AFL Grand Final Day, officially known as “Friday before the AFL Grand Final” or “AFL Grand Final Friday,” is Victoria’s newest public holiday, introduced in 2015. This regional public holiday occurs annually on the Friday preceding the Australian Football League Grand Final, creating a long weekend for Victorian residents to celebrate Australia’s premier football event.
The public holiday specifically applies to Victoria only and falls on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final, which traditionally takes place on the last Saturday in September at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
AFL Grand Final Day Dates 2024-2030
Here are the confirmed and projected dates for the AFL Grand Final Day public holiday in Victoria:
Confirmed Dates
2024: Friday, 27 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 28 September)
2025: Friday, 26 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 27 September)
Projected Dates (Based on Traditional Last Saturday in September)
2026: Friday, 25 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 26 September)
2027: Friday, 24 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 25 September)
2028: Friday, 29 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 30 September)
2029: Friday, 28 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 29 September)
2030: Friday, 27 September (Grand Final: Saturday, 28 September)
Note: Future dates are projected based on the AFL’s traditional scheduling of the Grand Final on the last Saturday in September. Official dates are typically confirmed by the AFL closer to each season.
What is AFL Grand Final Day?
History and Background
The AFL Grand Final Day public holiday was introduced by the Victorian Government in 2015 under Premier Daniel Andrews. The decision was made to:
– Recognise the cultural significance of the AFL Grand Final to Victorian society
– Allow fans to participate in Grand Final celebrations and the traditional Grand Final Parade
– Boost tourism and economic activity in Melbourne
– Create a long weekend leading into the Grand Final
Official Name and Terminology
The public holiday is officially known by several names:
Friday before the AFL Grand Final
AFL Grand Final Friday
Grand Final Eve
AFL Grand Final Day (Victoria)
Who Gets the AFL Grand Final Day Public Holiday?
Geographic Coverage
The AFL Grand Final Day public holiday applies to:
Victoria only – This is a state-specific public holiday
All metropolitan Melbourne areas
All regional Victorian areas
Victorian government employees
Most private sector employees in Victoria
Employee Entitlements
Victorian employees are entitled to:
A paid day off if they normally work Fridays
Penalty rates if required to work on the public holiday
Time off in lieu if they work on the public holiday
Normal public holiday entitlements under the Fair Work Act
What’s Open and Closed on AFL Grand Final Day
Government Services
Victorian Government offices: Closed
Local council offices: Closed
Courts: Closed
Public transport: Modified schedules (usually enhanced services to the city)
Retail and Hospitality
Major shopping centres: Open (many retailers choose to trade)
Restaurants and cafes: Most open (especially in the city)
Pubs and bars: Open (busy day for hospitality)
Supermarkets: Most open
Entertainment and Tourism
Melbourne CBD attractions: Open
Museums and galleries: Most open
Grand Final Parade: Major event (Friday morning)
AFL Grand Final: Saturday (not a public holiday)
AFL Grand Final Parade and Events
The Friday public holiday enables Victorians to attend the traditional Grand Final Parade, which typically features:
Grand Final team players and officials
Parade through Melbourne CBD streets
Family-friendly entertainment
AFL legends and personalities
Community celebrations
Grand Final Weekend Activities
The long weekend created by the Friday public holiday includes:
Friday: Grand Final Parade and celebrations
Saturday: AFL Grand Final at the MCG
Sunday: Recovery and family time
Economic Impact of AFL Grand Final Day
Tourism Benefits
The AFL Grand Final Day public holiday contributes significantly to Victoria’s economy through:
Increased domestic tourism to Melbourne
Hotel and accommodation bookings
Restaurant and retail spending
Transport and entertainment revenue
Business Considerations
Businesses should consider:
Penalty rates: Staff working on the public holiday are entitled to penalty rates
Planning: Many businesses experience increased trade on the Friday
Staffing: Popular day for staff to request time off
Customer patterns: Increased foot traffic in entertainment precincts
Workplace Rights and Obligations
Employee Rights
Victorian employees have the right to:
Take the day off as a public holiday (if they normally work Fridays)
Receive public holiday pay rates
Refuse to work unless reasonably required by their employer
Request time off in lieu if they do work
Employer Obligations
Victorian employers must:
Pay public holiday rates to employees who work
Provide reasonable notice if requiring employees to work
Follow award and enterprise agreement provisions
Respect employee requests for time off where possible
AFL Grand Final Day vs Other States
Victoria Only
It’s important to note that AFL Grand Final Day is:
Victoria only – Not a public holiday in other Australian states
Different from other state’s Grand Final arrangements
Unique to Victoria’s strong AFL culture and heritage
Other States
South Australia: No equivalent public holiday
Western Australia: No equivalent public holiday
New South Wales: No equivalent public holiday
Queensland: No equivalent public holiday
Planning Your AFL Grand Final Long Weekend
For Families
Book accommodation early if visiting Melbourne
Plan to attend the Grand Final Parade on Friday morning
Consider family-friendly venues for Grand Final viewing
Take advantage of the long weekend for mini-breaks
For Businesses
Plan staffing requirements well in advance
Consider special promotions for the long weekend
Prepare for increased customer demand
Ensure compliance with public holiday pay rates
For Tourists
Book Melbourne accommodation months in advance
Purchase Grand Final tickets through official AFL channels
Plan transport to and from the MCG
Explore Melbourne’s dining and entertainment precincts
AFL Grand Final Day FAQs
Is AFL Grand Final Day a public holiday in all of Australia?
