Rugby League's Biggest Events in 2026

Australian rugby league continues to deliver world-class sporting action in 2026, with the State of Origin series and NRL season showcasing the very best of the game. These premier events draw massive crowds and capture the nation's attention with their intensity and drama.

Experience the Thrill of AFL in 2026

The Australian Football League (AFL) continues to captivate fans nationwide in 2026, delivering another action-packed season of fierce rivalries, historic showdowns, and unforgettable moments. From the electric atmosphere of local derbies to the high-stakes drama of the finals series, the AFL remains Australia’s premier sporting spectacle.

Key Events in the 2026 AFL Season

• AFL Showdown – Adelaide v Port Adelaide
  Friday, 1 May 2026
  🏟 Adelaide Oval
  One of the AFL’s fiercest rivalries, where pride and bragging rights are on the line.

• Western Derby – Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles
  Sunday, 19 April 2026
  🏟 Optus Stadium, Perth
  The 62nd edition of this iconic WA clash, drawing massive crowds and intense competition. 412

• Sydney Derby – Sydney Swans v GWS Giants
  Friday, 17 April 2026
  🏟 Sydney Cricket Ground
  A battle for supremacy in Sydney, with the Swans currently leading the head-to-head record. 59

• AFL Finals Series
  September 2026
  🏟 Venues TBC (including MCG for the Grand Final)
  The pinnacle of the AFL season, where the top eight teams compete for premiership glory.

Football's Growing Influence in Australian Business and Culture

With football's popularity soaring globally, more Australian businesses are embracing the sport as a powerful platform for networking and entertainment. The 2026 calendar brings exciting opportunities to connect through football, from high-profile international friendlies to the electric atmosphere of A-League derbies.

2026 Football Highlights in Australia

A-League Marquee Events

• Sydney Derby – Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
  Saturday, 11 April 2026
  🏟 Sydney Allianz Stadium 
  One of Australian football's fiercest rivalries, now at a larger venue to accommodate growing demand.

Premium Cricket Experiences for the 2026-2027 Season

Eventpod delivers unforgettable cricket hospitality packages for Australia’s premier events, including The Ashes, One Day Internationals, and T20 matches at iconic venues nationwide. From corporate networking to client entertainment, we offer tailored experiences at key fixtures.

The Sport of Kings: Australia’s Premier 2026 Horse Racing Calendar

As official onsellers for Australia's most prestigious racing events, we deliver exclusive access to the country's premier corporate racing experiences. Horse racing remains the ultimate platform for high-level client entertainment, combining world-class competition with sophisticated hospitality across Sydney and Melbourne's iconic racecourses.

The 2026 season offers unmatched opportunities to host in premium environments, from private suites overlooking the finishing post to trackside marquees where business and pleasure collide in perfect harmony.

2026 Major Racing Events

1. Golden Slipper
 Saturday, 21 March 2026
🏟 Rosehill Gardens, Sydney
🌟 *The world’s richest race for 2-year-olds, with $5 million in prizemoney*.

2. The Championships
Saturday, 4 & 11 April 2026
🏟 Royal Randwick, Sydney
🌟 Two days of Group 1 racing, featuring the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

3. The Everest
📅 Saturday, 17 October 2026
🏟 Royal Randwick, Sydney
🌟 The $20 million sprint, now paired with the new $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) .

4. Melbourne Cup Carnival

• Victoria Derby Day:  31 October 2026

• Lexus Melbourne Cup Day: 3 November 2026

• Crown Oaks Day: 5 November 2026

• TAB Champions Stakes Day: 7 November 2026
  🏟 Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
  🌟 The pinnacle of Australian racing, featuring the $8.4 million Melbourne Cup 

5. Golden Eagle
📅 Saturday, 31 October 2026
🏟 Rosehill Gardens, Sydney
🌟 *A $10 million race for 4-year-olds, with $1 million donated to charity*.

6. Cox Plate
📅 Saturday, 24 October 2026
🏟 Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
🌟 *Weight-for-age championship with $5 million prizemoney*.