The FIFA Women's World Cup officially kicks off Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium but there are plenty of soccer events being offered off the field too.

From June 6 to July 4, Alberta's capital city will play host to 11 matches at Commonwealth, including team Canada's opening game of the tournament against China on Saturday.

Before the opening match, fans are invited to join Olympic medalist in alpine skiing and Canadian Senator, Nancy Green-Raine, to march from Borden Park to Commonwealth Stadium. Marchers are encouraged to wear red and white, and cheer wildly as they carry the signed big team Canada jersey up to the gates.

Fans are asked to meet on the east side of Borden Park, 73 Street and north of 112 Avenue, and look for the City of Edmonton soccer tent to collect your Canada items. The march is free and will leave at 2:30 p.m.

If marching isn't your thing, fans can get their tailgate party on at the Chateau Nova-Ramada Hotel, 159 Airport Road NW, parking lot before the opening match on Saturday, with a BBQ featuring the Ramada's Canadian Soccer Beef Balls and free popsicles from the NOW! Trucksicle.

And if you can't get yourself inside the stadium for the games, the city is hosting free viewing parties for select games at the Centennial Plaza, behind the Stanley A. Milner Library. Food trucks will be on-site and fans are advised to bring their own chairs. The plaza will open one hour prior to the first match.

Viewing party's will be held for games on June 15, 21, 26, and 30, as well as on July 5 for the World Cup final game.

For more information, visit edmonton.ca Kicking off the family-friendly activities on Saturday is the Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival in Little Italy from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Giovonni Caboto Park.

What started in 2003 as a series of open stages at the Bissell Centre's community drop-in has since morphed into a two-day musical extravaganza featuring dozens of local musicians playing from morning 'till night.

There will also be plenty of food provided by a bevy of food trucks, activities for the kids, as well as art and music workshops.

For more information visit heartcityfest.com On June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 3, families can gather at Beaver Hills Park on Jasper Avenue to watch soccer-themed movies and check out local market vendors at the Night Market Edmonton.

Kids can also take part in soccer activities and giveaways. On June 27, the Vivia Italia District will be alive once again with another soccer-themed event, dubbed Kick it Up in Little Italy at Giovanni Caboto Park.

For more information, visit vivaitaliaedmonton.com. For more details on Edmonton's FIFA Women's World Cup guide visit exploreedmonton.com

Trevor.robb@sunmedia.ca

@SunTrevorRobb