What events are happening in Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final weekend?

Lots!

Friday
Parade!
Starts outside the Old Treasury Building on Spring Street (Noon)
Goes south along Spring Street
Turns left into Wellington Parade and travels east
Turns right into Wellington Parade south and enters Gate 3, Yarra Park
Continues through Yarra Park to the Toyota AFL Grand Final Live Site

Times
11.00am: Pre Parade excitement commences at Old Treasury Building
11.15am: Parade Press Conference starts
12 noon: Parade Commences from the Old Treasury Building
12.45pm (approx.) Presentation ceremony on the Live Site Stage (Yarra Park)
1.00pm: 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade concludes

I think there's also Footy Festival at Yarra Park on Friday.


Saturday
Grand Final (of course!)


Sunday
The MCG is open to the public.
Time
11AM - 4PM

Garden State Hotel on Flinders Lane is doing a Grand Final breakfast and have a range of food and drinks packages on offer to watch the game later.

The North Melbourne Rec Centre is holding a grand pool re-opening with kids activities, BBQ and pool games. If you don't want to miss the footy action, the AFL will be playing from 3pm.

If footy isn't really your thing check out The Queen Vic Market (open 6am-5pm Fri, 6am-3pm Sat and 9am-4pm Sun), the 4D cinema on Russell Street (http://www.4ddynamiccinema.com/), a show at ACMI or an exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.

If you aren't interested in sport (like me!) there are a number of great events dotted around where you can make the most of the long weekend, such as:

1. The Great Southern Beer and Cider Festival at Yarra Glen Racecourse for $20 per person http://www.greatsouthernfestival.com.au/.

2. The Bright Chocolate Factory is holding tours and tastings a great one for kids & chocolate lovers, yum!

3. There's a Spring Market in Notting Hill on Friday 10am-2pm with handmade goodies, classes, crafts and BBQ at 37-39 Westerfield Dr, Notting Hill.

4. Viva Dance Studio in Fitzroy is holding a social tango night on Friday which is always good for a boogie and a laugh.

5. The Dandenong Festival of lights is on at the Dandenong Showgrounds, its a great family friendly night out, with vibrant silk lantern light displays, dumpling bars, live performers and kids rides http://lightfestival.com.au/

Grand Final Eve at Highlander Bar looks really good!
It's a licensed over 18 event with wine tastings, dj's, a comedian, raffles and door prizes, footy trivia, an open mic, live music and footy themed burgers!
It's also a free event :)