14 free live music performances are slated to take place at the newly-renovated Decatur Square during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the international soccer tournament that will see Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium host a total of eight matches.
Headlining the newly-announced acts is Drivin N Cryin, an Atlanta-based rock band that is set to perform on June 22.
Formed in 1985, the group is known for blending elements of Southern rock with folk storytelling, which can be heard in hit songs like “Fly Me Courageous,” “Honeysuckle Blue” and “Straight to Hell.”
Other performers scheduled to play during the major soccer event include Kasper Rouser and the 911 Band (June 12), C.O.T. Band (June 18), Broasis (June 23), Andrew Holley Band (June 24), Gurufish (June 26), KHALIKO (June 29), Macon Music Revue (July 3), DJ Cleo (July 7), Little Hopes (July 10), Purple Madness (July 11), These Crowded Streets (July 14), Decatur City Band (July 15) and Pushback (July 18).
The free concerts will take place alongside a number of ticketed shows that include the likes of Savannah-born rapper Big Boi (June 11), The War And Treaty (June 25) and the Indigo Girls (July 19).
The shows are part of Decatur WatchFest ’26, a citywide World Cup celebration that runs June 11 through July 19.
In addition to live music, WatchFest will also feature games, activities, food and beverages, along with live viewings of the World Cup matches, which will be displayed on three large screens in Decatur Square and at participating soccer pubs and restaurants.
According to an economic impact report prepared by Emory University Finance Professor Thomas Smith, the FIFA World Cup has the potential to generate upwards of $142 million for the City of Decatur.
