3 April 2026
Friday Before the AFL Grand Final 2026: When Will Victoria's Public Holiday Fall?
Victoria's AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday still exists in 2026, but the exact date depends on the AFL schedule. Here's what we know now and how to think about it for leave planning.
Victoria's AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday still applies in 2026, but the exact date is not yet locked in. The official Victorian public holiday page says it remains subject to the AFL schedule.
What that means in practice
The holiday typically falls on the last Friday in September, because it's tied to the Saturday AFL Grand Final. But until the AFL confirms the 2026 schedule, the exact public holiday date stays provisional.
Why people search for this so early
Because it matters for leave planning, school holiday planning, and end-of-September travel. A Friday public holiday is especially valuable because it creates a clean three-day weekend with no leave required.
What to do now
If you're in Victoria, treat the holiday as expected but not fully dated yet. Build rough plans around the last Friday in September, then confirm the final date once the AFL schedule is released and the Victorian public holiday page updates.
In the meantime, you can still compare the rest of your year on the Victoria Long Weekends page and check the base holiday list on Victoria Public Holidays.