Everett is hosting four official FIFA World Cup watch parties at Boxcar Park this June. If you’re making a trip to the waterfront for one of these events, here’s how to plan a full day out.
The four games — Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11), USA vs. Paraguay (June 12), Mexico vs. South Korea (June 18), and USA vs. Australia (June 19) — draw on Everett’s waterfront location to create an experience that goes well beyond just watching a screen. Port Gardner Bay as a backdrop, marina activity, fresh seafood, and AquaSox games across the street make the Everett fan zone genuinely worth the drive from Seattle or beyond.
Getting There
By car from Seattle: Take I-5 North to Exit 193 (Everett/Everett Ave). Follow Marine View Drive north along the waterfront to Port of Everett. Drive time from downtown Seattle: 35-45 minutes in normal traffic. For USA match days, add buffer — these will draw regional crowds.
By transit: The best option for the evening matches (June 12 and 18) is Community Transit or Sounder North to Everett Station, then the free Everett Transit shuttle to Boxcar Park. Sounder North runs Monday-Friday — check Sound Transit’s schedule. Community Transit Route 512 runs from Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace; connect at Everett Station for the shuttle.
Parking: Port of Everett marina lots are the closest option. On USA match days, plan to arrive 90 minutes before kickoff to secure a spot. Alternatively, park downtown (free street parking in most of Everett’s downtown grid) and walk 15-20 minutes to the waterfront, or take the free shuttle from Everett Station.
Before the Match: The Waterfront
Arrive at least two hours early — both because the fan zone opens two hours before kickoff and because the Port of Everett waterfront has enough to keep you occupied. The marina district includes restaurants, coffee, and waterfront walking paths with views of Jetty Island and the Olympic Peninsula across Port Gardner Bay.
Anthony’s HomePort Everett is the signature waterfront dining spot — Pacific Northwest seafood with marina views. It books up on event days; call ahead or plan to eat before the main crowd arrives. The Boatyard Bar & Grill is a more casual option at the marina. Walk the marina path north to see the working cargo port and South Terminal area before settling into Boxcar Park for the match.
If You’re Staying Overnight: Everett for a Weekend
The evening matches (June 12 and 18, both 6 PM kickoffs) pair well with a Snohomish County overnight. Hotels near the waterfront and Paine Field area include the Hampton Inn Everett, the Inn at Port Gardner (boutique, directly on the waterfront — book this one well in advance for World Cup weekend), and multiple options near I-5 at the Everett Mall exit.
After the evening matches, Everett’s Broadway District has bars and restaurants open late. The Rocket Bar and Anchor Pub are the most-cited spots for post-event crowds near downtown.
Other Things to Do in Everett on Match Day
AquaSox baseball: The Everett AquaSox (Seattle Mariners affiliate) play home games at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium — about a 10-minute walk from the waterfront. Check the MiLB schedule for June home dates. A waterfront FIFA watch party followed by an AquaSox evening game is a legitimately great Everett day.
Jetty Island: Free ferry from the Everett Waterfront (runs July and August) to Jetty Island, a two-mile natural sand island with beaches, trails, and unobstructed water views. Not running in June — mark your calendar for a return visit.
Funko HQ: If you or your kids are fans of Funko Pop! figures (the collectible vinyl toys), the Funko headquarters is in Everett at 2802 Wetmore Ave — less than two miles from the waterfront. The HQ store stocks exclusive Everett-specific releases and is worth a stop.
Frequently Asked Questions — For Visitors
Is the Everett FIFA fan zone worth visiting from Seattle?
Yes — especially if you want a different experience than the dense urban crowd at a Seattle venue. The Boxcar Park waterfront setting is scenic, the event is free, and there’s enough around the Port of Everett marina to make a half-day trip of it. For families with kids, the outdoor space and less-crowded environment is a plus.
What is the Inn at Port Gardner in Everett?
The Inn at Port Gardner is an upscale boutique hotel directly on the Everett waterfront, adjacent to the marina. It’s the closest accommodations to Boxcar Park and the most atmospheric option for a World Cup weekend stay. Book early — it’s a small property that will fill quickly for the June match dates.
Where can I eat near the Everett World Cup fan zone?
Best options near Boxcar Park: Anthony’s HomePort Everett (Pacific Northwest seafood, waterfront views), the Boatyard Bar & Grill (casual marina dining), and the growing waterfront retail area at Waterfront Place. Event-day food vendors will also be on-site at Boxcar Park itself.
Related Exploring Everett coverage: Complete FIFA Fan Zone Guide — All Match Dates and Details
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