Great news for all the AFL fans out there … the AFL Grand Final is back on Saturday 26th September 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)!
This premier footy event marks the conclusion of the 2026 AFL season. P.S. Don’t miss the traditional Friday public holiday for the parade on 25th September. Why not make the most of the long weekend in Melbourne?
So, if you’re busy planning your Grand Final weekend, we’ve got you covered. Check out everything you need to know below.
Highlights
In the lead-up to AFL Grand Final Day, there are plenty of community events and parades to get you hyped for the game. From morning till night, the city will come alive with all things AFL footy everywhere you look!
The city will be buzzing all Grand Final Week, starting with the Brownlow Medal at the start of the week. Then, enjoy a Grand Final Parade on Friday through the main streets, with both teams soaking up the exciting atmosphere. You definitely don’t want to miss the iconic Grand Final Parade!
More information about AFL activities is available on the Grand Final Day website.
Grand Final Day details
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
When: Saturday 26th September 2026
Did you know?
Grand Final Day in Melbourne is so popular that the state government made the Friday before the big day a public holiday.
Melbourne is also known as the sporting events capital of Australia. The MCG is considered the true blue home of the AFL Grand Final.
Tickets
2026 AFL Tickets – Medallion Club seating will be available soon. Premium Seats can provide you with premium AFL Seat Only tickets for all matches at the MCG and Marvel Stadium for the 2026 Toyota AFL Season. Tickets vary in price from $100 to $450.
Please click here for more information on tickets and pricing.
Getting there
Grand Final Day gets extremely busy and crowded, so we recommend catching a train, tram, or bus to the MCG.
There are two train stations close to the MCG – Jolimont (also known as MCG Station) and Richmond. If you’re coming via tram, Routes 75, 48, and 70 all stop near various MCG gates.
Bus route 246 links Clifton Hill Station with Elsternwick Station, providing a useful service for patrons coming from the northern and southern suburbs.
Plan your journey in advance with Transport Victoria.
Where to stay
Choose Airport Tourist Village Melbourne (ATVM) as your accommodation partner for your AFL Grand Final adventures. Book your stay with ATVM for comfort, cosiness, and easy access to all your sporty sightseeing and revelry.
At ATVM, our 2 Bedroom Deluxe Family Cabins are the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience for families and friend groups. Located just 5 minutes from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, the 2 Bedroom Deluxe Family Cabins provide great amenities, including a spacious dining area, bunk beds (great for kids), and a lounge area with a large flat-screen TV for your downtime off the field. The cabins can comfortably accommodate up to six people.
Airport Tourist Village Melbourne (ATVM) is the ideal accommodation for Melbourne event stays. Affordable, accessible, and super comfortable, ATVM offers a range of cabins and facilities to suit the needs of individuals, families, and groups. Located just minutes from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, ATVM really is the top choice for travellers and city-goers wanting to combine convenience with modern comfort.