AFL Grand Final Weekend Melbourne 2026 — Events, Where to Watch & Complete Guide

AFL Grand Final Weekend Melbourne 2026 — Events, Where to Watch & Complete Guide

Last updated: February 2026

There's nothing quite like it. The roar of 100,000 voices at the MCG. The crack of boot on leather. The moment when an entire city — scratch that, an entire country — holds its breath as the siren sounds. The AFL Grand Final isn't just a football match. It's Australia's biggest annual sporting event, and Melbourne is ground zero.

Whether you're a die-hard member who's been waiting decades for your team to go all the way, a neutral looking for one hell of a weekend out, or an interstate visitor wondering what all the fuss is about, this guide covers everything you need to know about AFL Grand Final Weekend 2026 in Melbourne.

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Key Dates for AFL Grand Final Weekend 2026

Note: The AFL Grand Final is traditionally held on the last Saturday in September. The 2026 date of Saturday 26 September is highly probable but will be confirmed when the AFL releases its official fixture. We'll update this guide when confirmed.

The Grand Final falls during (or very close to) Victorian Term 3 school holidays, making it a popular time for families to combine footy fever with a Melbourne getaway.

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Grand Final Eve Public Holiday — Friday 25 September

Here's something that surprises visitors from interstate: Victoria actually gives everyone the day off before the Grand Final. Since 2015, Grand Final Eve (the Friday before the Grand Final) has been an official Victorian public holiday. It's believed to be one of the only places in the world that declares a public holiday purely for a sporting event's eve — though Victorians will happily remind you they also get a day off for the Melbourne Cup. We're a sporting state. Deal with it.

What Does the Public Holiday Mean?

• Most people get the day off work. Full-time and part-time employees who would normally work on a Friday are entitled to their base rate of pay. Casual employees are not entitled to the day off but receive penalty rates if they work.
• Shops and retail are OPEN. Grand Final Eve is not a restricted trading day — unlike Christmas Day or Good Friday. Shopping centres, supermarkets, bottle shops, and retail stores operate normally (many extend hours for the long weekend trade).
• Public transport runs to a Saturday timetable. Some services may be altered, so check PTV for the latest schedules.
• Penalty rates apply for employees who work on the public holiday — typically at time-and-a-half or double time, depending on the award or agreement.

Things to Do on Grand Final Eve

Grand Final Eve is when Melbourne starts to buzz. The city fills with interstate fans, pubs start pouring earlier than usual, and the energy is electric.

• Watch the AFL Grand Final Parade — The traditional parade (running since 1977) sees the two Grand Final teams paraded through Melbourne's CBD. The route traditionally starts near the Old Treasury Building on Spring Street and winds through the city streets to Yarra Park near the MCG. Players ride on the back of utes and convertibles, waving to fans lining the streets. It's free, it's loud, and it's the best chance you'll get to see the players up close before the big day.
• Hit the pubs early — Grand Final Eve is Melbourne's unofficial "big night out" of the footy calendar. Expect themed events, live music, drink specials, and plenty of banter between rival fans.
• Explore Melbourne — If you're not fussed about the parade, it's actually a brilliant day to explore. Gallery openings, laneways, brunch spots — everything's open but the city has a holiday vibe.
• Grand Final Eve events — See our dedicated section below for parties, events, and ticketed functions.

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Getting AFL Grand Final Tickets (Let's Be Honest)

Let's not sugarcoat this: getting AFL Grand Final tickets is extremely difficult.

The MCG holds approximately 100,024 people for the Grand Final — making it the largest crowd for any club championship event in world sport. And yet, demand massively outstrips supply every single year.

How Tickets Are Allocated

Here's the reality of how Grand Final tickets are distributed:

1. Club Members of the Two Competing Teams (~34,000 tickets each): The two clubs that make the Grand Final receive the lion's share. These are distributed to members based on membership tier, loyalty points, and years of consecutive membership. Even long-standing members of competing clubs aren't guaranteed a ticket.

