World Cup block party will turn 1st Street corridor into a community celebration

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Boyle Heights is turning the World Cup into a neighborhood celebration with a free block party next month aimed at supporting local businesses and bringing residents together along the 1st Street corridor.

The celebration will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. June 18  to mark the Mexico vs. South Korea match. 

“There’s a lot of focus on tourism and trying to make LA suitable for people to visit us, but at the end of the day, it’s our business members, our community members, who are here day to day, and they deserve to have a safe space to watch the game,” said Miriam Rodriguez, president of the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce.

What to expect

The block party is expected to close 1st Street between Vicente Fernandez and State streets. A large LED screen will be set up near Eastside Luv. Metro, along with Angel City Football Club, will activate the Mariachi Plaza station as a “welcoming platform” with screens showing highlights of the match, Rodriguez said. 

Many of the businesses along the corridor will be participating, including Espacio 1839, Street Tacos and Grill, Tenampal, Casa Fina, Birrieria Don Boni, SuperNova Thrift and Distrito Catorce. 

Some may offer food and merchandise outdoors or host DJs similar to past CicLAvia events in Boyle Heights.

A music lineup is in the works and other details are still being finalized, Rodriguez said.

Las Fotos Project, JD Sports, Neighborhood Music Schools, and the Angel City Football Club supporter group, known as PodeRosas, are among the participating organizations.

A boost for local businesses

Rodriguez said the event aims to boost local businesses facing economic strain tied to the recent federal immigration raids.

“Soccer brings unity,” Rodriguez said. “We want to … let our community know that even in hard times we’re still here for our businesses.”

“We can all come together and watch and celebrate our culture,” she said.

1st Street Corridor Block Party

When: Thursday, June 18

Time: 5-10 p.m.

Where: 1st Street between Vicente Fernandez and State streets

Information: boylehtschamber@gmail.com or @boyleheights_chamber on Instagram

More World Cup events 

“Kick it in the Park”: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Monday announced a series of recreation and parks facilities hosting more than 100 free FIFA World Cup watch parties across the city, including El Sereno Recreation Center, which will be showing 21 matches. 

Find the full schedule, additional celebrations and key information at kickit.lacity.gov.

Casa Mexico Los Angeles 2026: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown L.A. will host Casa Mexico Los Angeles 2026, a five-week community-centered celebration of soccer and culture. The event will feature free public programs, including live match viewing parties, music, gastronomy, exhibitions and more.

Find the full schedule, additional celebrations and key information at casamexico.netlify.app.