ONE BIG THING: WHAT THE WORLD CUP TELLS US ABOUT LA
What Happened?
City Council is in July recess, but the World Cup is nearing its climax, and over the past few weeks we've seen just how much Angelenos love the beautiful game – and the incredible mix of cultures that make our city so special.
Thousands of neighbors have gathered at Echo Park Lake for our Kick It In The Park World Cup watch parties in collaboration with Mayor Bass – spending time outdoors, enjoying cultural performances and activities, and supporting local street vendors and small businesses.
- 579 people came out in the middle of a Thursday afternoon to watch Mexico kick off an unforgettable tournament run, setting the tone for an exciting month of community celebration.
- Another 838packed the park to watch Lionel Messi during the group stage, alongside comedy from Daniela Calvo and a live cumbia performance from Rocio Pineda, a former singer from the iconic La Sonora Dinamita!
- Nearly 1,000 people gathered to watch the United States defeat Bosnia & Herzegovina in an electric atmosphere. Even more joined us for the Round of 16 match against Belgium—which, unfortunately, wasn't quite as joyful.
- Our office collaborated with up and coming Los Angeles native small businesses, talent and brands including Urban Pitch, Falta USA, Boleros with Attitude and many more to provide our watch party goers with incredible performances, awesome raffle prizes and of course, give LA creatives a welcoming space to showcase their incredible work.
And it hasn't just been in Echo Park. Across District 13 and throughout Los Angeles, bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and neighborhood businesses have become gathering places where people from every background have come together to cheer, celebrate, and build community.
Why it Matters
Los Angeles has everything it needs to be one of the world's great public cities: beautiful weather, vibrant neighborhoods, and an unmatched diversity of cultures. These past few weeks have offered a blueprint for the kind of city we should build — welcoming to visitors, prosperous for local businesses, and, most importantly, more connected and livable for the people who call LA home.
When we create vibrant public spaces and free community events, people show up. They support local businesses, meet their neighbors, and make memories together. That's the kind of investment that makes a city stronger long after the final whistle.
What’s Next?
The tournament isn't over yet.
Join us Tuesday at 5 PM at Echo Park Lake for our final watch party as France takes on Spain in the semifinal.
Then on July 19, two incredible events will come together: CicLAvia: Meet the Hollywoods and the World Cup Final. Walk, bike, or roll to Hollywood Boulevard for a full day of car-free streets, community programming, and one last chance to celebrate the world's biggest sporting event together.
And after the World Cup ends, the community gatherings don't have to stop. Through August 7th, select LA City parks will stay open until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as part of the Mayor's Office and GRYD's Summer Night Lights program.
From World Cup watch parties to Summer Night Lights, these events don't happen by accident. They exist because people spent years organizing and advocating for a city that invests in public spaces and community life.
As we look to the future, we should continue listening when residents tell us they want more opportunities like these: places where neighbors can gather, celebrate our city's diversity, support local businesses, and simply enjoy being together in Los Angeles.
Two More Quick Hits
- Lotus Festival This Weekend
The 45th Annual Lotus Festival is back at Echo Park Lake this weekend!
As the lotus flowers reach full bloom, thousands of Angelenos will celebrate the music, dance, food, and traditions of Sri Lanka.
We hope you’ll join us Saturday and Sunday in celebrating the cultures and communities that make Los Angeles so special. 🌸
- Kanto Corner is BACK ☀️🌊
With summer in full swing, check out Kanto Corner’s HiFi Summerfest on Saturday July 18th from 2-7PM!
Kanto Corner is a community-led mini-festival hosted by Sunday Jump alongside Kabataang maka-Bayan / KmB, Pro-People Youth right here in CD13 – time after time they have successfully made use of Unidad Park, a small public park located in HiFi, to harbor community, uplift their neighborhoods, give a sense of pride, and offer Angelenos the opportunity to get involved at a local level.
There will be live musical performances, local vendors, food, drinks, and family-friendly activities. Plus, don’t forget to stop by the CD13 booth for some official merch!