THIS year's Footy Festival focuses on the best of Melbourne, including food, fun, music, activities for kids and – of course – football.

The Footy Festival will be held at Yarra Park, outside gate three at the MCG, from Wednesday-Saturday, September 26-29. Entry is free all four days.

The festival will feature something for fans of all ages, with plenty to do at the Toyota AFL Grand Final Live Site, a variety of tasty treats to sample from the likes of Biggie Smalls, Toasta, San Antone, Taco Truck and Manny's Doughnuts at the Taste of Football, and fun and games for youngsters at the Milo Kids Zone.

Below: North Melbourne defender and festival ambassador Majak Daw and Biggie Smalls' Shane Delia

One of the highlights of the footy year is the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade, which starts at the Old Treasury Building on Spring Street and concludes at the festival site on Friday, September 28. The Fox FM Grand Final eve concert featuring and DJ Horizon and Thundamentals will follow the parade.

Fans who can't attend the Grand Final can watch the premiership-decider on Saturday, September 29, on big screens set up in the festival precinct.

There'll be appearances by a host of AFL and AFLW players over the four days, plus outside broadcasts by AFL radio and television partners.

FESTIVAL TIMES

Wednesday, September 26: 10am-6pm

Thursday, September 27: 10am-6pm

Friday, September 28: 9am-8pm

Saturday, September 29: 9am-7pm 

Go to footyfestival.afl for a full schedule of events, including times for player appearances.