Ultimate guide to Melbourne’s major sporting events in 2026 and 2027

Major sporting events in Melbourne and Victoria in 2026

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is an iconic stop on The World Surf League Championship Tour. It's held in Torquay, a favourite destination for Melburnians for day trips and mid-week breaks.

Featuring a world‑class field (Molly Picklum, Jack Robinson, Italo Ferreira, Caity Simmers) plus the return of five‑time world champ Carissa Moore, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach - one of the world’s longest‑running pro surfing events (dating back to 1961) - takes place at Australia’s spiritual home of surfing and runs only on days when the surf delivers during the waiting period.

Make a trip of it by pairing the comp with a Great Ocean Road getaway: the route begins in nearby Torquay and is one of Victoria’s classic coastal road trips, dotted with iconic beaches and seaside towns (with Bells Beach itself a worthy stop along the way)

When: April 1-11 2026
Where: Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road
Find out more: surfingvic.com/rip-curl-pro

More: Ultimate Great Ocean Road itinerary: Torquay to Warrnambool

AFL ANZAC Day Match 

The AFL ANZAC Day Match is one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events, held every year to honour Australian and New Zealand service men and women. Played between long‑standing rivals Collingwood and Essendon, the match regularly attracts crowds of more than 90,000 fans.

On Anzac Day, dawn services are held across Melbourne, including the Shrine of Remembrance, and the match takes place mid‑afternoon. A defining feature of the day is the pre‑match ANZAC commemoration ceremony, which includes a military honour guard, the Last Post, a moment of silence, and the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand.

At the conclusion of the match, the best player on the ground is awarded the ANZAC Medal, with past recipients including Scott Pendlebury and James Hird.

When: Saturday 25 April 2026
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground  (MCG)
Find out more: afl.com.au 

More: Ultimate guide to the Shrine of Remembrance and war museums in Victoria

King's Birthday AFL Match

This annual blockbuster between Collingwood and Melbourne has been a fixture of the AFL calendar since 2001. Held every year on the Monday public holiday, the match raises funds and awareness for FightMND, supporting the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. It is also one of the highest‑attended regular season AFL games outside the finals.

When: Monday 8 June 2026
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground  (MCG)
Find out more: afl.com.au 

More: What’s on over the King’s Birthday long weekend in Melbourne and Victoria

Netball Grand Final in 2026

An increasing number of Australians are playing or participating in netball, which is fuelling a growing interest in watching elite netball competitions. The 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season had a total attendance of 386,455 - the biggest in league history and the most attended women's sport league in Australia for the second-year running, according to Netball Australia.

The 2026 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final will be held at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena. The event is expected to draw fans and families from across Victoria and around Australia. 

When: Saturday 4 July
Where: John Cain Arena
Find out more: netball.com.au

AFL Grand Final in 2026

The AFL Grand Final is the most anticipated event on the Australian footy calendar. Held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the game attracts more than 100,000 spectators and millions of viewers across the country.  

It’s not only the game that excites; from pre-match entertainment, live viewings, spirited parades, and halftime shows, the Grand Final week festivities see Melbourne come alive in celebration.  

The MCG is also home to the Australian Sports Museum, which is worth visiting during footy season, which runs from 5 March to 26 September 2026.

When: Saturday 26 September 
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground 
Find out more: afl.com.au 

More: AFL Grand Final ultimate guide

NFL American football in 2026 

The NFL has announced the San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams in the league’s first-ever regular season game in Melbourne at the MCG, as part of a record nine international games in 2026.

The game reflects the NFL’s growing presence in Australia, where it has more than 7.5 million fans and has invested in local development through its regional office, NFL Flag program and the NFL Academy APAC.

When: TBC
Where: MCG
Find out more: nfl.com/Melbourne

Spring Racing Carnival in 2026

Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival brings together fashion, food, and some of Australia’s most prestigious horse races. 

The Spring Racing Carnival runs from September to November. Key races include the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate on 24 October 2026 and the “race that stops a nation”, the Melbourne Cup, held on 3 November 2026. Each event offers its own mix of traditions and trackside entertainment. 

When: September to November 2026 
Where: Flemington, Caulfield & Moonee Valley Racecourses 
Find out more: racingvictoria.com.au 

NRL Grand Final in 2026

While the NRL Grand Final is held in Sydney, it earns its place in this Melbourne guide thanks to the city’s strong connection to the sport and the passionate following of the Melbourne Storm. When the Storm reach the decider, thousands of Melbourne supporters travel north to be part of the atmosphere, turning the Grand Final into a major event for local fans whether they’re attending in person or watching from home.

Even when the match is played interstate, Grand Final day is keenly felt across Melbourne. Sports bars and pubs come alive with watch parties, jerseys and pre‑game excitement, making it a standout date on the city’s sporting calendar. Whether you’re heading to Sydney or staying local, the NRL Grand Final remains a big occasion for Melbourne sports lovers.

When: Sunday 4 October 2026
Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney 
Find out more: nrl.com 

More: 10 best stops on a Melbourne to Sydney road trip

MotoGP Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2026

It's your last chance to see the MotoGP at the picturesque Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Watch the world’s best – and emerging – riders compete across three championship classes over three thrilling days. The Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit has hosted the event since 1997, but the high-octane racing will move to Adelaide in 2027.

