What Is Happening in Melbourne This Weekend?
Melbourne's weekend lineup includes the AFL Grand Final, Grand Final Parade, Moon Fest Market, Chinatown's Lion and Dragon Festival, Light Up Melbourne, markets and family activities, making it a busy weekend for visitors and locals alike.
Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
3 min read
In this article
If you're wondering what is happening in Melbourne this weekend, there is plenty to see and do from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September 2026. Melbourne is celebrating the AFL Grand Final weekend with sporting events, free city activities, cultural festivals, markets, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The Grand Final public holiday falls on Friday 25 September, with the AFL Grand Final taking place at the MCG on Saturday 26 September.
Whether you're a sports fan, travelling with family, interested in culture or simply looking for something different to do, Melbourne has several options across the city this weekend.
AFL Grand Final Weekend
The 2026 AFL Grand Final takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, 26 September. The match is scheduled for 2:30pm, making Saturday one of the busiest days of the weekend for football fans around Melbourne.
Even if you don't have a ticket to the MCG, you can still experience the atmosphere in the city. Federation Square will show the Grand Final on a large outdoor screen, with the broadcast starting at noon and the match beginning at 2:30pm. The event is free and does not require bookings.
Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade
The excitement begins before the match with the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade on Friday, 25 September.
The parade begins at Melbourne Park Oval, with live entertainment from 9am before the parade starts at 10:30am. It then travels through the city and continues towards Footy Fest at Yarra Park. The event is free and provides an opportunity to experience the Grand Final atmosphere without needing a match ticket.
Moon Fest Market at Docklands
For something different from football, visit the Moon Fest Market at the World Trade Centre in Docklands on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.
The free two-day market celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival and features creative stalls, handmade products and cultural workshops. Visitors can try activities such as lantern making, traditional fan painting, mosaic coaster making and Chinese zodiac charm making. The market runs from 12pm to 5pm on both days.
Chinatown Lion and Dragon Moon Festival
On Saturday 26 September, Melbourne's Chinatown will host its Lion and Dragon Dance Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
The celebration brings traditional lion and dragon dancing to the city, creating a colourful atmosphere with performances, music and cultural activities. It is a free event and can be a good option for visitors who want to experience one of Melbourne's multicultural celebrations.
Light Up Melbourne
If you're exploring Melbourne after dark, Light Up Melbourne continues until Saturday, 26 September.
The free event transforms well-known Melbourne landmarks into large-scale canvases for digital artworks. Projections can be seen at locations including Melbourne Town Hall, Hamer Hall and Flinders Street Station, with Saturday evening projections scheduled from 7pm to 10pm.
Markets and Weekend Shopping
If you prefer a slower weekend, Melbourne's markets are another option. The Moon Fest Market runs across Saturday and Sunday, while the Southbank Makers Market takes place on Sunday at Southgate.
You can also explore Queen Victoria Market, one of Melbourne's best-known markets, for food, fresh produce, souvenirs and local products.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families also have several options during the long weekend. Footy Fest runs from 23–26 September with football-related activities, live entertainment and opportunities for families to get involved.
Other exhibitions and school-holiday activities are also running around Melbourne, including creative workshops and museum experiences.
What Should You Do This Weekend?
Melbourne offers different experiences depending on what you enjoy. Sports fans can experience the AFL Grand Final atmosphere, while families can explore markets and cultural activities. Visitors interested in arts and photography can check out the city's evening projections, while food lovers can combine their weekend plans with Melbourne's cafés, restaurants and markets.
Quick Weekend Guide
Friday, 25 September
Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade
Footy Fest
Grand Final weekend celebrations
Light Up Melbourne projections
Saturday, 26 September
AFL Grand Final
Grand Final on the Big Screen at Federation Square
Chinatown Lion and Dragon Moon Festival
Moon Fest Market
Light Up Melbourne
Sunday, 27 September
Moon Fest Market
Southbank Makers Market
Melbourne's cafés, restaurants and attractions
Family-friendly activities and exhibitions
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