Austin MLS All-Star Week: Fan Festival, Live Music at Auditorium Shores

Soccer fever is building in Austin as the city prepares to host its first Major League Soccer All-Star Week. Kicking off this Saturday and continuing through Sunday, the city will host Soccer Celebration, a free, family-friendly fan festival to generate excitement for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.

The two-day event at Auditorium Shores (900 W. Riverside Dr.) promises experiences for enthusiasts of all ages. It also sets the stage for Wednesday's ultimate showdown at Q2 Stadium, where the MLS All-Stars will go head-to-head with the Liga MX All-Stars.

The event is free and open to the public, and runs from 6 to 10 p.m. each day, with main stage music starting at 8 p.m. nightly.

What to expect at the Austin Soccer Celebration? Games, live music, special appearances

Soccer Celebration attendees can look forward to a full weekend of soccer culture in downtown Austin. The festival will feature interactive fan zones and games, with opportunities to test skills and participate in soccer-themed challenges. Fans will also have the chance to meet some of their favorite players during autograph sessions.

Live music and entertainment are also on the bill with indie pop and alternative rock bands The Citie and GROUPLOVE taking the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Local bands Sir Woman and Me Nd Adam will perform at the same time on Sunday. Refreshments and food vendors will also be available.

A special feature within the larger Soccer Celebration is the Beats, Cleats and Eats experience, presented by Coca-Cola. This dedicated area is an ode to the culture of soccer and the passion of its fans. Visitors are invited to display their fandom at the Fan Work is Thirsty Work photo booth. The activation will also feature custom giveaways and a DJ performance.

Additionally, attendees can sample a variety of Coca-Cola refreshments and be among the first to try the new Prickly Pear Whatafresher from Whataburger.

What is Auditorium Shores in Austin?

For those visiting Austin or less familiar with the city center, the MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration unfolds at an iconic location: Auditorium Shores. Nestled in downtown Austin on the south bank of Lady Bird Lake, this sprawling urban park offers a quintessential Austin experience, incorporating natural beauty into cultural events.

The park is a major hub for outdoor recreation and community gatherings, and the perfect backdrop for an event of this scale. It's a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, as the scenic Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake, runs alongside the park. You'll often see paddleboarders and kayakers enjoying the calm waters of the lake, with rental options often available nearby.

Where to park for Soccer Celebration?

Limited paid parking will be available at the Palmer Events Center, which shares a parking garage with the Long Center for the Performing Arts. The garage is located at 900 Barton Springs Road. Event organizers recommend using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to avoid parking hassles.

CapMetro also offers a convenient and affordable alternative. Several bus routes service the Auditorium Shores area frequently. Key transit stops nearby include Vic Mathias / Auditorium Shores Station, South First / Riverside, and South First / Barton Springs.

The Grand Finale: MLS vs. Liga MX

The pinnacle of MLS All-Star Week is on July 23 at Q2 Stadium. This highly anticipated 2025 MLS All-Star Game will showcase the finest talents from American Major League Soccer players as they clash with the top players from Mexico's esteemed Liga MX.

The day before the game, Q2 Stadium will host the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. More information is available at austinfc.com/all-star.