In conjunction with their fourth quarterly briefing, The Atlanta Beltline held a World Cup-themed panel on Dec. 11 at The Chandelier Room at Monday Night Garage in West End.

Moderated by local photographer Cam Kirk, the panel featured Beltline President and CEO Clyde Higgins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer Dallas Austin, City of Atlanta Director of Initiative and External Relations and interim Director of Showcase Atlanta Lamar Stewart, and Soccer in the Streets founder Kaseem Ladipo. They discussed the Beltline’s role in bolstering small businesses, fostering relationships between locals and World Cup visitors, and maintaining an impact that lasts beyond the sporting event next summer. 

The World Cup is estimated to bring around 300,000 visitors to Atlanta in June and July 2026. As one of 16 host cities, Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including one semifinal. 

By the World Cup, the Beltline will feature 17 miles of continuous trail. Additionally, the Beltline has created 30,000 jobs to date, not including an estimated 40,000 temporary construction jobs. 

“We’ve got to think about what Atlanta’s going to look like in the future,” Higgins said. 

“The World Cup is an economic engine for Atlanta,” explained Kelvin Collins, Vice President of Economic Development for the Atlanta Beltline. The World Cup is one of Atlanta’s largest tourism pushes since the 1996 Olympics, and one that Collins said will “strengthen the city as a global beacon.”

The event at Monday Night Garage maintained an infectious energy that felt genuinely local. Songs by Atlanta-based artists like OutKast and T.I. soundtracked the evening. Attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite soccer team’s jersey, but many took the opportunity to wear sharp, colorful outfits in bold shades. A few younger children slept in their parents’ arms, while others kicked a soccer ball around an alcove adjacent to the bar. 

The event kicked off with a lengthy progress report from a series of Beltline leaders.

For example, the Beltline will launch its Commercial Affordability Consortium and the Beltline Business Facade pARTnership Grant next year. Beltline Vice President Lynette Reed said that affordable housing remains one of the team’s highest priorities as the Beltline approaches completion. Mayor Andre Dickens wants to extend the Beltline’s Tax Allocation Districts through 2030. 

Kim Wilson, Vice President of Design and Construction, announced that 85 percent of the trail is either complete or under construction, and that the Southside trail should be completed by the World Cup next summer. Additionally, two parks on Atlanta’s west side are currently in development. 

Collins unveiled the Beltline Information Hub, a “digital front door” that will help prepare residents and guests for the World Cup matches. Collins also announced the second cohort application of the Small Business Readiness Program, discussed the Beltline Marketplace, and unveiled the Beltline Fest, a free, weeks-long event providing a “connected circuit of celebration.” 

More FIFA 2026 World Cup coverage.

After the updates, Kirk segued into the panel portion of the night. He asked the panelists questions, including what success looks like after the World Cup, how they see Atlanta’s history, music, and culture shaping the city’s identity on a world stage in 2026, citywide prep and planning updates, and how World Cup activations will strengthen the Beltline’s broader mission. 

The brunt of the discussion focused on uplifting small businesses and local creators. Stewart emphasized that plenty of resources are available to small businesses that openly communicate with the city. FIFA Fan Fest, for example, is a state entity, so businesses interested in working the event need to be a supplier within the city, state, and county. Additionally, any business interested in hosting watch parties must obtain a viewing party license through the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. 

“There’s so much out there and we want to help,” Stewart said. 

Kirk and Ladipo also discussed how the Beltline can become a launchpad for youth soccer. Soccer drives economics for local communities, like playing soccer in neighborhood parks and pubs with amateur teams seeking places to regularly host matches.

“We need to show that we don’t need to find a field to play,” Ladipo said. 

Finally, the panel addressed the importance of promoting a variety of communities and actual neighborhoods in Atlanta. The Beltline is intentionally hosting Beltline Fest in the Pittsburgh neighborhood, located in the city’s southwest sector near Castleberry Hill, Adair Park, and Mechanicsville. 

The panel closed with a Q&A. Discussions with audience members ranged from bringing international soccer culture to Atlanta to concrete steps entrepreneurs can take to legally participate in World Cup activations. The panel also addressed how the Beltline’s ongoing projects and World Cup plans are being designed to include the neurodivergent population, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

“The games may happen at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the real magic will happen on the Beltline,” Collins said of the World Cup in Atlanta. 

