The AFL, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is pleased to announce the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade will be held on Friday September 25, with an enhanced fan experience and exciting new additions to this year's procession.
Broadcast live and exclusively on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade will once again see the iconic Toyota HiLux vehicles carry the Grand Finalists through Melbourne's sporting precinct, giving tens of thousands of fans from across Australia and overseas the opportunity to celebrate the biggest week in Australian sport.
The fan-friendly route will again bypass public roads, providing more viewing opportunities for parade-goers.
Adding to the family-friendly atmosphere of Toyota AFL Grand Final week, Australian entertainment icons The Wiggles will join the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade, travelling in their Wiggles-branded Toyota HiLux Big Red Utes in celebration of their popular 'Big Red Ute' song and a nod to their beloved hit song 'Big Red Car.'
Before the Parade starts at 10.30am AEST, The Wiggles will perform at Melbourne Park to kick off festivities from 9.30am, before embarking on their Toyota HiLux Big Red Utes to lead the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade.
Featuring Anthony and Lucia (Blue Wiggles), Simon and Caterina (Red Wiggles), Tsehay and Evie (Yellow Wiggles), and Lachy and John (Purple Wiggles), the group will kick off the celebrations with a high-energy performance bursting with music, movement and colour.
Joining them will be beloved Wiggly favourites Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword and viral sensation Tree of Wisdom, delivering a vibrant celebration packed with unforgettably fun moments for audiences of all ages.
Following the Parade, the Grand Final teams and the 2026 AFL Premiership Cup will be presented on the Footy Fest TCL Main Stage at Yarra Park at approximately midday.
The Victorian public holiday celebrations will continue in Footy Fest with free entry and entertainment for all, including Melbourne Football Club great Russell Robertson who will lead the TCL Main Stage alongside Phil Ceberano, a Kids Disco Party on the Bunnings Family Stage, and brass band Horns of Leroy ft THNDO in the BWS Garden Bar.
Fans can once again enjoy an elevated experience at Birrarung Marr, with entertainment commencing from 9.00am (AEST), including DJs and emcees before the Parade makes its way through the precinct.
The motorcade will begin at John Cain Arena, a new starting location for 2026, providing a more direct route through the precinct and increased opportunities for fans and families to view the Parade and see their favourite players.
Melbourne Park Oval will again be a prime viewing location for families and fans to enjoy all the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade action, including food and beverage offerings and live music. Big screens will also ensure fans can catch every moment of the festivities.
The Parade will also celebrate the broader football community in 2026, with representatives from the NAB AFLW competition, Toyota AFL Open Participants, NAB AFL Auskickers and Toyota National Volunteer winners joining the motorcade.
The Parade route will again progress through Melbourne Park, into Birrarung Marr, across William Barak Bridge and into the MCG's Yarra Park precinct, finishing at the Footy Fest.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial and Technology Bec Haagsma said:
“The Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade is one of the most iconic and anticipated events on the football calendar, bringing fans from across the country together to celebrate one of Australia's biggest sporting events,” Haagsma said.
"This year we're enhancing the fan experience with expanded viewing opportunities at Birrarung Marr, entertainment throughout the day and the addition of Australian music icons The Wiggles, helping create a memorable and family friendly atmosphere for fans of all ages.
"The Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade captures what makes Grand Final Week so special, bringing together the season's two best teams alongside some of Australia's most recognisable and loved entertainers. With The Wiggles joining this year's celebrations, it's set to be a uniquely Australian experience.
"We can't wait to see thousands of fans lining the route before joining us at Footy Fest as we celebrate everything that makes our game great.”
Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines said:
“The AFL Grand Final Parade is once again bringing together thousands of local and interstate fans reinforcing Melbourne's reputation as Australia's capital for major events,” Carbines said.
“Events like the AFL Grand Final Parade create a buzz across the city, giving families and fans the chance to be part of the action while supporting Melbourne’s hospitality and tourism businesses.
“Thanks to Labor’s Grand Final Friday public holiday, Victorians can kick off the long weekend with footy, festivities and family fun, with The Wiggles joining the parade to ensure there is something for everyone.”
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said:
“Our partnership with the AFL spans more than two decades, and each year we’re proud to help kick off Grand Final weekend by celebrating the two finalist teams in the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade.
The parade is a unique opportunity for supporters to get up close to the players, celebrate their clubs and be part of the build-up to the biggest game of the season.
We’re particularly looking forward to this year, as our 40-strong Toyota Hilux fleet will be powered by low-carbon liquid fuel.
We see low-carbon liquid fuels playing a role in Australia’s transition to lower-emission motoring, and we are proud to be able showcase this for the first time as part of one of Melbourne’s iconic AFL events.”
Lachy Gillespie, Purple Wiggle and lifelong AFL fan who played throughout his school years, said:
“We absolutely love the AFL, so being part of the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade is a pretty special moment. To be able to bring The Wiggles, our Toyota HiLux Big Red Utes and all our Wiggly friends to Melbourne and help kick off Grand Final celebrations with families is going to be so much fun. We can’t wait to get out there, sing, dance and get everyone in the Grand Final spirit!”
Melbourne Park Oval provides an accessible and family-friendly opportunity for fans to watch the Parade and is one of the best locations to see the players, with easy access to Richmond Station and Melbourne's public transport network.
Fans can visit afl.com.au/finals for more information on the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series and how to get involved.
