Special Event

AFL Grand Final Parade 2026

Name: AFL Grand Final Parade 2026
Start: 2026-09-25T09:00:00+00:00
Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne

Date

Friday 25 September 2026

9:00 am

Venue

Melbourne Park

Tickets

Experience the AFL Grand Final Parade as it begins its journey at Melbourne Park ahead of the big game this September.

The motorcade begins at John Cain Arena, a new starting location for 2026, before passing through the Melbourne Park precinct, including the iconic Rod Laver Arena and Garden Square. It then exits into Birrarung Marr and finishes at Footy Fest in Yarra Park, where both teams will be presented on stage.

Entry via Olympic Boulevard or Garden Square is free, with Melbourne Park Oval offering the best spot for families to follow the parade route, alongside entertainment, activations and big screens.

For more parade information and to help plan your experience, visit our Ultimate Guide.

Running Times

Public Access: 8:00 am
Start Time: 9:00 am
Pre-Parade Entertainment: 9:30 am
Parade: 10:30 to 11:30 am
Event Concludes: 12:00 pm

Note: Times are approx. and subject to change without notice.

Important Event Information

There are several options for your journey to Melbourne Park:
- Public transport is the quickest and easiest option. Before you attend, plan ahead and allow extra travel time for any major disruptions.
- Parking is available at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard). We strongly recommend pre-booking as drive-up spaces are subject to availability. Bookings close at midnight the night before the event.
  - Note: Accessible parking must be booked in advance via AXS. Book early, as spaces are limited.
All retail outlets are cashless. Any transactions must be made using a credit or debit card.

Note: Events may contain sequences of flashing lights, lasers, strobes, haze and pyrotechnics which may affect photosensitive guests, and those with other medical conditions.

Promotional graphic showcasing the AXS and Melbourne Park partnership.

AFL Grand Final Parade

The AFL Grand Final Parade is an iconic, family-friendly event on the Australian sporting calendar, bringing the competing teams in the AFL’s showpiece event together with fans on the eve of the big game.

Players and officials from both teams are paraded through Melbourne’s streets, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks before the celebrations conclude at Footy Fest in Yarra Park. Here, both teams are presented on stage, giving fans the chance to see their favourite players up close and soak up the excitement AFL Grand Final week.