Hudson County Executive Craig Guy announced that the upcoming Flag Cities Festival events in Secaucus and Bayonne will now be completely free and open to the public to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Choose New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NY/NJ Host Committee, and local government partners.
The Laurel Hill Park event in Secaucus on Sunday, June 21 and the Stephen R. Gregg Park event in Bayonne on Sunday, June 28 will both offer free admission for all attendees.
Presented by Goya Foods and Hackensack Meridian Health in partnership with The Meadowlands, the Flag Cities Festival brings international soccer, live entertainment, and community programming directly into Hudson County neighborhoods.
“I want to personally thank President & CEO Amy Herbold and her team at Choose New Jersey, our partners at the state and local level, the NJEDA, and the NY/NJ Host Committee for making these community celebrations free for families to enjoy. Free admission ensures all of Hudson County can be a part of the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “The Flag Cities Festival events in Secaucus and Bayonne will showcase the energy, diversity, and community spirit that define Hudson County. We encourage residents and visitors alike to bring their families and friends and join us for these exciting events as we welcome the world to our region!”
While admission is free, advance registration is still required to secure tickets and participate in these large-scale, family-friendly events. Additional event information and general access are available here.
There will be free shuttle services offered in Secaucus, Bayonne, and in Journal Square, Jersey City to get ticket holders direct access to the festivals. Residents can also find transportation details, event updates, and additional resources here.
Each Hudson County Flag Cities event will feature a dynamic mix of programming designed for residents of all ages, including live music and DJ performances, international food vendors, beer gardens, interactive soccer activities, youth engagement zones, and large-format screens broadcasting soccer matches.
The events are designed to bring communities together while celebrating the global excitement surrounding the World Cup and highlighting Hudson County’s role as a regional destination for cultural and sporting events.
The Flag Cities events is a regional initiative celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup by bringing international soccer, cultural programming, and community-based events to municipalities across Northern New Jersey. The festival is presented by Goya Foods and Hackensack Meridian Health in partnership with The Meadowlands.