AFL Footy Festival 2017

Overview

You don't normally associate the MCG with fine dining — it's more overpriced pies and eating an entire six-pack of hot jam doughnuts to yourself. But it appears that's about to change in the lead up to this year's AFL Grand Final, as some of Melbourne's best restaurants set up outside the 'G.

Part of this year's pre-GF celebrations, Yarra Park will play host to a four-day Footy Festival in the lead-up to the big game, featuring music, movies and some seriously good food. Fancy Hanks, Biggie Smalls, Taco Truck and Gelato Messina are just a few of the heavy-hitters – and you can expect footy-inspired spins on their typical cuisine. You can also have a tipple at one of the pop-up bars, and UberEATS will also be setting up their first restaurant on-site. Clearly the AFL has at least one foodie on the payroll.

Yarra Park will also be home to the Grand Final Live Site, with activities, live entertainment and broadcasts. It will be open from 10–6pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am–6pm on Friday and Saturday. Disclaimer: you will not be allowed to drink your wine out of a Premiership Cup. It will be a good place to get a snack if you're going to the game or just to the free Killers gig afterwards.

Image: Fancy Hanks.