No, AFL Grand Final Day (the Friday before the Grand Final) is only a public holiday in Victoria. Other states do not observe this public holiday.
Do I get paid if I don’t work on AFL Grand Final Day?
If you’re a Victorian employee who normally works Fridays, you’re entitled to be paid for the public holiday even if you don’t work.
Can my employer make me work on AFL Grand Final Day?
Your employer can request you work, but you have the right to refuse unless it’s reasonable for your employer to require you to work based on your role and industry.
What if AFL Grand Final Day falls on a weekend?
If the Friday before the Grand Final falls on a weekend (which it cannot, as it’s always a Friday), or if the Grand Final is moved to a different day, the Victorian Government typically adjusts the public holiday date accordingly.
Is the AFL Grand Final itself a public holiday?
No, the AFL Grand Final (which occurs on Saturday) is not a public holiday. Only the Friday before is a public holiday in Victoria.
Key Takeaways
Victoria Exclusive: AFL Grand Final Day is only a public holiday in Victoria
Annual Event: Occurs every year on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final
Long Weekend: Creates a three-day weekend for Victorian residents
Economic Boost: Significant positive impact on Melbourne’s tourism and hospitality sectors
Employee Rights: Victorian workers have standard public holiday entitlements
Cultural Significance: Recognises the AFL’s importance to Victorian culture and identity
Contact and Further Information
For official information about AFL Grand Final Day public holiday in Victoria:
For workplace queries about public holiday entitlements, consult your enterprise agreement, award, or contact Fair Work Australia for guidance.
Last updated: August 2025. Dates for 2026-2030 are projected based on traditional AFL scheduling and subject to official AFL confirmation.
AFL Grand Final Friday 2024, 2025 and 2026
The AFL Grand Final holiday is the newest public holiday in the state of Victoria. The date of the holiday is on the Friday preceding the Australian Football League Grand Final. The holiday is also referred to as “AFL Grand Final Friday”.
Year
Date
Day
Holiday
States
2024
27 Sep
Fri
AFL Grand Final Friday
VIC
2025
TBA
AFL Grand Final Friday
VIC
2026
TBA
AFL Grand Final Friday
VIC
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years’ dates.
“Grand Final Friday” has been promoted by the current government of Victoria and is a campaign promise kept for the sitting Victorian Premier. Despite the economic costs, which are estimated at $850 million by a 28-day government study, supporters of the new holiday hold it up as a chance to spend more time with family and friends. Of course, it is also a chance to celebrate Australia’s national game, football, which sometimes seems closer to a “fanatical obsession” than a mere pastime.
This is not the only sports holiday in Victoria, since the state already had celebrated Melbourne Cup Day. Thus, Australia’s love for aussie rules, at least as strong as its love for horse racing, now has achieved a symbolic status by its stopping of a state for a full day.
The sport of football has deep roots in Victoria. The Australian Football League (AFL) was originally known as the Victorian Football League (VFL) because all of its teams were within the bounds of Victoria. From 1897 through 1989, it was the VFL, but in 1990, the league’s expansion during the 80s to four other states was finally recognised by the name change.
There are now 18 teams in the AFL, at least one in every state but Tasmania. The AFL season has three parts: a pre-season, a regular season from March till September, and a play off season. The play offs involve the eight teams with the best records and run four rounds. They culminate in the AFL Grand Final, which always is held in the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
AFL Grand Final Holiday Events
The things you don’t want to miss if in Victoria on AFL Grand Final Holiday are as follows:
The parade. Thousands line the streets to watch the parade pass by on Grand Final Eve. You will see fans dressed in full uniform, waving flags, colourful balloons, team mascots, and more as the parade moves from the Old Treasury Building, past the CBD, and to the stadium.
The Central Business District (CBD). This will be the most bustling part of town. You will see numerous souvenir shops where you can buy T-shirts, beanies, scarves, and more with team colours and logos. There are plenty of quality cafes and bakeries to stop and relax at as well.