2. AFL Members (~15,000 tickets): AFL Members (the gold and silver memberships that give access to any game at the MCG) receive an allocation. These memberships have multi-year waiting lists.

3. MCC Members (~20,000 tickets): Members of the Melbourne Cricket Club — a separate membership to AFL or club memberships — have access to the Members' Reserve. The MCC waiting list is famously long (often quoted at 20+ years).

4. Corporate & Hospitality: A significant allocation goes to corporate packages, sponsors, and official hospitality partners.

5. General Public Ballot: The AFL sometimes makes a small number of tickets available via a public ballot through Ticketmaster. This is genuinely a lottery — the odds are long, but it's free to enter. Keep an eye on afl.com.au for announcements, typically made in August/September.

Resale & Secondary Market

• Official Resale: The AFL has historically partnered with Ticketmaster for any official resale or exchange program. Check their platform closer to the event.
• Unofficial Resale: Tickets appear on platforms like Viagogo and other secondary marketplaces, but be warned — prices are eye-watering (often $500–$2,000+ per ticket), and the AFL has taken steps to invalidate tickets obtained through unauthorised resale. You risk paying a fortune and being turned away at the gate.
• Scams: Grand Final ticket scams are rampant. Never buy from random social media sellers or classifieds. If a deal looks too good to be true, it absolutely is.

Our Honest Advice

If your team makes the Grand Final, your best shot is through your club membership. If you're not a member, apply for the public ballot and hope for the best. If you miss out, don't despair — Melbourne offers incredible ways to watch the game that are, in many people's opinion, even more fun than being at the 'G (we'll get to that).

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Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final

1. At the MCG — The Cathedral of Footy

If you do have a ticket, you're in for the sporting experience of a lifetime.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground — universally known as "the 'G" — has hosted every AFL Grand Final since 1902 (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 during COVID, when the game was played in Brisbane and Perth respectively). It is hallowed ground.

• Address: Brunton Avenue, Richmond VIC 3002
• Capacity: ~100,024 for the Grand Final
• Website: mcg.org.au

Tips for Match Day at the MCG:

• Gates open early — typically 4+ hours before the bounce. Get there early to soak up the atmosphere, watch the pre-game entertainment, and claim your seat.
• The pre-game show is a spectacle — major musical acts, fireworks, and the unfurling of giant team banners.
• Food and drink is available throughout the ground, but queues are long. Eat beforehand or bring snacks (within MCG guidelines).
• No BYO alcohol — leave it at home.
• Dress for weather — late September in Melbourne can be anything from warm sunshine to freezing rain to all four in one afternoon. Layers are your friend.
• The Australian Sports Museum is located inside Gate 3 of the MCG and is worth visiting on non-match days. mcg.org.au

2. Pubs & Bars Screening the Grand Final

For many Melburnians, watching the Grand Final at a great pub is the preferred way to experience the day. You get the atmosphere, the crowd reactions, the big screens — plus actual good food and proper beer.

Here are some of the best spots to watch the Grand Final in Melbourne:

Richmond / Cremorne (Near the MCG)

• The Corner Hotel — Legendary Richmond venue with big screens and a rooftop. Walking distance to the MCG, so you get the pre-and-post match crowds. cornerhotel.com
• The Richmond Club Hotel — Classic pub, multiple screens, packed atmosphere on Grand Final day.
• The Swan Hotel — Right on Church Street in Richmond. Big screens, good pub grub, and a footy-mad crowd.

CBD / Central Melbourne

• The Imperial Hotel — Spring Street. Huge screens, corporate-meets-casual crowd, close to Parliament Station.
• The Royal Melbourne Hotel — A grand old pub on Bourke Street with multiple levels, big screens, and a lively crowd. royalmelbournehotel.com.au
• Garden State Hotel — Flinders Lane. More polished than your average sports pub but screens the game with a buzzing crowd. gardenstate.com.au
• Transport Bar — Federation Square. Big screens, outdoor areas, and you're right in the heart of the action.
• Section 8 — Tattersalls Lane. If you want to watch on a big screen in a shipping container bar in a laneway, this is your spot.

