FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2026

All Flag Cities 2026 Events Now Free to the Public

Free Admission Announced for Overpeck Park This Sunday; New Entertainment Lineup Unveiled

LYNDHURST, N.J., June 11, 2026 — Goya Presents Flag Cities in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health today announced that all seven Flag Cities events will now be free and open to the public thanks to the support of Choose New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, NJEDA, NY/NJ Host Committee and the host municipalities and counties participating in the program, including Bergen County.

The announcement comes just ahead of the first major Flag Cities celebration in Bergen County at Overpeck County Park on Sunday, June 14. With sunny skies and beautiful weather forecasted, organizers are encouraging families, soccer fans, and residents from throughout the region to attend.

“One of the goals of Flag Cities has always been to make the excitement of the World Cup accessible to everyone,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III. “By making this event free, we’re ensuring that families from across Bergen County and beyond can be part of this historic moment. We encourage everyone to come out on Sunday to enjoy the festivities and help us welcome the world to Northern New Jersey.”

Presented by Goya Foods in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, Flag Cities 2026 is a summer-long celebration of soccer, culture, music, food, and community leading up to and throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

“We are grateful to Choose New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, NJEDA, NY/NJ Host Committee and our county and municipal partners for helping make Flag Cities accessible to everyone,” said Jim Kirkos, President & CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber. “By removing admission costs, we are ensuring that every family, resident, and visitor can experience the excitement of the World Cup right here in their own community.”

Overpeck Park Kicks Off the Celebration This Sunday
The Flag Cities event in Bergen County takes place Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Overpeck County Park and will feature:

• Live performance by Jessie’s Girl, America’s premier 1980s tribute band at 11:30am
• Giant LED screens broadcasting World Cup matches at 1pm and 4pm.
• Food trucks and international cuisine
• Beer garden
• Vendor village
• Family activities and kids’ attractions
• Soccer-themed games and experiences
• Hackensack Meridian Health interactive fan zone

Admission is free.

Free Parking and Shuttle Service
To make attending easy and convenient, free parking and shuttle transportation will be available throughout the day.
Guests may park at:
• Kulite Products Parking Lot – 1 Willow Tree Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
• Henry Hoebel Area at the Overpeck Park Entrance
• Glenpointe Parking Garage (Levels 1 & 2) – 500 Frank W. Burr Blvd., Teaneck, NJ 07666
• Leonia High School – 100 Christie Heights Street, Leonia, NJ 07605

Complimentary shuttle buses will provide continuous transportation to and from the event.

Entertainment Lineup Announced
Flag Cities has expanded its entertainment lineup with the addition of new headliners, including Jessie’s Girl at Overpeck Park and a Freestyle Night featuring TKA, George Lamond, and Judy Torres, adding even more excitement to an already packed schedule of events.

Friday, June 12 – Jersey City
The Village People headline with opening performances by Gisela Bellas Salsa Band and Manny Monroig.

Sunday, June 14 – Overpeck County Park, Bergen County
Jessie’s Girl headlines with a high-energy performance featuring the biggest hits of the 1980s.

Sunday, June 21 – Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus
Freestyle Night featuring TKA, George Lamond, and Judy Torres.

Sunday, June 28 – Stephen Gregg Park, Bayonne
Trapped in Static performs live.

Friday, July 3 – Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson
Entertainment announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Flag Cities 2026 Schedule

• June 12 – Jersey City | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• June 14 – Overpeck County Park, Bergen County | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• June 21 – Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• June 24 – Mulberry Commons, Newark | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• June 26 – Riggins Memorial Field, East Rutherford | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• June 28 – Stephen Gregg Park, Bayonne | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• July 3 – Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Interactive Fan Experiences from Hackensack Meridian Health and Goya Foods

Goya Foods, the presenting sponsor of Flag Cities 2026, will bring its own vibrant fan experience to each event, featuring an interactive photo booth where attendees can capture and share memorable moments from the celebration. Fans can also enjoy giveaways and special promotions throughout the day. In addition, Goya will offer an authentic food truck serving a variety of delicious specialties inspired by the flavors and cultures that make soccer the world’s game, giving attendees a true taste of the global celebration.

“Soccer has a unique ability to unite people across cultures, generations, and communities, which makes Flag Cities a natural fit for Goya”, said Peter Unanue, President, Goya Foods.  “We are proud to help create celebrations that bring people together through great food, shared experiences, and the spirit of the world’s game as New Jersey welcomes the global spotlight during the World Cup.”

At each Flag Cities event, Hackensack Meridian Health will host a fun and interactive fan zone where attendees can take a soccer-inspired, “health persona” quiz for a chance to receive a limited-edition poster, step into the spotlight with a personalized, AI-generated soccer video and take home other exclusive giveaways and prizes. Combining technology, entertainment, and wellness, the activation is designed to keep fans engaged while adding to the excitement and energy of the Flag Cities experience.

“Flag Cities is a wonderful opportunity to bring communities together through the excitement of the World Cup while promoting health, wellness, and active lifestyles”, said Jose Lozano, Chief Growth Officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are proud to partner with this initiative and look forward to engaging with families and fans through interactive experiences that are educational, entertaining, and memorable.”

For event details, schedules, and updates, visit FlagCities.com.

Lisa Herrmann – LisaH@Axiominc.net
Ron Simoncini – RonS@Axiominc.net

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