Footy fever is heading to the Barossa this weekend for Gather Round, and while the two AFL games at Barossa Park will be a huge drawcard, they’re only part of the story.
Across the region, more than 60 events, experiences and special offers will roll out as part of the Festival of Footy program, giving visitors plenty of reasons to turn a match day into a full Barossa weekend away. Think wine picnics, farmers markets, family fun, food and wine events, live music, footy watch parties and special deals for fans.
Here’s our ultimate guide to Gather Round in the Barossa!
Barossa Park Live Site
At the heart of the action is the Barossa Park Live Site, returning bigger, brighter and better than ever. With FREE entry for all fans, the live site sits right beside the Barossa Park main oval and will bring the weekend to life with matches shown live on the big screen, plus pre-match and half-time insights from AFL personalities.
There’ll be local food and drink, a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere and live DJs spinning tunes all weekend long. For kids, there’s plenty to keep them busy too, from the AFL Play x SANFL Giant Inflatable Zone to face painting, footy card making, friendship bracelets and free rides on the giant Ferris wheel with sweeping Barossa views.
At the heart of the action is the Barossa Park Live Site, returning bigger, brighter and better than ever. With FREE entry for all fans, the live site sits right beside the Barossa Park main oval and will bring the weekend to life with matches shown live on the big screen, plus pre-match and half-time insights from AFL and AFLW legends like Shaun Burgoyne, Ebony Marinoff, Charlie Dixon and Kane Cornes.
There’ll be local food and drink, a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere and live DJs spinning tunes all weekend long. For kids, there’s plenty to keep them busy too, from the AFL Play x SANFL Giant Inflatable Zone to face painting, footy card making, friendship bracelets and free rides on the giant Ferris wheel with sweeping Barossa views.
Q&A Stage Schedule:
Saturday 11 April from 11:15am – hosted by Bec Morse
- Charlie Dixon
- Ebony Marinoff
- Campbell Brown
- Alex Neal Bullen
- Ellie Hampson
Sunday 12 April from 2:00pm – hosted by Bec Morse
- Shaun Burgoyne
- Matilda Scholz
- Ben Keays
- Stevie Lee Thompson
- Kane Cornes
Where: Barossa Park, Lyndoch
When: Saturday 11 April – Sunday 12 April
More info here.
Bounce Around the Barossa
Making it easy to explore beyond the oval, Bounce Around the Barossa is back for Gather Round 2026. The free hop-on, hop-off shuttle connects visitors to wineries, hidden gems and townships across three routes from Gawler and Tanunda, helping footy fans turn their trip into a broader Barossa adventure.
From long lunches and wine tastings to chocolate stops and scenic exploring, the service is designed to help visitors see more of the region without having to worry about driving between stops. Best of all, it’s free and open to everyone, even if you don’t have a match ticket.
Where: Across the Barossa
When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 12 April, 10am–4pm
More info here.
Barossa Food & Wine Village
Post-match celebrations will kick on in Tanunda with the Barossa Food & Wine Village, bringing street party energy to the town’s main street. Expect live music from The Tullamarines, footy on the big screen and a lively atmosphere as local venues and vendors spill out onto Murray Street.
It’s the kind of event that perfectly matches the region, combining the excitement of Gather Round with the Barossa’s famous food, wine and community spirit.
Where: Murray Street, Tanunda
When: Saturday 11 April, 3:30pm – 9:30pm
More info here.
Free transport to the Barossa
Getting to the Barossa for Gather Round is easy too, with multiple free transport options available for ticket holders.
Adelaide Metro trains will run frequent daily services from Adelaide Railway Station to Gawler Railway Station, with free Gawler to Barossa Park shuttle buses operating from there. Fans can also make use of free Park ’n’ Ride shuttle services from a range of locations including Adelaide City, Angaston, Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Seppeltsfield, Williamstown, Gawler and Sandy Creek.
Free City to Barossa Park bus shuttles will also operate from the Macca’s Footy Festival on King William Road next to Elder Park, with additional free shuttle services from Angaston and Nuriootpa stopping at township and accommodation locations.
Where: Adelaide, Gawler and multiple Barossa locations
When: Match days across Gather Round
For more transport information visit Adelaide Metro.
Festival of Footy events across the Barossa
Beyond the main events, the Barossa will be packed with experiences right across the region. The breadth of events shows just how strongly the region is embracing Gather Round, with wineries, food producers, local businesses and townships all getting involved.
Chateau Tanunda
Set among blue skies, manicured lawns and heritage surrounds, Château Tanunda invites visitors to unwind with twilight drinks in its iconic Sunken Garden on Friday 10 April 2026.
Basking in the shade of the historic château, guests can enjoy Barossa wines, casual lawn games, live music and the Friday night footy on the screen, with food available from Daniel Murphy Catering. The Cricketers Bar and Sunken Garden will be open from 4–10pm. Tickets are free and bookings are recommended so you don’t miss out on the exceptional food from Daniel Murphy.
When: April 10
Where: 9 Basedow Road, Tanunda
More info here.
Kies Family Wines
Visit Kies Family Wines just a 70metre walk from the footy action at Barossa Park. Catch all the games live on the big screen among the vines, enjoy great local food, award winning Barossa wines and craft beers, or opt for a behind the scenes winemaker experience before the bounce.
