As FIFA World Cup 2026™ brings fans from around the world to Atlanta, residents and visitors alike have a unique opportunity to experience the city’s culture, creativity and small business community through the Welcome to ATL Experience.
Running through July 15, the Welcome to ATL Experience transforms several downtown locations into vibrant gathering spaces featuring local vendors, artists, makers, food businesses and entrepreneurs from across the region.
Designed to showcase Atlanta to the world, the Experience puts local businesses front and center during one of the largest international events ever hosted by the city.
More Than 90 Local Businesses
More than 90 local merchants are participating in the Experience, offering everything from handcrafted goods and artwork to apparel, specialty products and unique Atlanta-inspired items.
The activation was created with a simple goal: ensuring that when visitors come to Atlanta, they have opportunities to support local businesses and discover the people and products that help define the city’s culture.
Three Downtown Destinations
The Welcome to ATL Experience is taking place at three downtown locations:
- The Steele Bridge area at Centennial Yards
- The CTR (formerly CNN Center)
- South Downtown
Each location offers a different mix of vendors and experiences, encouraging visitors to explore downtown while discovering new businesses and local talent.
No Match Ticket Needed
The Welcome to ATL Experience is open to everyone, and no FIFA World Cup match ticket is required to attend.
Whether you’re heading downtown for a match, visiting the FIFA Fan Festival™, spending the day with family or simply looking for something new to do, the Experience provides an easy way to support local businesses while enjoying the excitement surrounding the tournament.
A Chance to Support Local
Major events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ bring global attention to Atlanta, but they also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect with new customers.
The Welcome to ATL Experience helps ensure that Atlanta’s neighborhoods, creators and business owners are part of the celebration and benefit from the increased activity taking place across the city.
Plan Your Visit
The Welcome to ATL Experience runs through July 15 and is open to the public.
For locations, vendor information and event details, visit:
Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time or have lived here for years, the Welcome to ATL Experience offers a chance to shop local, explore downtown and discover the businesses that make Atlanta one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
