Decatur On The Hunt For 350 Locals To Power World Cup Watchfest

Decatur is putting out a big call for 350 volunteers to help run WatchFest '26, a 34‑day celebration timed to the FIFA World Cup that organizers say will turn the newly renovated Decatur Square into a summer‑long soccer hub. Volunteers are slated to help with daily match viewings, pre‑ and post‑match concerts, community programming and on‑the‑ground hospitality for visitors and nearby businesses. Registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, and organizers say training will be provided ahead of the June kickoff.

According to Decatur WatchFest, WatchFest '26 will run from June 11 through July 19, 2026, with daily screenings of World Cup matches paired with free concerts, games, food and family activities on and around Decatur Square. The festival will blend outdoor viewing areas with indoor “WatchSpots” at local restaurants and pubs. The event is organized in partnership with the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Tourism Bureau, according to the city’s events page. City of Decatur

Big Names And Local Acts

The music lineup is designed to feel like a mini summer concert series layered on top of the World Cup schedule. Big Boi is set to open WatchFest on June 11, The War And Treaty are slated for a June 25 show, and Decatur’s own Indigo Girls are booked to close out the festival on July 19. Visit Decatur and the event’s music page note that concerts are produced in partnership with Amplify My Community and that more local bands will be announced. Organizers have said most concerts and screenings will be free, with ticketing details to be released as needed.

Volunteer Roles And How To Sign Up

Organizers say the 350 volunteers will be selected and trained for roles that include helping manage concerts, running fan zones, assisting with logistics and serving as ambassadors for visitors and neighboring businesses. FOX 5 Atlanta reports that applications open Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026; the official volunteer sign‑up is available through the Decatur WatchFest volunteer form. The Decatur WatchFest volunteer page has a brief application and notes that volunteers will be contacted as opportunities open.

Getting There And The Local Lift

Decatur Square sits directly above the Decatur MARTA station, making it a straightforward transit stop for fans headed to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium; organizers note the Square is seven MARTA stops from the stadium. Decatur WatchFest's travel guide and reporting from GPB highlight the MARTA connection, while local coverage points out that Mercedes‑Benz Stadium will host eight World Cup matches during the tournament. The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution has reported on the economic opportunity the event presents for nearby restaurants, bars and hotels.

City leaders say WatchFest '26 is designed to spotlight Decatur’s dining and nightlife while giving families and fans a central place to gather during the World Cup, and volunteers are expected to be key to making that work. For updates and the latest schedule, residents and visitors can check the City of Decatur’s WatchFest page and the online volunteer application. City of Decatur and the Decatur WatchFest volunteer sign‑up form.