Kick Off Summer with a Downtown World Cup Scavenger Hunt – With Prizes!
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2026 Around The World Downtown Scavenger Hunt
Grand Rapids is getting in on the World Cup buzz with a new “Around The World” Downtown World Cup Scavenger Hunt, put together by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to celebrate the 2026 tournament and show off downtown businesses.
This self‑guided adventure gives you an excuse to wander the city center, follow soccer‑themed clues, and pop into a mix of local shops, restaurants, and hangout spots along the way.
Participants can explore and support the participating Downtown businesses and organizations for a chance to win prizes from our new professional soccer team, AC Grand Rapids, and Gazelle Sports, both of whom donated prizes that will be raffled off to the first 48 participants that complete the hunt (including tours of Amway Stadium!).
How It Works
The hunt will run from Thursday, June 11 to Friday, July 24, 2026.
Think of it as a walking tour with a competitive twist.
You follow prompts from stop to stop, checking out different locations that play into the “around the world” theme and the international vibe of the World Cup.
It’s designed to be easy to jump into: perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants a fun reason to explore downtown.
Each participant must pick up a “passport” at the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc (DGRI) office during regular business hours – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The DGRI office is located at 29 Pearl Street NW, Suite 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
There are 250 passports available on a first come, first served basis.
Please note that the DGRI office is closed on Friday, June 19, 2026 in observance of Juneteenth and Friday, July 2, 2026 in observance of Independence Day.
Why You’ll Want To Do It
Sure, die‑hard soccer fans will want to get in on this, but it’s really great for everyone else, too.
Once you have your passport, you need to visit all of the participating locations to get a sticker for every country competing in this World Cup tournament. Each location has stickers for two different countries.
Simply look for the Around The World Downtown Scavenger Hunt poster and map at each location, walk in, show your passport and ask for the stickers.
The Prizes
The grand prize for five lucky participants that complete the scavenger hunt is a behind-the-scenes tour of Amway Stadium this year! These five winners will each get to bring a guest with them on the tour.
The very first person to complete the hunt and present their passport at DGRI will automatically win the stadium tour!
Once you have completed the hunt and collected the stickers for every country, return to the DGRI office and present your passport to be entered into a drawing for the prizes listed below.
The first 48 participants to present a completed passport will receive an AC Grand Rapids swag bag and be entered into the drawing for the Amway Stadium tour and the prizes from Gazelle Sports.
Prizes Donated by Gazelle Sports:
- USA 94 Graphic T-Shirt
- Mexico 26 Originals Baseball Cap & FIFA World Cup 26 Trionda Mini Ball
- Two $50 gift cards to Gazelle
Finally, everyone that picks up a passport at DGRI will also receive a free, commemorative FIFA World Cup 2026 album from Panini America
Participating Locations & Map
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Oswald West (14 Weston St. SE)
Scavenger Hunt Map
What To Know Before You Go
Plan on walking, so comfortable shoes are your friend, and consider turning it into a full downtown outing with a meal or a drink before or after you play.
Get started soon, the prizes are limited! More info at DGRI.
