Live music, roaring crowds, traditions of pride and glee — the AFL Grand Final isn’t just a game; it’s a spectacle. It’s a celebration of footy, culture, and community – one that showcases the passion Aussies have for our beloved sport. Before the first siren blares and the players hit the field, there’s a buzz in the air felt around the country. From the fans watching in their sitting rooms to those who flock to the stadium, the nation is gripped by a sense of anticipation that’s almost as exciting as the final itself.

So, what are some of these AFL Grand Final entertainment rituals? What can we expect from this year’s celebrations?

In this guide, we explore all this and more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the ride, these are some of the activities and events that make AFL Grand Final Day an event unlike any other.

Footy Festival: Fun for All Ages

Running from 25-28 September 2024, Footy Festival is back and bigger than ever. Featuring player appearances, giveaways, food trucks, and live music performances, the festival turns Yarra Park into a veritable playground for footy fans of all ages.

If you’re heading over with the family, be sure to check out kid-friendly installations like the Build-a-Bear Workshop and the Schweppes Ice Rink, a new addition to this year’s festival. Don’t forget to swing by the AFL PLAY Zone while you’re there. Complete with games and inflatables, it’s the perfect place for your energetic kiddos to blow off some steam.

Or, if you’re an adults-only space, check out ‘The Pub’, hosted by Carlton Draught. Here, footy fans 18 and over will enjoy an incredible view of the MCG as well as some fun events like pub trivia, music, and a watch party on Grand Final Day. The best part? Entry to the festival is totally free. So, you don’t have to break the bank to get in on the fun. That said, certain activities (like the Schweppes Ice Rink) do require a paid ticket.

March of Champions: The AFL Grand Final Parade

One of the most iconic pre-final celebrations is, of course, the AFL Grand Final Parade. Held on Friday 27 September 2024 (Victoria’s Grand Final public holiday), the parade will take over the city, bringing together an estimated 250,000 fans, coaches, and players from competing sides.

This year, the parade route has changed once again, with the league calling it more “fan-friendly”. The new path will see players start at Melbourne Park Oval, travelling through the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct to Birrarung Marr. They’ll then walk past the world-famous MCG and finish their journey at the AFL Footy Festival. Along the way, there will be more spectator locations where parade-goers can watch from the sidelines and hope to catch a glimpse of their favourite players.

The parade kicks off at 10:30 am local time. If you’re hoping to experience the action firsthand, we recommend getting there nice and early — it’s guaranteed to be a busy day!

Hear Us Roar: An A-List Headliner for the Pre-Match Show

No list of AFL Grand Final entertainment would be complete without a mention of the pre-match show. In past years, the MCG has been graced with the presence of some incredible artists, from Olivia Newtown-John to Ed Sheeran to Tones and I.

This year is no exception, with none other than international pop star Katy Perry headlining. Perry is one of the best-selling music artists with more than 115 billion streams and 143 million records sold worldwide. Her hits like “Roar”, “Teenage Dream”, and “Firework” have reached multi-platinum status and earned her countless music accolades, including five Billboard Music Awards, 14 People’s Choice Awards, and even four Guinness World Records.

“I’m so excited to be back in Australia and back at the mighty MCG to perform in front of 100,000 of the best and loudest fans in the world at this year’s Toyota AFL Grand Final. See you in September Oi Oi Oi!” Perry said following the announcement of her performance.

https://x.com/katyperry/status/1816228909735928127 While Perry will be performing ahead of the match, the entertainment doesn’t end there. There will also be some incredible entertainment at the halfway mark. Though the lineup has yet to be announced for the halftime show for the AFL Grand Final 2024, it’s sure to be amazing. In past years, halftime appearances have featured performers like Boom Crash Opera and Mark Seymour & The Undertow.