The post Atlanta Beltline officials discuss preparing the pedestrian trail for the World Cup appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

On Dec. 5, FIFA held a televised drawing ceremony in Washington, D.C., that determined the 12 groups playing in the upcoming World Cup next year. It took another day, however, for FIFA to finalize the match schedule and determine which cities would host particular games. 

Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches in 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: five group stage games, two knockout stage games, and a semifinal. Teams in Groups A, C, H, and K were eligible to play in Atlanta during the group stage. While the lineup for Groups A and K has not been finalized due to qualifying match schedules, FIFA did include possible scenarios for the countries that may take those spots. 

Atlanta will start off strong on June 15, with a match between Spain and Cape Verde. Nearly a week later, Spain will grace Mercedes-Benz Stadium once again, facing off against Saudi Arabia. 

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On June 18, South Africa will play either Poland, Wales, or Finland, based on the results of the European Qualifier Playoffs in March. 

Haiti and Morocco will play in Atlanta on June 21. Metro Atlanta’s Haitian population is the second-highest Caribbean community in the state, behind Jamaica. 

On June 27, Uzbekistan will face either Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia based on the results of the Concacaf Qualifier Playoffs in March. 

Atlanta will also host two knockout matches after that stage begins on June 28: a round of 32 match on July 1 and a round of 16 match on July 7. The city’s participation in World Cup gameplay culminates in a semifinal match on July 15.

The post Check out the finalized 2026 World Cup match schedule for Atlanta appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Communities across metro Atlanta are drumming up excitement in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Decatur WatchFest, a 34-day series of outdoor screenings in and around Decatur Square, will kick off World Cup festivities on June 11 with a free Big Boi concert.

“The City of Decatur is so excited to kick off Decatur WatchFest ‘26 with Big Boi, an artist who has such a deep connection to Atlanta,” said Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold in a press release.

“As an Atlantan and huge soccer fan, performing for Decatur WatchFest ‘26 to kick off our World Cup festivities is a great honor,” Big Boi said in a statement. “I’ve seen the energy the World Cup creates and I’m excited to get the party started for music and soccer fans in my backyard!”

Big Boi’s concert is one of a number of performances taking place during Decatur WatchFest that will feature local and international artists, including the Indigo Girls. The Decatur-based duo will close WatchFest with a free concert on July 19.

Related Story: Decatur to host month-long World Cup festival in 2026

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“Playing in Decatur during the World Cup is one way of saying ‘thank you’ to the city that’s been a home to us for so many years,” Emily Saliers and Amy Ray saidd. “Over the decades, we’ve seen Decatur grow and we are so excited to be asked to be a part of the Decatur WatchFest celebration.” 

Decatur WatchFest will release details on concert timing in January, after the Dec. 5 World Cup draw.

The FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Atlanta will host eight matches, with a semi-final on July 15. Communities across Atlanta, such as Downtown and Decatur Square, along with adjacent MARTA stations, are currently undergoing or have already undergone renovations in advance of the World Cup next year. 

The post Big Boi and Indigo Girls headlining Decatur’s World Cup WatchFest in June and July appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Avant South’s weeklong interdisciplinary challenge, the Innovation Cup, culminated with a showcase and awards ceremony on Oct. 16 at Georgia Tech’s Academy of Medicine. Key sponsors included Cisco, Deloitte, Showcase Atlanta, and US Soccer.

More than 300 college students throughout Georgia applied to the Innovation Cup. Over eight days, each team developed an app to capture the energy of the upcoming World Cup that would benefit the community by promoting local businesses, fan-to-fan experiences, youth-friendly engagement, and smart city navigation.

The showcase opened with remarks from Mayor Andre Dickens, who applauded Atlanta’s recent strides as a technological hub. Forbes named Atlanta the country’s most educated city in 2024, and ProptechOS ranked Atlanta as the country’s smartest city earlier this year.

“We are really utilizing Atlanta as a bridge, not as a barrier,” Dickens said.

