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Make It a World Cup Day in Downtown San Jose
June 18, 2026
World Cup energy is taking over San Jose, and The Tech Interactive is right in the middle of the action.
Step inside San Jose’s Science Center for hands-on exhibits, soccer-inspired engineering, full-dome laser shows, Body Worlds Decoded, and, yes, excellent air conditioning.
Science is here. Soccer is here. Downtown San Jose is ready.
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Start with the Soccer Celebration at San Pedro Square Market
The San Jose Earthquakes’ Soccer Celebration series at San Pedro Square Market is the place to be during the World Cup! The celebration is fun for all ages, with match watch parties, fan energy, and plenty happening in the heart of downtown San Jose.
If you're there on a weekend, stop by The Tech’s booth for Ready, Set, Goal!, a World Cup exclusive activity sponsored by the Simons Foundation. It is a playful way to connect the world’s game with hands-on science and engineering.
Then, make the short trip to The Tech to keep the day going.
Add Hands-On Science to Your Match Day
A World Cup day in downtown San Jose does not have to be just watching the match. At The Tech, you can build, experiment, explore, and cool off between the action.
Here are a few easy ways to pair soccer excitement with a visit to The Tech.
Try Let’s Kick It, Our Soccer-Themed Engineering Activity
World Cup summer meets hands-on engineering with Let’s Kick It, The Tech’s soccer-themed engineering activity.
Design, build, test, and kick your way through a playful challenge inspired by the world’s game. It is a great fit for families, kids, teens, and anyone who wants to turn soccer energy into a little creative problem-solving.
Catch a Laser Show in the Dome
Make your downtown day feel like a night out with the DOME Series.
The DOME Series brings full-dome laser shows, Hollywood films, iconic music, immersive visuals, and summer night-out energy to The Tech’s Dome Theater. It is a great add-on for friend groups, date nights, families with teens, and visiting fans looking for something unforgettable after a match.
Highlights include LASERS: Pink Floyd, LASERS: Daft Punk, LASERS: K-Pop Demon Hunters, LASERS: Bad Bunny, LASERS: Galactic Odyssey, The Mandalorian & Grogu in IMAX, and The Odyssey.
Quick note: LASERS shows are full-dome laser shows set to iconic music, not live concerts. IMAX language applies to IMAX films, like The Mandalorian & Grogu in IMAX.
Explore Body Worlds Decoded
For a completely different kind of “whoa,” visit Body Worlds Decoded.
This featured exhibit uses real, preserved human specimens to reveal the muscles, nerves, and systems that make the body work. It is a powerful reminder that every kick, sprint, save, jump, and cheer starts with the science inside us.
It is also a great option for older kids, teens, adults, and visitors who want something memorable and meaningful during their downtown San Jose day.
Cool Off with Excellent Air Conditioning
San Jose summer days can heat up fast. The Tech is here for that, too.
Step inside for hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences, a Dome show, or a break between watch parties. It is a smart way to keep your downtown plans going without melting in the sun.
Hot outside. Cool science inside.
Grab a Bite Nearby
Downtown San Jose makes it easy to turn match day into a full-day outing, especially if your group has different food moods. Start with Tony’s Cafe at The Tech for the most convenient option, or head nearby to San Pedro Square Market or SoFA Market for a wide variety of choices in one place.
Tony’s Cafe at The Tech
Already exploring The Tech? Tony’s Cafe is located inside The Tech Interactive, making it the easiest place to grab a quick bite, snack, or drink without leaving the museum. It is a convenient option for families, groups, and visitors who want to refuel between exhibits, before a Dome show, or after trying Let’s Kick It.
San Pedro Square Market
San Pedro Square Market is located at 87 N. San Pedro St., just down the street from The Tech and right in the middle of the Soccer Celebration action. It is a go-to downtown gathering spot with a wide variety of food and drink options, patio seating, and a lively match-day atmosphere.
Popular crowd-pleasers include Pizza Bocca Lupo for pizza, Anchors Fish & Chips + Seafood Grill for seafood, Hella Good Burger for burgers and shakes, Gameday for cheesesteaks, wings, and fries, Urban Momo for dumplings, Three Sisters for tacos and Mexican fare, The Gelato Shop for something sweet, and San Pedro Square Market Bar for drinks.
This is a great option before or after a watch party, especially if you are meeting a group, traveling with kids, or looking for one place with lots of choices.
SoFA Market
SoFA Market is located at 387 S. 1st St. in San Jose’s SoFA District, close to The Tech, museums, galleries, and downtown nightlife. It is a casual food hall with local eateries and a creative neighborhood feel.
Good group-friendly options include Pizza Way for Neapolitan-style pies and 3 Hermanos Mexican Grill for tacos, burritos, chilaquiles, and quesabirria, plus other rotating food hall favorites with options like Vietnamese dishes, fresh salads, coffee, and more.
SoFA Market is a smart pick if your World Cup day includes The Tech, a Dome show, a downtown stroll, or an evening plan in the SoFA District.
Make Parking Work Harder
Planning to drive downtown? Visitors can receive $5 parking validation when they visit The Tech and park at the Convention Center Garage or 2nd & San Carlos Garage. Present your same-day ticket at Visitor Services for validation. Excludes City-designated Special Event days.
Once you are parked downtown, you can make a day of it. Visit The Tech, walk to San Pedro Square Market, grab food, watch a match, and explore more of downtown San Jose.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do near San Pedro Square Market during the World Cup?
The Tech Interactive is a great nearby stop for soccer fans and families visiting San Pedro Square Market during the World Cup. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, try the soccer-themed Let’s Kick It engineering activity, see Body Worlds Decoded, catch a Dome show, and cool off indoors.
Is The Tech Interactive good for World Cup fans?
Yes. The Tech is a fun add-on for World Cup fans spending the day in downtown San Jose. It offers hands-on science, soccer-inspired engineering, full-dome laser shows, featured exhibits, and air-conditioned spaces close to San Pedro Square Market.
What is Let’s Kick It at The Tech Interactive?
Let’s Kick It is a soccer-themed engineering activity at The Tech Interactive. Visitors design, build, test, and kick their way through a hands-on challenge inspired by the world’s game.
Where is the Earthquakes Soccer Celebration?
The San Jose Earthquakes’ Soccer Celebration series is taking place at San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose. Look for The Tech at the celebration with Ready, Set, Goal!, a World Cup exclusive activity sponsored by the Simons Foundation.
Is The Tech close to San Pedro Square Market?
Yes. The Tech Interactive is located in downtown San Jose, close to San Pedro Square Market, restaurants, parking, transit, and other downtown attractions.
Where can I eat near The Tech and San Pedro Square Market?
Visitors can grab a quick bite at Tony’s Cafe inside The Tech, head to San Pedro Square Market for a wide variety of food and drinks near the Soccer Celebration, or visit SoFA Market in the SoFA District for a casual food hall experience with local options.
Can I park once and visit both The Tech and San Pedro Square Market?
Yes. Visitors can receive $5 parking validation when they visit The Tech and park at the Convention Center Garage or 2nd & San Carlos Garage. After visiting The Tech, you can stay downtown and enjoy San Pedro Square Market, restaurants, watch parties, and other nearby attractions. Excludes City-designated Special Event days.
Is The Tech a good place to cool off on a hot day?
Yes. The Tech has hands-on exhibits, featured experiences, Dome shows, and excellent air conditioning, making it a great place to cool off during a warm day in downtown San Jose.