Free outdoor watch parties stretch from Walnut Creek to Oakland to Richmond, with the Cultura FC event at Jack London Square — co-hosted by the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul — headlining June 23–25.

The East Bay leg of the Bay Area's official World Cup fan zone network starts today and runs through July 19, with a string of free outdoor screenings spread across Oakland, Richmond, Walnut Creek, and the Tri-Valley — mostly public, mostly free, and organized through the Bay Area Host Committee.

First up: the Walnut Creek Fan Zone at the Fiesta Cultural Street Fair, Hoffman Theater / Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek), today, Saturday June 13, noon–7pm. It's a one-day event timed to coincide with early tournament play.

After that, the circuit builds:

• East Brother Beer Company (1001 Cutting Blvd, Richmond): Thursday June 18, 5–9pm; Wednesday June 24, 5:30–9pm
• Summer Soccer Celebration, Alameda County Fairgrounds (Pleasanton): Opens Friday June 19, noon; runs through Saturday July 11, 11pm
• Cultura FC at Block15 Jack London Square (Oakland waterfront): Tuesday June 23, 2pm – Thursday June 25, 10pm; co-hosted by the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul
• Richmond Fan Zone at SS Red Oak Victory Historic Ship (1337 Canal Blvd, Richmond): Thursday June 25, 7–9pm — probably the most unusual venue on the Bay Area's entire watch party map

The strongest draw is Cultura FC at Block15. Three days, Oakland's own pro soccer clubs on the marquee, waterfront setting — this is the one that'll feel like a soccer crowd rather than a bar that happens to have the game on.

Getting there: Block15 Jack London Square is walkable from 12th St/Oakland City Center BART. Pleasanton Fairgrounds require a car. The Richmond spots are best reached by car via I-80.

Full Host Committee listing at bayareahostcommittee.com.