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Get ready to shake the Square, Atlanta: Legendary rapper Big Boi is bringing his signature Southern swagger to Decatur with a free headline concert on June 11, 2026, perfectly timed to ignite the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As part of the newly announced Decatur WatchFest ’26, this outdoor bash promises to blend hip-hop heat with soccer fever, drawing fans from across the metro area to the heart of DeKalb County’s vibrant music scene.
Big Boi to Kick Off FIFA World Cup Festivities in Atlanta
The performance, set for Decatur Square on the tournament’s opening day, marks the explosive start to a month-long festival celebrating the global spectacle.
The World Cup, co-hosted across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will bring eight high-stakes matches to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium – but Decatur is stealing the pre-game spotlight with Big Boi’s set, expected to feature hits from his OutKast glory days to his solo anthems like “Shutterbugg” and “The Way You Move.”
“As an Atlantan and huge soccer fan, performing for Decatur WatchFest ‘26 to kick off our World Cup festivities is a great honor,” Big Boi shared in a statement. “I’ve seen the energy the World Cup creates and I’m excited to get the party started for music and soccer fans in my backyard!”
Organizers of Decatur WatchFest ’26, a collaborative effort spotlighting the city’s walkable charm and live music legacy, envision the event as more than just a one-night stand.
Running parallel to the tournament, the festival will offer free daily outdoor screenings of World Cup matches (pending FIFA approval), nightly pre- and post-game live music lineups, interactive games, and pop-up activities at local spots.
Think food trucks slinging Georgia peach-infused bites, craft brews from nearby distilleries, and family-friendly zones where kids can kick around a ball before the grown-ups groove to the beats.Decatur Square, already a hub for indie gigs and block parties, couldn’t be a more fitting stage. Just a quick MARTA ride from downtown Atlanta, the venue’s historic gazebo and tree-lined lawns have hosted everyone from folk troubadours to rising R&B stars.
Big Boi’s addition – the Dungeon Family co-founder and Grammy-winning icon who’s called Atlanta home for decades – elevates it to must-attend status for music lovers eyeing the summer’s cultural crossover.
“Decatur has always punched above its weight in the music world,” said festival co-founder Elena Vasquez. “Pairing Big Boi’s ATL pride with the world’s biggest sporting event? It’s the ultimate vibe check for our community.”
While details on opening acts and exact set times are still unfolding, the concert is open to all ages and completely free – no tickets required, though organizers recommend arriving early for prime viewing spots.
Updates, including lineup announcements and volunteer opportunities, will roll out via the festival’s social channels: follow @DecaturWatchFest26 on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up for email alerts at decaturwatchfest26.com.
As Atlanta gears up for its World Cup moment, this Decatur debut feels like a homecoming. Big Boi, who first rose to fame with OutKast’s genre-bending fusion of funk, soul, and hip-hop, continues to champion Southern sounds through his solo work and ventures like Daddy’s House Social House.
Final Word
Fans can catch a taste of what’s coming by streaming his latest projects or revisiting classics ahead of the big night.Mark your calendars, ATLiens – when the whistle blows on June 11, Decatur Square will be the place to be, where soccer roars meet rap flows in pure, unfiltered celebration.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for more on the Metro’s hottest events leading into 2026.
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