Fitzroy / Collingwood

• The Napier Hotel — Fitzroy institution. Great atmosphere, loyal locals, and plenty of opinions about the footy.
• The Standard Hotel — Fitzroy. Reliable screens, good beer list, and a crowd that actually watches the game.
• The Grace Darling Hotel — Collingwood. Craft beer, big screens, and an inner-north crowd.

South Melbourne / Southbank

• The Emerald Peacock — South Melbourne. Massive screens, dedicated sports viewing areas, excellent food.
• Common Man — South Wharf. Waterfront views, big screens, and a menu that goes well beyond pub classics. commonman.com.au

St Kilda

• The Espy (Esplanade Hotel) — An absolute icon. Multiple bars, multiple screens, live music, and ocean views. espy.com.au
• Hotel Barkly — St Kilda institution with a dedicated sports bar area.

Pro Tip: Popular pubs book out for Grand Final day. Many offer ticketed events with food and drink packages. Book early — we're talking weeks or even months in advance for the best spots.

3. Outdoor Big Screens & Live Sites

The AFL and the City of Melbourne typically set up free outdoor screening events at locations including:

• Federation Square — The traditional free public screening spot. Giant screens, thousands of fans, right in the heart of the city. Gets packed early — arrive hours before the bounce if you want a decent spot. fedsquare.com
• Yarra Park / MCG Precinct — The AFL Grand Final Live Site in Yarra Park (near the MCG) often features big screens, live music, food trucks, and family activities. Check afl.com.au closer to the event for details.
• Local council screens — Several Melbourne councils set up screens in parks and community spaces. Check your local council website in September.

4. Watching at Home

No shame in this game. Millions of Australians watch the Grand Final from their couches, and there's a lot to be said for it:

• Free-to-air TV — The AFL Grand Final is broadcast live and free on Channel 7 and 7plus.
• Kayo Sports / Foxtel — Also available on streaming platforms with additional camera angles and pre/post-game coverage.
• ABC Radio / AFL website — For the purists, listening on the radio (particularly the ABC Grandstand coverage) while watching on mute is a time-honoured tradition.

Hosting a Grand Final Party? Stock up on pies, sausage rolls, beer, and chips. Set up a tipping competition. Assign someone to be the designated boo-er of the umpires. You're set.

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Grand Final Day Events

The AFL Grand Final Parade

The Grand Final Parade is one of the great traditions of the AFL season. Held on the Friday before the Grand Final (Grand Final Eve), it gives fans the chance to see their heroes up close.

• Route: Traditionally from the Old Treasury Building (Spring Street, CBD) through the city streets to Yarra Park near the MCG. The exact route is confirmed each year by the AFL.
• Time: Usually kicks off early-to-mid afternoon (around 12:00–12:30 PM historically, but check the AFL website for the confirmed 2026 time).
• Cost: Free!
• What to expect: Players from both competing teams travel in vehicles along the route, with fans lining the streets in team colours. There are cheer squads, music, and a festival atmosphere. The CBD shuts down for it — it's a genuine spectacle.

Fan Zones & Pre-Game Activities

• AFL Grand Final Live Site — Typically set up in Yarra Park near the MCG in the days leading up to the Grand Final. Features interactive games, player appearances, merchandise stalls, food and drink, and live entertainment. Free entry.
• MCG Precinct — On match day, the area around the MCG comes alive hours before the first bounce. Food trucks, buskers, face painters, and seas of team colours.
• Club-Specific Events — Both competing clubs typically host fan events, functions, and official watch parties throughout the week. Check your club's website and social media for details.

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Grand Final Weekend Dining & Drinking

Melbourne is one of the world's great food and drink cities. Grand Final Weekend is the perfect excuse to combine your footy passion with Melbourne's culinary scene.