Related Story: Atlanta marks one year until FIFA World Cup

Fonz Morris, founder and CEO of FNZMS, emceed the showcase. Morris, a Georgia State University and Morehouse College alum, was especially impressed with the Innovation Cup’s collaboration across universities. The finalists included students from Spelman College, Morehouse, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, the University of Georgia (UGA), and Emory University.

“When I was a student here, there wasn’t as much cross-pollination between the universities and I’m so proud to see that now,” Morris said. “I’m so proud to see that the city is supporting an event like the Innovation Cup because this is where true solutions come from.”

Over eight days, 27 teams were whittled down to four: Fanfield, The Gamechangers, Impact Collective, and Unity Field. Teams then held a brief presentation for the audience and panel of judges, which included Charlinda Catchings (Cisco), Sanjay Patel (Soccer in the Streets), Jennifer Whitlow (Fusen World), Joy Harris (Georgia State), Abe Geiger (US Soccer), and Kelly Smith (Deloitte).

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Unity Field

Using Metro Atlanta’s existing soccer community and the Atlanta Youth Soccer Foundation, Unity Field brings the World Cup to communities throughout the area and not just to those who purchased tickets, which can range from $300 to $1,000 for a family of four. Unity Field will transform YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America soccer fields into neighborhood fan zones, turning community hubs into micro-stadiums where families can watch matches on giant screens. The emphasis on youth provides Atlantans with a secure, organized venue that both children and parents can enjoy.

The Gamechangers

The Gamechangers’ app, Walkable, is a gamified, geo-tracking location-based application that incentivizes residents and visitors to travel on foot. Users can earn prizes, including coupons and swag from local businesses, just for walking instead of driving or requesting an Uber.

“Atlanta residents often miss out on the charm of local businesses and activities,” said Gamechangers member and Morehouse student Nazsir Cammon.

Imagine a cross between Sweatcoin and Meetup that partners with events and local businesses, like Ponce City Market and Sublime Donuts, which gets people walking around the city instead of being stuck in traffic.

Impact Collective

Impact Collective’s app, Tera, allows reliable Atlantan citizens the chance to play tour guide. Rather than genuine local voices getting lost in the algorithm, Tera creates real cultural exchanges, with visitors experiencing Atlanta from a local’s perspective.

“We want to empower locals and small businesses to feel seen and earn so that the dollars and memories stay in the neighborhoods that make Atlanta feel like Atlanta,” said Hadiza Sarr, Impact Collective team member and UGA student.

Fanfield

Fanfield aims to disrupt the mega-event paradox Atlanta faces ahead of next year’s World Cup. With a large amount of money expected to come into the city, only a few will reap the rewards.

“Atlanta is facing a $400 to $500 million economic opportunity, but the majority of this revenue is captured by corporate sponsors inside the stadium ecosystem,” said Fanfield team member Dr. Jennifer Johnson of Georgia State University.

Similar to Pokémon GO, Fanfield incentivizes users to visit local businesses and landmarks and fight for control of the city. As tourists and residents become competitors, they’ll increase foot traffic within the city.

2025 Innovation Cup Winners

First Place: Impact Collective received the top prize, which included $7,500, three to six months of mentorship with industry professionals, and an executive meet-and-greet or insider tour.

Second Place: Fanfield took second place, winning $2,500 and one to three months of mentorship.

UX UI: Unity Field won the user experience and user interface prize, which included $1,500 and one to three months of mentorship.

Peoples’ Choice: Impact Collective also won the People’s Choice Award and received a curated prize pack.

The ceremony culminated with DJs and performances by Young Dro and Travis Porter.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is projected to be the most-watched sports and televised event ever. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight matches, including a semifinal, in June and July.

The post Georgia college students tackle World Cup technology in Atlanta Tech Week’s Innovation Cup appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Brooklyn-based food festival Smorgasburg’s Atlanta era is just around the corner. The weekly food fair officially debuts on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a grand opening event in South Downtown. Smorgasburg will then operate every Saturday through Dec. 20 from a parking lot at the corner of Forsyth and Trinity.

