When is the grand final public holiday in 2026?
The public holiday will be on Friday 25 September, the day before the AFL Grand Final. The MCG will once again host the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 26 September 2026.
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What's open on the grand final long weekend
The best free and fun events to visit during the AFL Grand Final public holiday
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne
Wondering where to watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne? Try these bars and pubs.
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.
Footy fun in Melbourne
Marvel Stadium 365 Tour
Walk in the footsteps of footy legends and go backstage where global superstars have been.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and arguably Australia's sporting mecca.
Australian Sports Museum
The Australian Sports Museum proudly features the largest sporting collection in the country.
Lancemore Crossley Street Hotel
Score a free night's stay when your AFL team wins this footy season. T&Cs apply.
Melbourne Skydeck
Elevate your game day with $25 admission, including a house beer or wine. To 30 Sep. T&Cs apply.
Where to watch the Grand Final
The Waterside Hotel
Watch the AFL Grand Final on the big screen with 5 hours of free-flowing food & drinks, $148pp.
The General Assembly
Celebrate Grand Final Day with wings & pulled beef burger specials.
Morris House
Book a bottomless drinks & canapes package and watch the Grand Final live & loud.
Riverland Bar
Spend Grand Final Day in the sun with the big screen on live & loud, brekkie, after-party and more.
Imperial Hotel
Watch the Grand Final on the rooftop with live tunes, brekkie, free snags and a raffle.
Good Nature
Watch the Grand Final live & loud with live music, brekkie, face painting and packages.
The Wharf Hotel
Celebrate Grand Final Day with face painting, drink packages, brekkie burgers, live music & more.
State of Grace
Enjoy a Kylie-inspired brunch, with 3-hrs of drinks & brunch faves, Kylie tunes & the game, $99pp.
Garden State Hotel
Book your spot to watch the game, with post-game live entertainment and DJs into the night.
Hopscotch
Doors open 9am with breakfast, a full menu, live music from 11am and the game!
Mail Exchange Hotel
Enjoy lunch with a shared antipasto, a main, 3/4 time snacks, dessert, plus the game. $67pp.
Ludlow Bar and Dining Room
Watch the game on big screens in the public bar and on the terrace, open from 11.30am.
The Duke of Wellington
Enjoy the pre-game hype, the big match, plus post-game celebrations. Open from 10am.
Transport Public Bar
Watch it live and loud across 13 screens & 3 mega screens. No bookings, no tickets, walk-ins only.
Quarterhouse
Spend Grand Final Day on the rooftop with a $110 bottomless beer, wine and roaming canapes package.
Crane Bar & Lounge
Head to the watch party for a riverside screening, plus food and drink specials.
More footy dining inspo
Melbourne’s best old-school pubs and bars
Sip your way back in time and soak in the atmosphere at these historic establishments.
The best pies in Melbourne
Buttery pastry and tasty fillings: here's where to find Melbourne's best pies.
Melbourne's best beer gardens
Soak up the sunshine with riverside cocktails and ales among historic architecture.
Archer's Laneway Burgers
Experience the ultimate combo of a classic burger & beer for $25. Only on AFL game days.
Fad Gallery Bar
Watch the AFL games every Fri & Sat, plus $5 pies & pasties and $10 basic spirits during game time.
Only In The City
Things you can only see in the city
Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.
Things you can only do in the city
There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.
Discover more
Hawthorn AFL Best and Fairest
Be part of the biggest and most celebrated night on the Hawks calendar, the Peter Crimmins Medal.
Learn to Row
A full day of coached sessions on rowing machines at the club house and in crew boats on the river.
Toyota AFL Finals Series: Preliminary Final: Hawks v Lions
It's Hawthorn and the Brisbane Lions going head-to-head this Saturday at the MCG.
