What better way to showcase an ITP ATL downtown redo years in the making and kick off 2026 FIFA World Cup festivities? 

Grammy-winning recording artist Big Boi delighted a packed house of Hottie-Hoo-hollering fans Thursday as part of a rollicking opening to Decatur WatchFest ’26. Many of them (present company included) were experiencing the opened-up, $8.5-million revamp of Historic Decatur Square for the first time. (Spoiler: It’s better now.) 

Considered the first phase of Decatur’s Town Center Plan 2.0, the project expanded the size of the square and its greenspaces, scrapping the big bandstand with a larger and modernized performing arts stage. Other additions include a standalone building with permanent public restrooms, an open car-free plaza, a too-cool children’s play area, and larger open spaces in general. 

Big Boi and longtime collaborator Sleepy Brown in downtown Decatur on Thursday evening. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Decatur's modernized performing arts stage, juxtaposed with the DeKalb History Center Museum, a former courthouse.Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Between now and July 19, Decatur WatchFest ’26 will air more than 60 World Cup matches on three large viewing screens, alongside 34 free concerts from regional and national music artists.  

No tickets are required for matches. At least one match will be featured per day, including all US Men’s National Team matches in the group stage and beyond. (For a full list of planned events on the square, head over here.) Other free musical performances in coming weeks include The War And Treaty and Indigo Girls (sold out) along with more than 30 other acts.  

In the gallery above, find a photo recap of how one half of the mighty Outkast christened Decatur’s new digs and set World Cup festivities off. 

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