Peking Duk, Grinspoon, and Sneaky Sound System are among the Australian acts set to perform as part of the NFL’s huge Melbourne takeover next month.
The NFL has unveiled the first music lineup for its Game Kickoff Festival, which will run across Melbourne Park from September 10th-12th, coinciding with the league’s first-ever regular season game in Australia.
Peking Duk and Kita Alexander will kick off the live music program on Thursday before Grinspoon, Hot Dub Time Machine, and Public Figures take over on Friday. Sneaky Sound System will perform on the festival’s final day, with more artists still to be announced.
The three-day festival leads into the historic clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers at the MCG on Friday, September 11th, marking the first NFL regular season game to be played in Australia.
“With less than a month to go until the NFL Melbourne Game Kickoff Festival, the excitement is continuing to build, and this first music lineup announcement is another milestone on the road to September. We’ve brought together an exciting mix of Australian artists to help create a festival atmosphere that matches the scale and energy of this historic moment for the NFL in Australia,” said Charlotte Offord, NFL General Manager, Australia & New Zealand.
“The Kickoff Festival is where football, music and culture come together. From the moment fans walk through the gates, they’ll be immersed in the excitement of game week, with non-stop entertainment, unforgettable experiences and a festival atmosphere unlike anything we’ve ever delivered in Australia.”
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Alongside the music program, Melbourne Park will host NFL watch parties, Flag Football clinics, retail pop-ups and an American-style food village throughout the three days. Fans will also be able to see the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 60 Super Bowl rings, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will appear for a live Q&A on Thursday.
That same day, the festival will host a watch party for the opening game of the 2026 NFL season, which will see the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, face the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch.
The Friday program will coincide with the Rams and 49ers game at the MCG, with a separate watch party held at Melbourne Park for fans without tickets to the match.
Tickets to the Kickoff Festival are on sale now, priced at $49 for adults on Thursday and Saturday and $59 on Friday. Children aged 13 and under can attend free with an accompanying adult ticket. See here for details.