Best Sports Bars for Game Day

• The Sporting Globe (multiple locations — Mordialloc, Richmond, Fountain Gate, and more) — Purpose-built sports bar with wall-to-wall screens, American-style wings and burgers, and a game-day atmosphere. sportingglobe.com.au
• The Woolshed Pub — Docklands. Giant screens, woodfired pizza, craft beer, and views of the waterfront. thewoolshedpub.com.au
• Crown Casino Sports Bar — Southbank. Say what you will about Crown, the sports bar has enormous screens and cold beers. crownmelbourne.com.au
• P.J. O'Brien's — Southbank. Irish pub vibes, big screens, and a crowd that knows how to get behind a game. pjobriens.com.au

Pre-Game Dining (Within Walking Distance of the MCG)

• Tipo 00 — Flinders Lane. Exceptional pasta if you want to carb-load like the players (sort of). tipo00.com.au
• Chin Chin — Flinders Lane. Asian-inspired share plates, great cocktails, and a buzzy atmosphere. Book well ahead. chinchinrestaurant.com.au
• Hammer & Tong — Swan Street, Richmond. Brunch to dinner, right in the Richmond footy heartland.
• The Bot (Botanical Hotel) — South Yarra. Classic pub lunch before the walk through the gardens to the MCG.

Post-Game Celebrations

If your team wins, you'll want to celebrate. If they lose, you'll want to commiserate. Either way, you'll want a drink.

• Swan Street, Richmond — This strip becomes an unofficial celebration zone after Grand Finals. Pubs overflow onto the street, and it's where many of the post-match stories are made.
• Brunswick Street, Fitzroy — Inner-north alternative. Craft beer bars, late-night venues, and a more alternative vibe.
• Chapel Street, South Yarra / Prahran — Cocktail bars, nightclubs, and late-night dining.
• Hosier Lane / AC/DC Lane precinct — Street art meets late-night bars in the CBD.

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Family-Friendly Grand Final Activities

Grand Final Weekend isn't just for adults. Melbourne has plenty on offer for families.

At the MCG Precinct

• AFL Grand Final Live Site (Yarra Park) — Free, family-friendly zone with inflatable games, handball and kicking activities, face painting, and kids' entertainment.
• Australian Sports Museum (inside the MCG, Gate 3) — Interactive sports exhibits that kids love. Open on non-match days. australiansportsmuseum.org.au

Around Melbourne

• Melbourne Museum — Catch the footy fever, then take the kids to see the dinosaurs and the bug exhibit. Carlton Gardens. museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum
• Melbourne Zoo — A 20-minute tram ride from the city. Great day out on Grand Final Eve while others are nursing hangovers. zoo.org.au
• Scienceworks — Spotswood. Interactive science centre with planetarium. Kids (and big kids) love it.
• Royal Botanic Gardens — Pack a picnic, kick a footy on the lawn, and enjoy the spring blooms. Free entry. rbg.vic.gov.au
• Luna Park — St Kilda. Rides, fairy floss, and bay views. Perfect for a Friday or Sunday with the kids. lunapark.com.au
• Legoland Discovery Centre — Chadstone. Indoor Lego wonderland for younger kids.

School Holidays Bonus

The Grand Final typically falls near or during Victorian Term 3 school holidays (usually late September). This means many Melbourne attractions run special holiday programs — check individual venue websites for workshops, shows, and activities.

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Grand Final Eve Events & Parties

Grand Final Eve has become a mini-event in its own right. Here's what to expect:

Free Events

• AFL Grand Final Parade — Free, CBD to Yarra Park (see above for details)
• Federation Square screenings and events — Often hosts free entertainment and pre-Grand Final activities on the Friday

Ticketed Events & Parties

• Grand Final Eve Club Functions — Both competing clubs host official dinners, luncheons, and events. These are typically member-only or ticketed through the club.
• Pub & Bar Events — Many Melbourne venues host Grand Final Eve parties with DJs, live music, themed cocktails, and drink packages. Check Eventbrite, Moshtix, and individual venue websites from August onwards.
• Comedy & Entertainment Shows — Melbourne's comedy and live entertainment scene often puts on Grand Final-themed shows over the long weekend.
• Corporate Events — The MCG itself hosts premium corporate dining events. Check mcg.org.au for functions and events.

