Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne

Wondering where to watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne? Catch the action on the big screen at these pubs, bars and restaurants.

The MCG lit up at night.

When is the AFL Grand Final in 2026?

The MCG will once again host the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 26 September 2026. The public holiday will be on Friday 25 September, the day before the AFL Grand Final.

More footy fun

A family taking a selfie while standing on the ground at the MCG.

MCG Tours

Take a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

A tour guide with a family of five, pointing upwards to the stands at Marvel Stadium.

Marvel Stadium 365 Tour

Walk in the footsteps of footy legends and go backstage where global superstars have been.

People walking beneath a large sports stadium at night

Where to eat near the MCG and Marvel Stadium

Heading to a game? Here’s where to stop off for pre or post-event feasting.

More of the best sporting events in Melbourne

Team officials standing on the banks of the Yarra with competing rowers lined up on the water, city buildings in the background.

Head of the Yarra: Australia's Rowing Classic

Watch 300 racing eights from clubs all over Australia and New Zealand depart from Princes Bridge.

A National Basketball League match underway inside John Cain Arena at Melbourne Park, with an indoor court and spectators watching from the stadium seats.

NBL: Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United play the Illawarra Hawks during Round 21 of NBL27.

Last updated on Fri 18 Sep 2026

Christmas

Christmas starts only in the city
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A man and woman dancing next to a woman dressed in a Santa outfit who is using a DJ deck.

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

A man and woman sitting at a table full of food with a Christmas tree in the background.

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.

Two women holding several shopping bags while they walk through a shopping arcade decorated for Christmas.

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

Start here

Discover more

People dining in a laneway outside an old cottage-style city pub.

Melbourne’s best old-school pubs and bars

Sip your way back in time and soak in the atmosphere at these historic establishments.

Urban Alley Brewery

Urban Alley Brewery

A sustainable micro-brewery and pub in the Docklands.

Two glasses of Guinness on a wooden bar with beer labels.

The Last Jar

Irish gastro pub with meals made in the tradition of a country farmhouse.

The outdoor seating area at Good Nature Hotel, showing table and chairs under large umbrellas.

Good Nature

Your place to gather in the heart of the city.