AFL Footy Festival 2019

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 all to yourself. But it 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. As well as lots of activities and the Grand Final Eve concert (which is headlined by Bird of Tokyo this year) on Friday afternoon, the best part of the fest is the food offering. Seek out the Taste of Footy area for food from culinary heavy-hitters Biggie Smalls, Taco Truck and Bluebonnet Barbecue — that's along with other multiple bars and vendors selling everything from jaffles to fried chicken to bubble tea.

Yarra Park will be pumping with live entertainment, kids' activities and broadcasts from 10am–6pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am–6pm 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, however.

Images: Kelly Defina.