AFL fan's guide to the footy in Melbourne

A giant blow up Sherrin football in a park.

Discover the best spots to watch the footy in Melbourne. Lock in some long weekend fun on the Grand Final Day public holiday. Then find the best restaurants to eat before and after the game.

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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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 2025 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.

Two espresso martinis on a table with Hawthorn and Essendon scarves

Lancemore Crossley Street Hotel

Score a free night's stay when your AFL team wins this footy season. T&Cs apply.

Special offer
Aerial view of Melbourne city looking east, across the MCG from the Melbourne Skydeck.

Melbourne Skydeck

Elevate your game day with $25 admission, including a house beer or wine. To 30 Sep. T&Cs apply.

Special offer

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.

A lasagne in a tray.

Bottega

Enjoy lasagne alla Bolognese Thu to Sat, 5pm to 6:30pm during the AFL season.

Special offer

Archer's Laneway Burgers

Experience the ultimate combo of a classic burger & beer for $25. Only on AFL game days.

Special offer

Fad Gallery Bar

Watch the AFL games every Fri & Sat, plus $5 pies & pasties and $10 basic spirits during game time.

Special offer

Only In The City

Winter Only in the City - Checkout the cold list

Discover more

Ice hockey players on the ice during a game at O'Brien Icehouse.
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Australian Ice Hockey League Finals

See the nation’s best ice hockey players vie for national title.

Richmond footballer Monique Conti runs with the ball in her hands.

AFLW Round 4: Richmond v Fremantle

Watch Richmond take on Fremantle starting in the first AFLW double-header of the season.

A Carlton AFLW player takes off with the football, ponytail flying out the back.

AFLW Round 4: Carlton v Collingwood

Watch Carlton go head-to-head with Collingwood following the Richmond v Fremantle game.

Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli celebrates a goal with his hand in the air.

Toyota AFL Finals Series: Wildcard Final, Dogs v Pies

It's Western Bulldogs and Collingwood going head-to-head this Friday night at the MCG.