Late Night Grand Final Eve

After the parade, the CBD and inner suburbs light up. Key nightlife strips include:

• Chapel Street — South Yarra to Prahran
• Smith Street & Brunswick Street — Collingwood and Fitzroy
• King Street / Hardware Lane — CBD
• Swan Street — Richmond (particularly if a Richmond fan base is involved)

Remember: Grand Final Day starts early. Pace yourself.

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History & Traditions of the AFL Grand Final

A Brief History

The VFL/AFL Grand Final has been played since 1898, making it one of the longest-running championship events in world sport. Some milestones:

• 1902: First Grand Final at the MCG
• 1970: First Grand Final broadcast live on television
• 1977: First Grand Final Parade through Melbourne's CBD
• 1996: Grand Final officially renamed from VFL to AFL Grand Final
• 2010: First Grand Final draw in 62 years (Collingwood vs St Kilda, leading to a replay the following week)
• 2020: Grand Final moved to Brisbane (Gabba) due to COVID-19 — the first time in decades it was held outside Melbourne
• 2021: Grand Final held in Perth (Optus Stadium) — another COVID-era relocation
• 2022: Grand Final returned home to the MCG — and Geelong put on an absolute clinic against Sydney

Traditions

• The Premiership Cup — The winning captain lifts the cup to roars that can be heard from Punt Road to Port Phillip Bay.
• The Banner — Each competing team's cheer squad creates a massive paper banner for the players to run through at the start of the game. It's gloriously DIY and completely earnest.
• Norm Smith Medal — Awarded to the best player on ground in the Grand Final, voted on during the match by a panel of judges.
• The Pre-Game Entertainment — Major Australian and international artists perform before the bounce. Past performers include Meat Loaf (infamously), The Killers, Paul Kelly, Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams, and many more.
• "Up There Cazaly" / "One Day in September" — If you don't know these songs, you will by Saturday afternoon.
• The Monday After — Not an official holiday (despite constant petitioning), but good luck getting a full day's productivity out of anyone.

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Interstate Visitor Guide — Coming to Melbourne for the Grand Final

Welcome! Melbourne is thrilled to have you (unless you're supporting the other team, in which case, we're politely thrilled).

Getting to Melbourne

• Fly: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine, MEL) is the main airport, about 25 minutes from the CBD. Avalon Airport (AVV) near Geelong is used by some budget carriers.
• Drive: If coming from Sydney (~9 hours), Adelaide (~7.5 hours), or Canberra (~6.5 hours), the drive is doable and scenic.
• Train: V/Line and interstate services connect Melbourne to regional Victoria, Sydney, and Adelaide. Southern Cross Station is the main hub.

Getting from the Airport to the City

• SkyBus: Runs 24/7 from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station (~30 minutes, ~$20 one way). skybus.com.au
• Taxi / Rideshare: Uber, Ola, and DiDi all operate from the airport. Expect $55–$80 to the CBD.
• Rental Car: Available at the airport. Note that parking in the CBD and near the MCG on Grand Final day is extremely limited.

Where to Stay

Book early. Grand Final Weekend is one of Melbourne's busiest accommodation periods.

• CBD Hotels: Close to everything — pubs, restaurants, transport, and the parade route. Expect premium pricing for the Grand Final weekend.
• Richmond / East Melbourne: Walking distance to the MCG. Hotels and Airbnbs in this area are gold.
• South Yarra / Prahran: Trendy, great dining, easy tram to the MCG.
• St Kilda: Beach vibes, great pubs, and a quick tram to the city.
• Fitzroy / Collingwood: Inner-north cool. Excellent food scene and nightlife.

Melbourne Essentials for Visitors

• Coffee: Melbourne's coffee culture is world-renowned. Skip the chains and find a local café. You won't be disappointed.
• Laneways: Explore Melbourne's famous laneways — Hosier Lane (street art), Degraves Street (coffee), Centre Place (hidden bars), and Hardware Lane (dining).
• Weather: Late September is spring in Melbourne. Expect temperatures between 12°C and 20°C, with a genuine chance of rain, sunshine, wind, and possibly all three within the same hour. Bring layers and an umbrella. Always.
• Tipping: Not expected in Australia but appreciated for great service (5–10% is generous).
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). Contactless payment is universal — you may never need cash.
• Emergency: Triple Zero (000) for police, fire, and ambulance.

