Published 23 May 2026
Join in a BIG weekend of fun from 5 to 7 June 2026
A celebration of footy around the North Melbourne Kangaroos v Fremantle Dockers match at Hands Memorial Oval in Bunbury on Saturday 6 June. Make Round 13 of the Toyota 2025 AFL Premiership season an even bigger event with the Bunbury Big Weekender, a jam-packed lineup of exciting activations across Bunbury.
It's game on all weekend with fun activities for our community and visitors with exciting activation and events before and after the NMFC v FCC match at Hands Oval on Saturday 6 June 2026.
Check out the yarnbombing in team colours on Victoria Street and explore the City's many cultural attractions, including Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, Bunbury Wildlife Park, Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum, Kings Cottage and a wealth of public street art on the self-guided sixtwothreezero walk. If you prefer to sit back and see more of the city on Dolly Dophinmobile is running Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm, with fun and informational tours of the Koombana and Leschenault Waterways.
Friday 5 June
Captain's runs are free to watch at Hands Oval, with Triple M on ground offering giveaways to lucky supporters. Be respectful to residents when parking near the Oval, or better yet, make your way there on TransBunbury's bus routes (standard fares apply).
North Melbourne Captain’s Run
Hands Memorial Oval
9am to 11am
Spectator entry is free, enter through Gate 1
Fremantle Dockers Captain’s Run
Hands Memorial Oval
12pm to 1pm
Spectator entry is free, enter through Gate 1
What's on Friday night, 5 June
Froth Craft Bunbury Catch Nate Lansdell live at 6.30pm. His high-energy blend of fingerstyle melody, percussive grooves and rapid-fire picking makes one guitar sound like a full band. Free entry.
Rose Hotel is hosting Fiesta Fridays from 5pm with DJs or live tunes, delicious margs, and a Fiesta menu made for sharing. Think mini cheesy nachos, tacos, and plenty more where that came from. Free entry.
Burlington Hotel is kicking it up a notch with STEALTH, a five-piece from Perth with a slick, high-octane performance of rock classics. Tickets are $10, doors are at 9pm, and a discount for pre-booking.
Highway Hotel is getting behind the footy action all weekend, kicking things off with a chance to WIN a family pass to the game and their $25 Burger & Pint Deal on Friday.
Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay is rocking the Pizza & Pre-Game; delicious pizzas for $25 each while watching the pre-game coverage live on a 100-inch TV in the sunken lounge. Plus footy-inspired cocktails all weekend. Everyone is welcome.
Duck into your local to watch:
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs | MCG, Melbourne
5.40pm
Saturday 6 June
Start your morning right
Bunbury Markets at Queens Gardens has become a local institution. From 8am to 1pm, the family-friendly park environment overlooks the water and has a children’s play area with stalls selling locally made goods, home-grown and home-baked. And while you're there, explore the nearby Friendship Gardens with their garden labyrinth.
Game Time! North Melbourne v Fremantle at Hands Oval Bunbury
Kick off the excitement before the game even begins! Head to Hands Oval early and soak up the atmosphere with vibrant pre-game entertainment. Enjoy roving team mascots and plenty of family-friendly fun.
For up-to-date game, travel and parking information, see our dedicated page for the 2026 Premiership Season. This AFL event is an NMFC home game, with tickets managed through Ticketek.
Gates Open: 10.45am
Bouncedown: 12.15pm
Western Australia's South West Tasting Experience
Step into a celebration of the finest food and drink at the South West Tasting Experience - a delicious showcase of the region's most loved producers, all in one place.
Around the match, fans can sample hand-crafted premium wines and award-winning small-batch gins, while enjoying gourmet picnic platters packed with fresh seasonal produce, artisan cheeses from Harvey Cheese, boutique coffee, and more.
Discover the passionate local makers behind every bite and taste why the South West is one of Western Australia’s premier food and wine destinations. Join the experience at Hands Oval, Bunbury from 11.30am on Saturday 6 June.
Kick-on post-match in Bunbury
The Rose Hotel's Match After Party will keep the energy going with DJ spinning tracks from 8pm, with cocktail specials.
The Wellington Hotel will have some cruisy tunes to bop along to with A Guy and a Girl from 8pm
Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay is dishing up a full menu plus their footy favourite homemade chunky beef pie, creamy mash, baby peas and rich gravy/jus, served with a pint or glass of wine, all for $35.
Duck into your local to watch:
Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions | People First Stadium, Gold Coast
3.15pm
West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide | Optus Stadum, Perth
6.15pm
Sunday 7 June
Our big weekend of footy and local pride will wrap up with a big FREE community event! From 9am–12pm, keep your big weekend kicking along at Koolambidi Woola Youth Precinct — bring the family, support local, and enjoy Bunbury's beautiful vibes.
- 🥓 Enjoy a FREE barbecue breakfast thanks to Carey Park Lions Club
- 🚂 Free train rides thanks to Australind Lions Club
- ⭐ All Abilities Star Kick Football Group
- 🔐 Pop-up by Time’s Up Escape Rooms
- ☕ Coffee and ice cream vans
- 🧑🦽➡️ Wheelchair sport demonstrations
- 🎶 Music by DJ Nosh Boy
Kick Across the Inlet
Leschenault Inlet, near Koombana Bridge | Sunday 7 June, 10am to 11am. See who is up to the challenge of kicking a footy the furthest across the Inlet towards Koolambidi Woola Youth Precinct.
Exhibition Wheelchair Football
Koolambidi Woola Youth Precinct | Sunday 7 June. Presented by All Abilities Australia, see skilled players in a demonstration match.
Dulux Colour Your Club with NMFC at Carey Park FC
A collaboration between North Melbourne and Carey Park Football Club, the Dulux Colour Your Club initiative is a hands-on painting activity at a local football club to support team pride and community spirit. From 2pm, community members are invited to help give the club rooms a splash of colour, with appearances by members of the North Melbourne Football Club.
What's on in Bunbury on Sunday 7 June 2026
Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay is dishing up their popular breakfast buffet from 7am to 11am for $30 per person.
Highway Hotel is offering up footy live and loud, Sunday roast available all day, and Happy Hour from 5 to 6pm
Duck into your local to watch:
Sydney Swans v St Kilda | SCG Sydney
12.15pm
Essendon v Carlton | MCG Melbourne
5.20pm
