Footy Fest 2026: Four Days of Free School Holiday Fun

The countdown to the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final is on, and Melbourne’s favourite footy celebration is back. The Footy Fest returns to Yarra Park from Wednesday 23 September to Saturday 26 September, with an AFL Play zone, loads of entertainment and free entry for everyone.

Footy Fest: School Holiday Fun For Kids

School holidays are getting a serious footy makeover! Footy Fest is taking over Yarra Park at the MCG from 23 to 26 September 2026, delivering jam-packed days of family fun, live entertainment, player appearances, and plenty of hands-on activities for kids from toddlers to tweens.

Head to the dedicated Bunnings Kids Zone stage for high-energy entertainment, including headline performances from The Mik Maks. Kids can also get creative with colouring-in stations, bubbles and magic, with a program packed with music, comedy and interactive shows across Wednesday and Thursday.

Young footy fans can sharpen their skills at free Auskick Clinics, while the Coles Healthy Kicks inflatable obstacle courses bring plenty of energetic school holiday action. Kids can also meet mascots, collect Macca's Captains cards and enjoy some classic kick-to-kick fun.

Find Yourself in Footy

The AFL PLAY Clubhouse, located within the AFL PLAY Zone, is the ultimate starting point for discovering the many ways to play. Built around the idea of “Find Yourself in Footy”, the AFL PLAY Clubhouse invites families, kids and footy fans of all ages to explore, play, watch and learn through a range of interactive activities and immersive experiences. Whether you're stepping into the shoes of an umpire through VR, designing your own footy t-shirt or simply having a kick, there's something for everyone to enjoy. You don’t need to be a footy expert to participate, as the AFL PLAY Zone encourages visitors to discover what footy can mean to them.

Footy Fest is a free family day out in Melbourne with plenty to keep the kids busy. Come along, get stuck in and make a day of it at Yarra Park!

Where:   Yarra Park, East Melbourne
When:    Wednesday 23 - Saturday 26 September 2026
Cost:      FREE Entry

Get in on it! For more information, visit Footy Fest 2026.

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