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Transport — Getting to the MCG on Grand Final Day

Train (Recommended)

The MCG is directly adjacent to Richmond Station (Hurstbridge/Mernda line) and a short walk from Jolimont Station (Hurstbridge/Mernda line). Flinders Street Station is about a 15–20 minute walk through parkland.

• Grand Final day services run on enhanced schedules with extra trains.
• Trains will be packed. Get there early and be prepared for crowds on the way home.
• Use a Myki card — Melbourne's reusable public transport card. Buy one at any 7-Eleven, train station, or PTV Hub. You can also use contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets on most services.
• PTV Website: ptv.vic.gov.au

Tram

Multiple tram routes pass near the MCG:

• Route 70 (Flinders Street to Wattle Park) stops at MCG / Richmond.
• Route 48 (North Balwyn to Victoria Harbour) passes near Jolimont.
• Trams within the CBD Free Tram Zone are free — but this zone doesn't extend to the MCG, so touch on your Myki.

Walking

If you're staying in the CBD, the MCG is a pleasant 20–30 minute walk through:

• Fitzroy Gardens — Beautiful gardens, Captain Cook's Cottage, and a perfect pre-game stroll.
• Birrarung Marr — Along the Yarra River, connecting Federation Square to the MCG precinct.
• The Tan / Royal Botanic Gardens — A slightly longer but stunning route through Melbourne's botanical gardens.

Driving & Parking

We don't recommend driving to the MCG on Grand Final day. Yarra Park (the main parking area) is severely restricted, surrounding streets are closed or limited, and getting out after the game is a nightmare.

If you must drive:

• Park elsewhere and take public transport to the MCG. Park & Ride locations are available at several suburban stations.
• Parking apps like EasyPark or the City of Melbourne parking map can help find available spaces in the CBD or surrounding suburbs.

Rideshare / Taxi

Uber, Ola, and taxis operate on Grand Final day, but expect:

• Surge pricing (especially post-game)
• Designated pickup/dropoff zones near the MCG
• Long wait times after the final siren

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What If Your Team Isn't Playing? (Things to Do Instead)

So your team bowed out in the prelim. Or in round 5. Look, we've all been there. Here's the good news: Grand Final Weekend in Melbourne is still brilliant, even if you're watching as a neutral — or avoiding footy altogether.

Lean Into It Anyway

Watching a Grand Final as a neutral is genuinely enjoyable. Pick a team for the day (go for the underdog — it's more fun), head to a pub, and enjoy the spectacle. You might discover you actually enjoy footy when your heart isn't being ripped out.

Do Something Totally Non-Footy

• Melbourne's Art Scene — NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Fed Square), and dozens of smaller galleries are open over the long weekend. ngv.vic.gov.au
• Great Ocean Road Day Trip — Spring is a gorgeous time to drive the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles aren't going anywhere (well, eventually they are, but not this weekend).
• Yarra Valley Wine Region — About an hour from Melbourne. World-class wineries, cellar doors, and restaurants. Grand Final Day at a winery with a cheese platter? That's healing.
• Mornington Peninsula — Hot springs, wineries, coastal walks, and fish and chips at Portsea.
• Dandenong Ranges — Puffing Billy steam train, bush walks, and the charming villages of Sassafras and Olinda.
• Melbourne Shopping — Grand Final Eve being a public holiday (but not a restricted trading day) means shops are open. Hit Chapel Street, DFO South Wharf, Chadstone, or the CBD boutiques.
• Spa Day — While everyone else is yelling at a television, you could be in a hot spring. Peninsula Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs, or one of Melbourne's excellent day spas.

The "My Team Lost Last Week and I'm Still Processing" Plan

• Stay in bed until noon
• Order UberEats
• Watch a movie that has nothing to do with sport
• Eat your feelings
• Emerge on Sunday, refreshed and ready to say "wait till next year"

We respect the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the 2026 AFL Grand Final?