With parking available and a vibrant matchday atmosphere across Saturday and Sunday, it’s the perfect place to soak up footy fever in the Barossa.
Where: 1303 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch
When: April 11 & 12
More info here.
Festival of Footy at Angaston
Celebrate the Festival of Footy at Angaston Dessert Bar and Lolly Shop and join in their footy family fun, sweet treats and a winning promotion. Wear your favourite team colours and score a free scoop of ice cream, finished with footy-colour sprinkles of your choice.
Where: 29 Valley Road, Angaston
When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 12 April
More info here.
Breakfast Like a Barossan
Enjoy a Saturday morning Barossa breakfast at the iconic Barossa Farmers Market and support the community run Breakfast Bar. Think coffee, bagels, dumplings, sourdough crumpets, pastries, quiches and sausage rolls. Breakfast or brunch at the Barossa Farmers Market is an experience not to be missed!
Where: 740 Stockwell Road, Angaston
When: April 11 from 7:30am to 11:30am
More info here.
Kick Sip Alla Calabria
Join Calabria Family Wines for a relaxed and family-friendly afternoon on their Barossa lawns. Enjoy kick to kick with the kids, fun footy skill stations, and a delicious wood-fired Italian pizza, antipasto platters, and of course, a glass (or two) of your favourite Calabria Barossa Valley wine.
Parents can unwind on the deck overlooking the vines, kids can run free, and everyone gets to soak up a taste of Gather Round – Italian style.
Where: 284 Magnolia Road, Vine Vale
When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 12 April, from 11:30am – 3:00pm
More info here.
Fuel the Footy Fever Barossa
Before you head to the oval for the Gather Round madness, join Lambert Estate for the ultimate pre-game ritual with Mimosa’s, bottomless fresh juice and seasonal fruits. Kick back on the deck and soak in the pre-match excitement with a delicious exclusive brunch.
Where: 55 Long Gully Road, Angaston
When: April 11 & 12
More info here.
Makers and Beyond Market
Kick off the Festival of Footy weekend at the Barossa Makers and Beyond Market, a relaxed family friendly Friday afternoon market celebrating local Barossa and regional makers, producers, and creatives. The twilight market features handmade goods artisan products local produce and unique gifts in a vibrant community setting!
Where: Tanunda Town Square
When: Friday 10 April 2026 from 2pm to 6pm
More info here.
Points to Pints with Justin Westhoff
Points to Pints with Justin Westhoff is coming to Old Mill Brewery this Gather Round for a one-off event footy fans won’t want to miss. Join ex AFL Port Adelaide player Justin Westhoff, along with a special guest, for an unforgettable Sunday session filled with footy, cold drinks and great food in the heart of Tanunda.
Where: 32 Murray St, Tanunda
When: Sunday 12 April
More info here.
Loosen Up and Take a Breather
Just a warm-up run from the spectacular Barossa Park is the unique Barossan experience of Lyndoch Lavender Farm & Café. Your chance to relax before, during and, after the greatest game in the world awaits. You are offered the opportunity to skip the meat pies, show your footy colours and, enjoy 25% off all Café orders from Friday 10th to Monday 13th April.
It’s free to visit and every adult guest is able to enter the draw to win the Ultimate R&R Gift Pack.
Where: 407 Tweedies Gully Road, Lyndoch
When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 12 April
More info here.
Game On Opening Event
Visit JamFactory at Seppeltsfield for the official opening of the Game On exhibition, celebrating AFL Gather Round with Seppeltsfield wines and a classic sausage sizzle.
This vibrant exhibition showcases First Nations artists from across Australia, capturing the colour, movement and community spirit of Australian Rules football through ceramics, painting and mixed media.
Where: 730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield
When: Friday April 10
More info here.
The Premiership Wine Journey
Gather around in true Barossa style with an unforgettable afternoon at the Turkey Flat Vineyard. Join a one-of-a-kind wine masterclass featuring 18 wines, each carefully selected to match a premiership year for every AFL team. Hosted by their winemaker, this immersive experience brings together football and exceptional wine.
Where: 67 Bethany Road, Tanunda
When: Friday April 10
More info here.
Friday Night Lights
Gather Round weekend kicks off in style at Jam House Cellar Door, open from 11am for relaxed drinks before a big Friday night of footy. From 7pm, catch the Pies v Dockers live on the big screen while enjoying Barossa wines, local gin, great food and a lively, laidback atmosphere — the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
Where: 494 Research Road, Nuriootpa
When: Friday April 10
More info here.
Barossa Bites Gather & Graze
Gather & Graze Barossa Valley Grazing Box is the perfect companion for footy fans looking for an easy, delicious platter to enjoy with friends. Packed with local flavours and fresh produce, this share style grazing box is ideal whether you’re watching the action at the ground, hosting friends at home, or enjoying the electric Gather Round atmosphere across the Barossa.
Skip the prep and let Barossa Fresh take care of the platter so you can focus on the footy, the atmosphere, and great company.
Where: 1 Murray Street, Nuriootpa
When: Thursday 9 April – Sunday 12 April
More info here.
For more information on all events, services and transport visit southaustralia.com
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