With just a week to go until the action kicks off in South Australia, the AFL has unveiled a lineup of activities for fans as part of the 2026 AFL Gather Round…A Festival of Footy, headlined by the return of the Macca’s Footy Festival.
After drawing more than 100,000 fans last year, Elder Park will once again host the Macca’s Footy Festival from Thursday, 9 April to Sunday, 12 April.
Open from 10am to 10pm each day with free entry throughout Gather Round, the Macca’s Footy Festival promises entertainment for fans of all ages. Highlights include food trucks and licensed bars, giveaways, player appearances, and the return of the iconic 150-metre zip line across the River Torrens.
McDonald’s Australia has teamed up with the AFL for the third year in a row to bring the Macca’s Footy Festival to life.
Fans can grab a barista-made coffee from the McCafé Cart, snap up a free personalised AFL Player Card at the Macca’s Player Card photobooth, and soak up the fun on the Giant Golden Arches swing set.
New this year is the Macca’s Soft Serve Truck, which will be on hand to help fans cool down with their favourite soft serve.
Beyond Elder Park, Norwood Oval and Barossa Park will host free live sites outside each venue, featuring local food and beverage vendors and big screens broadcasting all the on-field action. At Barossa Park, fans can also enjoy scenic views of the Barossa from a Ferris wheel.
For the third year running, Rundle Mall will join the AFL Gather Round festivities with four immersive zones. This includes AFL Store Van, a live DJ, trick-shot challenges, player appearances, a Style Bar, and an AFL Arcade featuring AFL26, arcade games, and claw machines.
Fans can also check out a giant inflatable gold Sherrin and take part in an exclusive Sherrin giveaway to celebrate Rundle Mall’s 50th birthday.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Bec Haagsma said fans can expect an even bigger AFL Gather Round both on and off the field this year.
“This year’s Gather Round is shaping up to be the biggest Festival of Footy yet, and the AFL is excited to once again deliver a wide range of fun, free activities across the city, Norwood and the Barossa, ensuring fans all ages can be part of the action,” Haagsma said.
“Thank to our valued partner McDonald’s for their continued support of the Macca’s Footy Festival. We can’t wait to welcome another huge crowd across the four days and showcase some of the best South Australia has to offer.”
McDonald’s Australia Senior Marketing Director Mary Vrancic said:
“Gather Round is a standout moment on the AFL calendar, and we’re proud to be partnering with the AFL for the third year running to deliver the Macca’s Footy Festival.
“It’s a chance to connect with fans, support local communities and create unforgettable moments across South Australia during an incredible week of footy.”
The Macca’s Footy Festival will run from 10am to 10pm daily from Thursday, 9 April to Sunday, 12 April. For more information, visit afl.com.au/gather-round/footy-festival/
