Spring in Melbourne means one thing: the AFL Grand Final long weekend. Every year, Victorians enjoy a public holiday on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final, celebrating Australia’s biggest sporting event with parades, street festivals, and family activities across the city.
Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 What Is the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday?
- 3 When Is the AFL Grand Final Holiday in 2026?
- 4 Why Does Victoria Celebrate This Holiday?
- 5 What Happens on the Day?
- 6 What’s Open and Closed on Grand Final Friday?
- 7 Things to Do Over the AFL Grand Final Long Weekend
- 8 When Is the AFL Grand Final Match in 2026?
- 9 Plan Ahead for the Grand Final Weekend
- 10 FAQ – AFL Grand Final Public Holiday 2026
Key Takeaways
- The AFL Grand Final Public Holiday 2026 falls on Friday, 25 September 2026.
- It applies across Victoria, including Melbourne and all regional areas.
- The day celebrates the AFL Grand Final Parade held in the Melbourne CBD.
- The Grand Final itself will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
- Expect a full long weekend of festivities, extended trading hours, and major city events.
What Is the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday?
The AFL Grand Final Public Holiday is a Victorian public holiday held on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final. It recognises the cultural and economic importance of the event and allows locals and visitors to take part in the celebrations.
It is often referred to as Grand Final Friday, marking the beginning of one of the busiest weekends in Melbourne each year.
The streets of the city come alive with the official Grand Final Parade, fan zones, and entertainment, while workplaces and schools close for the day.
When Is the AFL Grand Final Holiday in 2026?
The 2026 AFL Grand Final Public Holiday will be observed on Friday, 25 September 2026, giving Victorians a long weekend leading into the Grand Final on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
Although the AFL confirms the Grand Final fixture each season, the Victorian Government locks in the public holiday date in advance, ensuring everyone can plan time off or weekend getaways early.
Why Does Victoria Celebrate This Holiday?
The AFL Grand Final weekend is a cornerstone of Victorian culture. The government introduced the public holiday to recognise the social and tourism value of the event.
It allows people to attend the AFL Grand Final Parade, support their teams, and spend quality time with family or friends.
It also provides a major economic boost to local businesses, with hospitality, retail, and accommodation venues reporting some of their busiest trade of the year.
What Happens on the Day?
Grand Final Friday is packed with footy-themed activities and Melbourne-only traditions. Listed below are some of the most popular events and attractions to enjoy:
- AFL Grand Final Parade: Players from both competing teams travel through Melbourne’s CBD in an open motorcade, greeted by thousands of fans along the route.
- Live Music and Family Zones: Federation Square and Southbank host entertainment, kids’ activities, and outdoor screens.
- Dining and Nightlife: Cafés, rooftop bars, and restaurants across Melbourne offer themed menus and extended hours.
- Short Trips and Getaways: Many Victorians head to regional destinations such as the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, or Phillip Island for a mini-holiday.
What’s Open and Closed on Grand Final Friday?
Most government offices, banks, and schools are closed on the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday. However, many retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues operate with extended or adjusted hours to cater for the celebrations.
Public transport services in Melbourne generally run on a public holiday timetable. Roads in and around the CBD may experience closures due to the parade, so planning ahead is recommended.
Things to Do Over the AFL Grand Final Long Weekend
There are plenty of ways to make the most of the 2026 AFL Grand Final long weekend in Melbourne.
- Attend the AFL Grand Final Parade and explore the fan village.
- Visit the Melbourne Skydeck or Prison Island Melbourne for indoor fun if the weather turns.
- Explore Queen Victoria Market, Royal Botanic Gardens, or Southbank Promenade for relaxed daytime activities.
- Plan a day trip to Phillip Island, Geelong, or Daylesford for a scenic escape before the big game.
When Is the AFL Grand Final Match in 2026?
The AFL Grand Final 2026 is expected to take place on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Match time and entertainment lineup will be announced closer to the event by the AFL.
Plan Ahead for the Grand Final Weekend
If you are travelling to Melbourne for the 2026 AFL Grand Final weekend:
- Book accommodation well in advance, as hotels near the city and MCG sell out early.
- Use public transport instead of driving, as parking and road access around the CBD will be limited.
- Check official AFL and Victorian Government websites closer to September for event maps and public transport updates.
FAQ – AFL Grand Final Public Holiday 2026
Is the AFL Grand Final Friday a public holiday?
Yes. It is a gazetted public holiday across Victoria.
When is the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday in 2026?
Friday, 25 September 2026.
Does the rest of Australia get the day off?
No. It is exclusive to Victoria.
Is the AFL Grand Final day itself a public holiday?
No, only the Friday before is a public holiday.
Are shops open on the Grand Final Holiday?
Most major retailers and hospitality venues are open, but trading hours may vary.
What is the AFL Grand Final Parade?
A traditional event held in Melbourne’s CBD featuring the two competing teams and entertainment leading into Grand Final weekend.
