is of course still time for these to be established.
Meanwhile, some events have been announced for the Mexican trio of Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, as part of the Pride House United 2026 project.
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Coordinating this project across three different countries has been a massive undertaking, and the focus has been on prioritizing local communities.
Speaking to the CBC this week, Pride House International trustee Keph Senett explained the approach: “One of the key values of Pride House is that we take a lead from local organizations. We work in a support role.
“We don’t say, this is our program, and how you implement it. We say, what does your community need and want, and how can we support you?
“The organization aspect has been challenging but also really rewarding.”
Here’s what we know so far about the confirmed World Cup Pride Houses…
Atlanta
- Location: Woof’s Sports Bar, a gay sports bar at 494 Plasters Avenue NE STE 200. There will also be viewing parties at Decatur Watchfest, Lore and The Works.
- Atlanta United’s LGBTQ supporters group All Stripes is partnering on the project.
- The Mayor’s Office of One Atlanta’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs is also a partner.
“We decided the best strategy for Atlanta would be to identify watch parties happening around the city to plug into as opposed to claiming one location as our main spot,” Pride House organizer Ryan Keesee told Outsports. “This would ensure our reach was wide and our presence was in each neighborhood of Atlanta.”
Boston
- Organized by Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture, which was founded in 2022.
- Location: Selected games at Spy Bar on Berkeley St in the city’s South End, beneath the Revolution Hotel, with all games shown at Cosmica Mexican bar and restaurant, at the same address.
- The NWSL’s Boston Legacy FC and LGBTQ-inclusive team Boston Strikers Soccer Club are partners.
(@jeandolinofficial)Houston
- LGBTQ-inclusive soccer team Space City Pride FC are co-hosts.
- Locations: They’re partnering with The Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBTQ community hub, located at 401 Branard St. Frost Town Brewing (1719 Ruiz St) across town is the base for USMNT games.
- More watch parties and additional programming are set to be on the schedule.
Los Angeles
- Location: Pride House LA/WeHo is at Beaches Tropicana, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
- A four-day debut weekend schedule organized by Out Athlete Fund, starting with a dance party on June 11, and a USMNT vs. Paraguay watch party the next day.
- June 13 is “Women in Sports Day” with Tobin Heath and Christen Press, and there’s an “Out in the Game” discussion with former MLS players Collin Martin and Matt Hatzke 24 hours later.
New York / New Jersey
- NY Ramblers, the world’s oldest gay soccer team, are working with Moxy for USMNT “fun, gay” watch parties at their Williamsburg (vs. Paraguay, June 12) and East Village (vs. Australia, June 19) hotels.
- Locations: Moxy Williamsburg at 353 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn will be an outdoor space, while the Moxy East Village space at 112 E 11th St is “The Ready Cantina” rooftop bar.
- “Entry for both events is free, drinks are on your own tab, and the Ramblers will provide some light bites to snack on during the match,” says the blurb.
Philadelphia
- Locations: Multiple “pop-ups” across the city including a “Big Gay Watch Party” at The Little Gay Pub (S 13th St) on June 14, with free entry guaranteed to all events.
- Pride House Philadelphia is organized by the Philly Falcons, one of the oldest LGBTQ-inclusive soccer teams in the U.S.
- The USMNT vs. Australia game on June 19 is at Other Half Brewing, 1002 Canal St.
San Francisco
- Location: With World Cup games being played at the “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” in Santa Clara — 44 miles away from SF! — the hub is the SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market St, in the Castro.
- Co-organized by LGBTQ-inclusive soccer team San Francisco Spikes, expect much more than just the games, with a panel discussion series, yoga sessions, etc.
- The SF LGBT Center is the HQ, but there will also be events and activities at other locations, including a USMNT vs. Paraguay watch party at nearby LGBTQ venue Beaux on June 12.
San Francisco Pride House executive director Zac Brown is an honoree on the Outsports Soccer Power 26.
Toronto
- Location: Open every day of the tournament at 51 Dockside Drive, on the city’s waterfront.
- Special screening of “Pink Light” on June 13, followed by talkback and meet-and-greet with Harrison Browne and cast.
- The Voyageurs, the supporters group for the Canada national teams, is partnering with Pride House Toronto for live watch parties for Canada’s group-stage games.
For the latest updates on Pride House United 2026, visit the website and follow @pridehouse on Instagram.
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