31/08/2026
Here’s where to soak up AFL Finals season across Melbourne’s Inner North. 🏉
Melbourne comes alive in September when finals footy rolls around, and in 2026 there’s even more action to enjoy. The new Wildcard Round means ten teams are in the mix and finals footy stretches across five weeks, culminating in the AFL Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday 26 September.
So, where are we watching?
In Brunswick, the Railway Hotel brings the big-game atmosphere with screens inside and out in the beer garden, while the Sporting Club Hotel is another great local option for settling in for an afternoon of footy.
Over in Northcote, Welcome to Thornbury is showing the action live and loud on the big screens, with food trucks, drinks and its huge beer garden. Northcote Social Club is another local favourite, with its beer-garden deck ready for Grand Final day.
Head further south and The Terminus in Fitzroy North is known for its footy celebrations, while The Great Northern in Carlton North combines the game with one of the Inner North’s favourite leafy beer gardens.
Prefer to make a family day of it? The free Macca’s Footy Festival takes over Yarra Park from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 September, with player appearances, kids’ activities, live music and food trucks.
Then there’s the Grand Final Parade on Friday 25 September. With the Friday before the Grand Final a Victorian public holiday, it’s the perfect excuse to make a long weekend of it.
And if footy isn’t your thing? Take advantage of a quieter Melbourne and wander your favourite local high street, visit a market or spend the day at a gallery or museum.
Whether you’re watching every minute or happily avoiding the game altogether, there’s plenty to enjoy this finals season.