There’s more to the MotoGP than racing, with off-track events like meeting the competitors at Gardner Village, entertainment on the Fan Forum Stage, and a chance to inspect the latest motorcycles and apparel at the GP Expo.  Phillip Island is also one of the best places to see fairy penguins and migrating whales during winter. 

When: 25 October 2026
Where: Phillip Island, Victoria 
Find out more: motogp.com.au 

More: The best things to do and see on Phillip Island

Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo in 2026

Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo is a challenging 122 km road cycling event held on fully closed roads along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road. The event forms part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, making it an official qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Riders who finish in the top 25 per cent of their age group earn qualification for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, which will be held in Niseko, Japan from 26–30 August 2026.

In addition to the competitive age‑group race, the event offers a range of non‑competitive recreational rides catering to cyclists of all abilities, including 122 km, 90km, 45km and 3km rides.

The race honours Amy Gillett, an elite Australian cyclist who tragically lost her life during championship training. Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo takes place over roads Gillett trained on with the aim of improving safety and awareness between motorists and cyclists.  

To make a long weekend of the race, stay at nearby luxury resort accommodation. 

When: 13 September 2026
Where: Lorne & Great Ocean Road region 
Find out more: granfondoguide.com

AFLW Grand Final in 2026

As women’s footy continues to gain momentum, so does the AFLW Grand Final. More than 12,000 spectators attended the sold-out event at Ikon Park in Melbourne in 2025.  

Now a prominent fixture on Australia’s sporting calendar, the 2026 AFLW Grand Final will celebrate its 11th year. If Melbourne secure a spot in the 2026 final, it’s anticipated you’ll be able to join the passionate crowds at the MCG. 

When: TBC
Where: Venue TBC 
Find out more: womens.afl.com.au

More: The best free things to do in Melbourne

Boxing Day Test in 2026

Cricket fans won’t want to miss the Boxing Day Test, a true Melbourne institution that sees Australia take on a visiting international side at the MCG. The match is a centrepiece of the summer sporting calendar and draws enormous crowds year after year.

Australia’s 2026–27 Test summer begins with fixtures against Bangladesh in August, followed by a tour of South Africa, before the team returns home for a highly anticipated series against New Zealand. The Boxing Day Test is confirmed as the third Test of that trans‑Tasman series, and with the Aussies facing the Kiwis, crowd numbers are expected to exceed 80,000 to 90,000 people.

Beyond the action on the field, the day offers a festival‑like atmosphere, with live entertainment, food trucks and family‑friendly activities adding to the appeal of one of Melbourne’s biggest sporting occasions.

When: 26–30 December 2026 
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground 
Find out more: cricket.com.au 

Australian Open in 2027

One of Melbourne’s most iconic summer sporting events, the Australian Open is part of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Over two weeks in January, witness the thrill of world-class tennis at Melbourne Park, including the nail-biting final matches held at Rod Laver Arena. 

At Federation Square, enjoy the popular AO precinct, a lively place for fans to get into the Australian Open spirit. Live music, food trucks, pop-up Melbourne restaurants, and children’s activities keep the whole family entertained. 

When: 11 - 31 January 2027 
Where: Melbourne Park 
Find out more: ausopen.com 

More: Ultimate guide to the Australian Open

Vic Open golf tournament in 2027

The Vic Open is a prestigious Australian golf tournament held annually at 13th Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula. It features both men's and women's professional and amateur golfers competing on the same course for separate trophies and prize money. The tournament has a rich history, with the men's event dating back to 1958 and the women's event to 1988.

The Vic Open is a free and dog friendly event that goes over four days, with food trucks, and other fun activities. There are regular bus services (Route 55) from Geelong Railway Station to Ocean Grove, with a bus stop directly opposite 13th Beach Golf Links.

If you're keen to play golf yourself, there is luxury accommodation at Torquay, with a golf course, restaurants, EV chargers and a day spa on hand.

When: TBC January 2027
Where: 13th Beach Golf Links, Bellarine Peninsula
Find out more: golf.org.au/vicopen

More: What to do in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in 2027

Every March, Albert Park transforms into a high-speed racetrack when the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix hits town. More than 400,000 people descend on Albert Park for this high-decibel event to witness some of the world’s best drivers battle for pole position. 

Along with edge-of-your-seat racing, the four-day event includes aerial displays, live music, and off-track entertainment in the Fan Zone, suitable for all ages (bring ear protection for children). For Formula 1 fanatics, the opportunity to walk down Pit Lane, pose with the F1 trophy, and visit the F1 Paddock should not be missed. 

When: 5-8 March 2026, TBC March 2027
Where: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit 
Find out more: grandprix.com.au 

More: Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix Melbourne guide

Avalon Airport International Airshow in 2027

Showcasing the best in aviation and aerospace, the Avalon Airshow is one of the largest events of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.  

Held biennially, the Avalon Airport International Airshow includes trade days plus three action-packed days of public airshows. The gravity-defying flying displays, military aircraft to inspect, touch, and sometimes climb into, and family-friendly experiences make for a fun-filled day out. 

When: TBC March 2027
Where: Avalon Airport, Geelong 

Find out more: airshow.com.au