Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup in Downtown Santa Barbara

To experience the tournament on a truly grand scale, the historic 2,000-seat Arlington Theatre opens its doors to transform its massive cinema screen into the ultimate fan zone. This beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival landmark provides a stadium-like sense of togetherness for major matches, making every corner kick and penalty shootout feel monumental. The theater keeps its concession counters and bars fully operational, allowing families and large groups to enjoy classic snacks and cold beverages while cheering on their nations.

If your watch party can never agree on what to eat, the Santa Barbara Public Market on Victoria Street is your ideal match-day destination. Featuring multiple big screens situated around the market and near the central bar area, this lively food hall brings plenty of tournament energy. You can pair the match with a massive variety of local culinary options, ranging from regional street tacos and authentic Thai barbecue to artisanal ice cream and an exceptional draft beer selection.

Cheer on the United States Men's National Soccer Team at a special World Cup Watch Party on the Central Library's open-air plaza. Hosted in partnership with Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee and the City of Santa Barbara, this free, family-friendly gathering features the USA matches on June 12th and June 25th livestreamed on a state-of-the-art LED screen. For extra comfort, astroturf will be laid across the plaza, and attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. While a dessert food truck will be parked on the Lower Plaza to satisfy your sweet tooth, organizers strongly encourage spectators to grab takeout from local downtown restaurants before kickoff. Gates open for setup at 5:00 PM (one hour before kickoff), and the community fun runs from 6:00 PM until the final whistle.

Tucked away on Ortega Street just off the main promenade, The Press Room is the undisputed, beating heart of Santa Barbara’s soccer community. This classic, unpretentious British pub is heavily adorned with historic soccer memorabilia and team scarves, making it the immediate first choice for pure devotees of the sport. Expect a packed, high-spirited, and highly vocal crowd—often waking up for the earliest morning broadcasts—with plenty of Guinness flowing from the taps.

For a vibrant spin on your match-day experience, Shaker Mill delivers exceptional cocktail-forward viewing just steps from the promenade. They are hosting official World Cup watch parties for the tournament, featuring a massive 150-inch projector screen that ensures you won't miss a single touch of the ball. Known for its breezy outdoor patio, the venue offers enticing drink specials and happy hour pricing during matches, making it a stylish yet high-energy spot to gather with friends under the Santa Barbara sun.

Located right on lower State Street, M. Special Brewing Company boasts an expansive, modern taproom designed for excellent sports viewing. The wide-open floor plan ensures you can catch the action on a screen from practically any seat in the house, whether you are tucked inside or enjoying the fresh air near the entrance. It is a highly reliable spot to couple world-class soccer with locally brewed, award-winning craft beers and easygoing downtown bites.

A State Street staple known for a high-intensity party atmosphere, Baja Sharkeez is the place to go if you want to get loud and rowdy for your team. The venue features an energetic patio facing the promenade, an endless matrix of televisions lining the walls, and a menu packed with coastal Mexican favorites like slow-braised birria flautas. Their notorious game-day drink deals, mix-and-match buckets, and morning drink specials ensure the energy remains unmatched from kickoff to the final whistle.

For a quintessential Irish pub experience on the State Street Promenade, O'Malley's Bar offers a warm and welcoming space to post up for a full 90 minutes. Regulars and visitors alike gather around its smooth, dark wood bar to view matches on a giant main screen alongside an array of smaller displays flanking the space. If the indoor tension gets to be too much, you can step out onto their open-air patio to debate tactical substitutions beneath the Santa Barbara sun.

If you are looking for spectacular food and an unmatched stadium-like view, Augie's is showing the games live on the big screen! Rep your team colors and pair the on-field action with the largest, most premium tequila selection in the area and an incredible menu of elevated coastal Mexican cuisine.

Catch every single match with the sound fully on at Eureka! Cheer on your favorite teams while enjoying tournament-long beverage specials, including $4 Modelo drafts and $4 Michelob Ultra drafts during game times. Pull up a seat at the bar, pair a crisp draft with one of their signature burgers, and don't miss a single minute of the commentary.

For the ultimate authentic football atmosphere, there is no place quite like a classic Irish pub. Dargan's is bringing the stadium energy right to the heart of downtown, airing matches on their multiple big-screen TVs scattered throughout the bar and pool hall. Put on your jersey, grab a pint of Guinness or an Irish cider, and pair it with their hearty pub fare surrounded by some of the most passionate soccer fans in town.

Exclusively for the matches on Thursday, June 11th and Friday, June 19th.
Elevate your tournament experience with a premium, all-inclusive match-day feast at Dom's Taverna. For Every Afternoon Game on June 11th and 19th, a $50 ticket unlocks entry to the ultimate watch party, featuring a complimentary ice-cold tap beer and an unlimited spread of crispy croquetas, golden fries, juicy steak bites, and fresh crudo. Additional drinks will be flowing for purchase at the bar as all the action plays out on the tavern TVs. Space is limited—grab your ticket ahead of time!