Footy Festival returns to Yarra Park in 2024

AFL fans can experience the spirit of September inside and outside of the MCG in the lead up to the 2024 AFL Grand Final when the Footy Festival kicks off in Yarra Park on Wednesday September 25.

Free to enter, Yarra Park will come alive with events and activities for all ages from Wednesday September 25 through to AFL Grand Final Day, Saturday September 28.

New for 2024 is the Schweppes Ice Rink where fans will be able to take to the ice on all four days of the Festival. This cool new experience offers 40-minute ice skating sessions with skate hire also included in your ticket. Book your tickets in advance here to lock in your time on the ice.

Returning Festival favourites include the Toyota Feeling It stage, Macca’s Fry-Thru, Bunnings Fan Warehouse and Coles Healthy Kicks Fitness Zone plus entertainment, player appearances, giveaways and more.

On Friday September 27 the AFL Grand Final Parade will make its way from Melbourne Park Oval through Melbourne Park Precinct to Birrarung Marr, over the walk bridge and into the MCG Yarra Park Precinct, finishing at the Footy Festival.

The Parade will commence at approximately 10.30am before the Grand Final teams and 2024 AFL Premiership Cup are presented on the Footy Festival main stage at approximately midday.

For more information on the Grand Final Parade including the best viewing spots, click here.

Following the Grand Final Parade both the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions will hold open training sessions ahead of their Grand Final appearances. The Sydney Swans will take to the Ground at 12.30pm, followed by the Brisbane Lions at 1.30pm. Sydney Swans fans can enter via Gate 1 from 12.00pm. Brisbane Lions fans can enter via Gates 4 and 5 from 12.00pm.

Inside the MCG fans can take a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the AFL Grand Final in the lead up to the biggest day on the footy calendar with an MCG Tour.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in some of the greatest moments in AFL and sporting history at the Australian Sports Museum, located at Gate 3 of the MCG.

Bookings for both the Australian Sports Museum and MCG Tours are essential so book in advance to avoid disappointment! For more information, opening times and to book click here.

Visit the Footy Festival from 10.00am on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September, 9.00am on Friday September 27 and 8.00am on Saturday September 28. For full opening times, an events schedule, maps and more visit afl.com.au/footy-festival.