photo-icon Image: Hains & Co

Your AFL Gather Round mates' trip: what to do, where to go and more!

Stories Visiting Adelaide Eat and Drink Events Sport
Last updated 08 Apr, 2026

Planning the ultimate mates' trip to AFL Gather Round in 2026? 

Get involved in all the AFL action, from zip lining in Elder Park to exclusive Q&As with star players in historic pubs. Kick things off with great local spots to eat, drink and celebrate a win, or explore the city with plenty of ways to make the most of your downtime. 

Want more? Discover what's on during Gather Round here.

What's on during Gather Round

There's footy fun in every corner of the city and North Adelaide! Visit the epic AFL Gather Round 2026 Fan Zone in Rundle Mall, discover laneway parties or head to the Macca's Footy Festival for free activities, food trucks and more.

Ball in the Mall - AFL Gather Round Fan Hub

Rundle Mall has it all: think an immersive fan zone with player appearances, games and even a footy-inspired styling bar, DJ and so much more.

Macca's Footy Festival at AFL Gather Round

A free four-day celebration in Elder Park, head to the Macca's Footy Festival for stacks of activities, food and drink and even a 150m long zip line!

SkyCity Festival of Footy

Head to Station Lane During Gather Round, bringing together live broadcasts, bars, and activations enhancing your game-day energy.

Run 4 Your Club

Run 4 Your Club is a 4km run or walk taking place during Gather Round 2026 in Adelaide. Fans from all 18 AFL clubs will participate and represent their team in a friendly club-versus-club competition.

Fuel up

Looking for a pre-match caffeine hit or late-night fried chicken? We know a spot.

The Flying Fig

Paying homage to the Jewish delicatessens of New York, this North Adelaide joint serves up generous, delicious fare with plenty of pastrami.

The Original Coopers Alehouse

Old pub charm meets great pub food (including their famous massive schnitzels) and a huge range of Coopers beer on tap.

Home Ground

Make this Riverbank spot your home base during Gather Round, with happy hour specials before the siren, hearty food offerings and unbeatable atmosphere.

Belle's Hot Chicken

Elite Southern-style fried chicken in the heart of the city. Think hot honey burgers, huge crispy wings and stellar sides to fuel your day.

Lucia's Pizza & Spaghetti Bar

An Adelaide institution, take a beat and sit down for a traditional lasagne and glass of house vino at Lucia's. On the go? Grab a panini so good there's a line every lunch time (it's worth the wait, we promise).

Hello Harry The Burger Joint

Enjoy no-nonsense, flavourful burgers and icy cold craft beers in a casual restaurant setting.

The Strathmore

Start your match day at The Strath, just a stone's throw from Adelaide Oval. Grab a feed with pre-game specials, or enjoy every match live on the big screen.

Explore the city

Whether you've got a morning to spare or a couple of extra days up your sleeve, there's plenty on in the city and North Adelaide during April. 

Adelaide Oval Tours

Go behind-the-scenes of this iconic ground, where you’ll discover hidden secrets and relive celebrated moments of sports heroes.

North Adelaide Golf Course

Hit the green just minutes from the city, with three courses for a variety of skill levels.

The HandleBar

Pedal between Adelaide's best laneway bars and pubs on this unique food and drink tour.

Party on

Kick on at pubs, clubs and lively bars after the game - and if you're in the mood to ride a mechanical bull, there's a place for you!

The District at SkyCity

Kick on at The District, a bustling sports bar complete with a dedicated Pirate Life brewery boasting exclusive brews.

Ballers Clubhouse

The fun never stops at Ballers Clubhouse, with two bars, e-darts, pool, shuffle tables and more!

Two Suns

A rooftop bar offering top notch cocktails and pizzas, plus turns it on when the sun goes down.

The Woolshed

Seven bars, three levels, one mechanical bull. This country-themed pub is this local favourite with live DJs and club nights.

Getting around

Explore Adelaide City and North Adelaide with confidence and convenience - find transport options that will make your AFL Gather Round experience even more enjoyable.

Footy goers can catch FREE public transport to all matches during Gather Round with their valid game day ticket.

Learn more

You may be interested in...

Help me find... a footy pub

11 unmissable dishes in Adelaide’s Chinatown

10 healthy lunch spots in the city