The 2026 AFL Grand Final is expected to be held on Saturday 26 September 2026 at the MCG. The exact date will be confirmed when the AFL releases its official fixture.

Is Grand Final Eve a public holiday?

Yes! Grand Final Eve (expected to be Friday 25 September 2026) is an official public holiday in Victoria only. It has been observed since 2015.

Are shops open on Grand Final Eve?

Yes. Grand Final Eve is not a restricted trading day, so retail stores, shopping centres, supermarkets, and most businesses operate normally. Some may adjust hours.

How do I get AFL Grand Final tickets?

The majority of tickets go to members of the two competing clubs, AFL Members, and MCC Members. A small number may be available via public ballot through Ticketmaster. See our full section on tickets above.

How much do AFL Grand Final tickets cost?

Face value tickets (if available through the ballot or membership) typically range from approximately $185 to $425, depending on the seat category. Resale/secondary market prices are significantly higher — often $500 to $2,000+.

Can I watch the Grand Final for free?

Absolutely. The Grand Final is broadcast live and free on Channel 7 and 7plus (streaming). Free outdoor screenings typically take place at Federation Square and other locations around Melbourne.

What time does the Grand Final start?

The Grand Final traditionally starts at approximately 2:30 PM AEST (Melbourne time). Pre-game entertainment begins several hours earlier. The exact start time is confirmed closer to the event.

How do I get to the MCG?

Train is the best option — Richmond Station and Jolimont Station are closest. Walking from the CBD (20–30 minutes through Fitzroy Gardens) is also popular. Driving is not recommended. See our full transport section above.

What's the weather like in Melbourne in late September?

Spring in Melbourne means unpredictable weather. Expect daytime temperatures of 12°C to 20°C, with the possibility of sunshine, rain, wind, and cold snaps — sometimes all in the same day. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket.

Is the Monday after the Grand Final a public holiday?

No. Despite annual campaigns and petitions, the Monday after the Grand Final is not a public holiday in Victoria (or anywhere else). You'll be expected at work. Sorry.

Can I bring food and drinks into the MCG?

You can bring snacks and a sealed water bottle (600ml or less). No alcohol is permitted to be brought into the MCG. No glass bottles, no cans, no large bags (larger than A3 size). Full details are on the MCG website.

How early should I get to the MCG?

Gates typically open 4+ hours before the bounce. We recommend arriving at least 2–3 hours early to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere, entertainment, and to settle into your seat.

Where should I stay if I'm visiting Melbourne for the Grand Final?

CBD, Richmond, East Melbourne, or South Yarra are all ideal. Book as early as possible — Grand Final Weekend is one of Melbourne's busiest accommodation periods, and prices increase significantly.

Is the AFL Grand Final Parade free?

Yes! The Grand Final Parade through Melbourne's CBD is completely free to attend. Just find a spot along the route and enjoy.

What are the best pubs to watch the Grand Final?

See our full section above, but top picks include The Espy (St Kilda), The Corner Hotel (Richmond), The Royal Melbourne Hotel (CBD), Transport Bar (Federation Square), and The Sporting Globe (multiple locations). Book ahead — popular venues sell out.

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Final Thoughts

The AFL Grand Final is more than a football match — it's a national moment. And there is nowhere better to experience it than Melbourne, the city that invented the game over 160 years ago.

Whether you're inside the MCG feeling the roar, crammed into a pub with 200 new best friends, watching on a giant screen at Fed Square, or hosting the ultimate house party, Grand Final Weekend 2026 is going to be unforgettable.

Get your plans sorted early. Book your pub. Set your alarm. Charge your phone. Iron your team scarf (or don't — it's footy, not a job interview).

See you in September. 🏈

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This article is regularly updated as new event details are confirmed for the 2026 AFL Grand Final. Have a tip or correction? Get in touch.

For more Melbourne events, guides, and local tips, visit amirbrooks.com.au.