AFL Gather Round 2024: Don’t miss these must-attend events during the footy festival

2 April 2024

The AFL’s Gather Round is set to be bigger, bolder and better as it returns to South Australia for the second-straight year this April.

2 football players leaping off the grass oval to reach for the football

This year’s AFL Gather Round kicks off Thursday 4 April and runs through to Sunday 7 April, with five games taking place at Adelaide Oval, two at Norwood Oval and two at Mount Barker’s Summit Sport and Recreation Park.

The event injected millions of dollars into the state economy during its inaugural 2023 installment, as thousands of footy followers flew in from around the country to see all 18 AFL teams do battle across an action-packed four-day spectacle.

Mount Barker Mayor David Leach said his council is getting into the spirit of the occasion by hosting a range of free activities including footy skills clinics, player appearances, ticket giveaways, BBQs, crafts, face painting and live music.

“With around 50 per cent of the 20,000 ticket holders coming from interstate, this is a fantastic opportunity to promote the district and showcase the region,’ Mayor Leach said.

“Council is supporting local businesses to highlight how magnificent the district and Adelaide Hills region is to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore our townships.’’

Hills are alive with the sound of footy!

The Gather Round spectacle in the Adelaide Hills officially launches on Thursday 4 April at the Pop-Up Park on Mount Barker’s Morphett Street, with Sydney Swans star Callum Mills and other team coaching staff running a footy skills clinic.

On Friday 5 April, Melbourne Demons players and coaches will also visit the Pop-Up Park for another coaching session, which will also feature live music, a BBQ and crafts.

Heading into the weekend, the huge pre-game party at Aston Hills Display Village is the ideal way for families and all footy-goers to get into the festivities ahead of the West Coast versus Sydney game on Saturday 6 April, and Gold Coast versus Greater Western Sydney clash on Sunday 7 April.

Anyone donning their team colours can enjoy loads of free giveaways including face painting, slushies, ice creams, coffee, footballs, a balloon artist, a sausage sizzle and more.

The Hahndorf Footy Festival will also be held across the weekend at the Hahndorf Arts and Culture Precinct, located at 64 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf.

Those attending have a chance to meet Port Adelaide players and coaching staff, who will be on-site between 11am -12pm on Sunday 7 April.

Visit Mount Barker District Council website for all the details on local Gather Round events.

Join the party on The Parade

Along with hosting two AFL matches at The Parade on Friday 5 April and Sunday 7 April, the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters will stage the Norwood Food and Wine Festival and the Champions Lunch to coincide with Gather Round.

Mayor Robert Bria said last year’s inaugural Gather Round created a “buzz” in the area and the council has taken steps to ensure everyone can experience the action, regardless of whether they attend The Parade’s two capacity games or not.

“We knew both matches at Norwood Oval would be sold out, which is why the council formed a partnership with Hoyts to show the matches on the big screen for those who missed out on tickets,’’ Mayor Bria said.

Footy fans can watch the Brisbane versus North Melbourne clash from the ultra-comfy seats of Hoyts Norwood cinema from 4.40pm, Friday 4 April while indulging in popcorn and choc tops.

“The AFL have made it clear that football – important as it is – is only one part of the Gather Round experience,” Mayor Bria said.

“The other part is providing locals and visitors to Adelaide with memorable cultural experiences that include indulging in our state’s great local food and beverage manufacturers.’’

Fan-favourite festival back for Gather Round

The revival of the Norwood Food and Wine Festival – which will return for the first time since 2012 – coincides with this vision, with the ultimate culinary experience taking place along The Parade from 11am – 8pm on Sunday 7 April.

Big screens will be featured throughout the precinct for the blockbuster Richmond versus St Kilda clash, with local bars, cafes and restaurants to be joined by wine, beer and spirit producers from across South Australia, live music and other entertainment.

Meanwhile, the Champions Lunch at the historic Norwood Concert Hall will be held on Thursday 4 April starting at 12.30pm, with tickets still on sale.

Join FIVEaa sports presenter Tim Ginever as he relives some of the greatest footy moments between fierce rivals Norwood and Port Adelaide throughout the 1980s.

Adelaide Crows fans will also have the chance to meet players Rory Laird and Chelsea Randall on Tuesday 2 April at Telstra Norwood. The Triple M Rock Crew will be present to give away signed guernseys and footballs.

Visit the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters website for all the details on local Gather Round events.