In addition to more than 40 food vendors, Smorgasburg Atlanta will feature two bars serving soft drinks, wine, simple mixed and nonalcoholic drinks, rotating special cocktails, and canned beers from neighboring Wild Leap Brewery. Look for artist stalls and live entertainment, too.

Free to attend, Smorgasburg’s food stalls serve a wide range of dishes, including hibachi-stuffed burritos, Coca Cola-flavored macarons, and “Jamexican” jerk chicken and oxtail tacos.

Like other businesses and restaurants in South Downtown, Smorgasburg Atlanta is a short walk from the Five Points MARTA station. (Garnett MARTA station is closed for renovations until Oct. 26.) People can also park at the small lot on the corner of Forsyth Street and Nelson Street for $2 an hour.

On Oct. 4, Smorgasburg Atlanta held a family and friends event and invited local media and South Downtown business owners, like Darryl Harris of vinyl shop Crates ATL, to sample dishes from the restaurant stalls and food trucks.

Rough Draft attended, sampling as many dishes as possible. Despite splitting portions, however, we couldn’t get to every food truck or restaurant stall in attendance that day. But we did our best, and are sharing some of our favorite bites from the Smorgasburg Atlanta preview below.

Doubles and guava wings from BARA ATL

I overheard a few people say they specifically came out to try BARA’s doubles and, to be honest, they’re part of the reason I came out. The Trinidadian food truck, which launched in April, did not disappoint. We opted for plain doubles with chutney – a filling enough dish without added protein – and the fall-off-the-bone guava wings. Both dishes provided a kaleidoscope of flavors. There were fruity notes from the chutney and guava wing sauce, and an earthy depth from the turmeric in the doubles. Be sure to grab plenty of napkins from this Smorgasburg Atlanta food stall.

All the shrimp from Bun & Bites

Admittedly, we made multiple trips to Bun & Bites in order to get our hands on a shrimp burger, because those tiny sandwiches disappeared quickly. We also tried the fried shrimp balls and the double delight dumplings filled with chicken and shrimp. The shrimp burger was worth the wait. The shrimp patty itself was succulent and juicy, but the shrimp balls and dumplings did more than simply quell the anticipation for another burger.

Frutas loca from Chispas Snacks

I was thrilled when I saw Chispas Snacks at Smorgasburg Atlanta. If you’ve visited Piedmont Park or walked that portion of the Beltline lately, you’ve likely seen the Stroll Coffee y Snacks silver Airstream stationed near the entrance to Park Tavern. Chispas serves Mexican snacks and street foods from Stroll, like esquites and tacos de canasta (basket tacos). At Chispas’ Smorgasburg stall, we opted for the frutas loca, a mixture of pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumbers drizzled with a hibiscus chamoy and topped with candy, including Skwinkles. Owner Luis Enrique referred to Skwinkles as the “Mexican version of Twizzlers.” Pro tip: Enrique said later this fall, he’ll switch to a tamarind-based chamoy for the frutas loca. This fruit-filled snack was a nice respite from some of the heavier dishes at Smorgasburg Atlanta.

Sweet potato pie from First Batch Artisan Foods

Vegan dessert operation First Batch Artisan Foods offered dairy-free cookies, brownies, ice cream, and, our favorite, miniature sweet potato pies during the Smorgasburg Atlanta preview. Not only are these small pies the perfect size for walking around a food festival, but the pies are downright delicious and entirely vegan. The crust was rich and buttery, and we could tell the sweet potato filling was made with high-quality nutmeg.

Chicken empanada from Hermanita

While I imagine the bulk of Smorgasburg Atlanta customers will be drawn to Tio Lucho’s chef and owner Arnaldo Castillo’s pollo a las brasa and skewers, his new pop-up, Hermanita, also offers empanadas. (We went with the chicken.) The empanada itself is great, but the ultra-tangy crema de aji sauce, a mix of mayonnaise and local Peruvian peppers from Pinewood Springs Farm, might be even better. Fortunately, the sauce is available with Hermanita’s other dishes, because you’re going to want to slather it on everything.

Check out the complete list of food vendors on Smorgasburg Atlanta’s Instagram page.

The post The best dishes we ate at weekly food festival Smorgasburg Atlanta appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.