AFL fan's guide to the footy in Melbourne

Find the best spots to watch the footy and grab a feed before the game.

A giant blow up Sherrin football in a park.

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.

Featured

A person holding a football in their hand against a wall

What's open on the grand final long weekend

The best free and fun events to visit during the AFL Grand Final public holiday

The MCG lit up at night.

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.

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.

Footy fun in Melbourne

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.

Aerial view of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) showing oval-shaped open air stadium surrounded by parklands.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and arguably Australia's sporting mecca.

Aerial view of Marvel Stadium lit up at night.

Marvel Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Melbourne's Docklands precinct.

A person looking at an interactive digital tabletop in a room with green murals on the walls.

Australian Sports Museum

The Australian Sports Museum proudly features the largest sporting collection in the country.

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

MCG Tours

Take a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

More footy dining inspo

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.

Plate with pies and sausage rolls on it.

The best pies in Melbourne

Buttery pastry and tasty fillings: here's where to find Melbourne's best pies.

A crowd of people are drinking and eating a pub

Melbourne’s best pub deals

Find Melbourne's best parma deals, steak nights and cheap pub eats.

A group of three friends walking beneath fairy lights in a courtyard

Melbourne's best beer gardens

Soak up the sunshine with riverside cocktails and ales among historic architecture.

Only In The City

Only in the City
Inside a bustling market hall

Things you can only see in the city

Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

Multiple plates on a white table cloth.

Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

Discover more

Richmond AFLW players celebrating on the field, coming together for a group huddle.

AFLW Round 9: Richmond v Adelaide Crows

You won’t want to miss this Pride Round clash between Richmond and Adelaide Crows at IKON Park.

The Carlton AFLW team running through the cheering squad banner and onto the field.

AFLW Round 10: Carlton v Western Bulldogs

Come along to IKON Park on a Saturday afternoon to watch Carlton face the Western Bulldogs.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

Adventure Reels Tour

Australia's only homegrown adventure film tour, screening for one night only.

The best NFL events in Melbourne

The best NFL events in Melbourne

Here's where to celebrate Australia's first NFL game, coming to Melbourne on 11 September.