AFL Gather Round

Thursday 9 April - Sunday 12 April 2026

Expect non-stop city-wide action over four days as Adelaide becomes the centre of footy fever during the 2026 AFL Gather Round, when all 18 AFL clubs descend upon South Australia for round five of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

It’s time to gather your crew and lace up your boots—there’s so much to see and do in Adelaide during Gather Round. Enrich your stay and discover more about:

Find your Fan Hub

Get in on the action off the field! Immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the city with activations across various key locations. So don your team’s colours and join us in the city where there’s always something on offer. Scroll for a preview of what's on.

Ball in the Mall - AFL Gather Round Fan Hub

See the inflatable Sherrin, meet footy heroes, visit the styling bar, listen to DJ's and put your skills to the test or win huge prizes! Plus, shop longer as the Mall opens 'til 6:00pm on Saturday 11 April.

Macca's Footy Festival

Head to Elder Park for free activities including a 150m long zip line, entertainment for all ages, food trucks and licensed bars.

Game Day at Home Ground

The festivities start right in the heart of Adelaide’s vibrant riverbank precinct. Think great spirits, delicious eats and DJ vibes.

Adelaide's Home of Festival of Footy - Your Meeting Place

Just a stone's throw from Adelaide Oval, meet your mates at The Strath! Catch up for a pint and feed (with plenty of pre-game specials) before you head in, or enjoy every match live and loud on the big screen.

SkyCity Festival of Footy

Head to Station Lane during Gather Round, bringing together live broadcasts, bars and activations enhancing your game-day energy.

Gather Round Footy Clinics

The SANFL and the AFL Clubs will coordinate a range of NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick activities during the clinic, providing a fun experience for children aged 5 - 12.

Festival of Footy at Union Hotel

From the first bounce to the final siren, its non-stop footy, big screens, loud crowd, cold beers, and not missing a moment at Union Hotel. Start here, end here, or make them your base between games.

Gather Together at the National Wine Centre

The Wined Bar at the National Wine Centre is the perfect spot to grab a glass of something delicious and a tasty bite to eat, whilst warming up before heading to the action. They even have an exclusive offer on Shiraz from the Barossa Valley Region paired with a cheese board.

City Wide Action

We have even more AFL Gather Round exclusives for die-hard fans, from opportunities to meet your favourite players to competitions that bring out your competitive spirit! Find out what's else is on.

Run 4 Your Club

Fans from all 18 AFL clubs will participate and represent their team in a friendly club-versus-club competition of a 4km run or walk during Gather Round 2026 in Adelaide.

Player Appearances at Elder Park

Meet your favourite AFL players at Macca's Footy Fest, Elder Park. featuring a live Q&A on the main stage and a player signing. Find out when your favourite players are there.

Western Bulldogs Open Training

Watch your favourite Bulldogs train as they gear up for game day and enjoy the chance to meet players and take photos at Adelaide Oval.

Free 3D Skin Checks at AFL Gather Roun

Prioritise your skin health at the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation's 3D Skin Check Mobile Clinic. Located at the Macca's Footy Festival in Elder Park. They're offering free, full-body skin checks to the public.

Here For A Good Time? Gather Your Crew

Whether you’re here for the goals or the good time (or both!), you can find an array of experiences to enjoy pre- and post-match, special dining offers, and live game-day promotions in our city neighbourhoods. Each corner of the city tells its own story, inviting you to be part of the vibrancy.

North Adelaide

Experience historic pubs, boutiques, bespoke cafes and cosmopolitan dining and bars

East End

Adelaide’s East End is teeming with style, culture and entertainment

South East

Find a village-like cluster of cafés and restaurants along Hutt Street

South West

A beloved foodie destination famous for the Adelaide Central Market and international cuisine and cultural offerings along Gouger Street and Chinatown

West End

Immerse yourself in the beating heart of Adelaide's nightlife

More Things To Do

Have some extra time on your hands? Don't miss out on the heart of shopping, dining and entertainment at Rundle Mall, or a visit to the historic Adelaide Central Market. Keep scrolling for ideas to fill your visit.

5 things to do when you're in town for AFL Gather Round

Free exhibitions, culinary experiences or unmissable theatre shows—whether you're here for the goals or the good times, there's so much more to explore in Adelaide when you're here for AFL Gather Round.

Family-friendly activities during Gather Round

Kids can meet their heroes, make their own Captain Card or test their skills at interactive kids' zones across Adelaide City. Keep the fun going with crazy mini golf, arcades, space exploration and nostalgic playspaces for little punters.

Your AFL Gather Round mates' trip: what to do, where to go and more!

Zip lining, street parties and legendary fried chicken? If you're planning the ultimate mates' trip during Gather Round, we know a spot or two.

Rundle Mall

Rundle Mall is the heart of shopping, dining and entertainment in Adelaide, with global brands and local favourites on offer.

Adelaide Central Market

With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere.

Help me find... a footy pub

If you're seeking somewhere to celebrate your teams win (or even drown your sorrows), look no further!

Gather Round Program

The event-packed weekend goes beyond the adrenaline-pumping matches at Adelaide Oval. Stick around for live performances, player appearances, and more.

Fixture

Discover the match fixture of round five of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Event Schedule

Find out about where to watch open club training, visit player appearances, and experience club activations.

The Pepsi Collective

Enjoy a premium viewing deck for the match by day, while experiencing The Pepsi Collective transform into an entertainment space post-match.

How To Get Around The City

Footy goers can catch FREE public transport to all matches during Gather Round with their valid game day ticket. Free travel will be available from 12:00 pm Thursday and Friday, and all-day Saturday and Sunday.

Learn more

Explore the CBD and North Adelaide with confidence and convenience. Find transport options that will make your AFL Gather Round experience even more enjoyable.

Learn more

UPark Deals

Book online today and guarantee yourself a park at UPark, with prices starting from just $10

Book now

Planning Your Visit

Knowledgeable volunteers can assist you with directions, brochures, maps and journey planning at the Adelaide Visitor Information Centre (open 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday).