The 2026 AFL Grand Final celebrations have begun, with the annual Footy Festival kicking off at Yarra Park.
It has been transformed into a hub for Grand Final action, perfect for fans of all ages all the way up to game day.
The Grand Final Public Holiday is here to stay, giving fans more time to get involved in the festivities.
Labor delivered this public holiday and only Labor can protect it from Jess Wilson’s One Nation-Liberal Coalition of cuts.
It’s already one of the best days on the footy calendar, and this year it gets even better with one of Australia’s biggest bands, The Wiggles, joining the celebrations.
Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos today joined AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley outside the MCG to open the Footy Festival before the clash between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions.
It will be the first time the two teams will go head-to-head in the season’s decider.
Fans from Western Australia and Queensland are set to descend on Victoria, packing out hotels and supporting businesses across the city.
This year’s Footy Festival features free entertainment for all ages, including kids’ clinics, AFL and AFLW player appearances, giveaways, AFL Play zone, music and some of Melbourne’s best food trucks.
The space around the ‘G has become a celebration of football with more than 300,000 fans set to enjoy the colour and sound of the festival.
The Family Lawn will include a host of activities including the new Bunnings Kids Zone with live performances for the whole family, plus giveaways and skills challenges.
The AFL Play Club House includes interactive experiences to share the excitement of the biggest game of the season.
Mainstage will have a range of exciting activations including the Telstra Player Hub showcasing the best AFL and AFLW players and Team Kylie with memorabilia celebrating pre-game performer Kylie Minogue.
The Footy Festival precedes the annual AFL Grand Final Parade this Friday on Grand Final Eve, ensuring more fans can be part of Grand Final Week.
The Parade will see competing players and coaches travel from John Cain Arena and through the Melbourne Park precinct by motorcade.
They will travel via the Tanderrum Bridge to Birrarung Marr then across William Barak Bridge to the Footy Festival.
This year they’ll be joined by special guests The Wiggles, in their ‘big red car’.
The AFL Grand Final is locked in at the MCG, the home of football, until 2059 reinforcing our reputation as the nation’s sporting capital.
The Footy Festival is open until Grand Final Day on Saturday 26 September.
For more information visit; afl.com.au/footyfest.
As stated by Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos
“Labor’s Grand Final public holiday means more Victorians can get amongst the action and kick off the long weekend ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash”
“The Carroll Labor Government is proud to support families with cost-of-living pressures and the Footy Fest is a great way for families to soak in Grand Final week and enjoy free school holiday activities.”
As stated by Australian Football League Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley
“The Toyota AFL Grand Final sees fans from across the country and world come together to celebrate what is the biggest week of our game.”
“Free and accessible for families and fans, Footy Fest and the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade are central to the Grand Final week experience, and we’re grateful to the Victorian Government for its continued support to deliver these iconic events.”
