There’s a free community event at GMHBA Stadium tomorrow

Festival of Sport sprints to GMHBA Stadium.

Just ahead of the AFL season kicking back off at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park will be a site for sports tomorrow evening in a free community celebration. The 2026 Festival of Sport returns, running from 5pm until 8pm on Friday 6 March, showcasing the rich diversity of sport in our region and promoting active engagement.

Festival of Sport

When: Friday 6 March, 5.00pm – 8.00pm

Where: GMHBA Stadium and Djilang Plaza

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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The sixth annual Festival of Sport at Kardinia Park is set to be an exhilarating experience for families and sports enthusiasts alike. Taking place at the iconic GMHBA Stadium, this free community event will unite a broad spectrum of sports, from well-established favourites to emerging, unique activities for all to explore. For many, it’s an exciting opportunity to try something new and experience the diversity of sport that our region has to offer.

This year, over 30 activators will offer hands-on experiences across a wide range of sports, encouraging active participation and connection with local clubs. From Geelong Rugby Union Club to Geelong Ninjas, Rollerway Skate Centre, and Geelong All-Abilities Sports Club, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in sports they know and love, as well as discover new activities. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-time participant, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant celebration of movement and community.

The full list of activators further includes Hockey Geelong, Geelong All-Abilities Sports Club, Coerver Coaching, Geelong Sharks Rugby League, Y Geelong, Golf Australia, Cricket Victoria, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, AFL Barwon, Geelong Swimming Club, Geelong Gaels Gaelic Football and Hurling Club, Geelong Underwater Hockey, Modern Pentathlon Victoria, Victorian Blind Cricket Association, Barwon Academy of Arms, Geelong Ultimate Muay Thai, Geelong Scottish Dancers, Eastside Calisthenics, St Johns Ambulance CPR Lab, The Geelong Running Festival, Leisure Networks Parallel Sports, Read the Play, AthletiIQ Basketball, Tennis Victoria, and AFL Victoria. It’s a diverse mix of sports from seas to sand to field, to stage and more.

Supported by Deakin University and K Rock, the twilight event will bring the Geelong community together to share in the spirit of sport. In addition to the activators, attendees can enjoy entertainment and delicious offerings from food trucks stationed in Djilang Plaza and around the precinct. The atmosphere will be alive with energy, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, and sports lovers to enjoy a day of fun, discovery, and connection.

For those interested in learning more about the sporting history of the region, the Geelong Sports Museum will also be open throughout the festival. With free entry, visitors can explore the rich history of Geelong sports, including the Soaring Eagles, Roaring Thunder exhibition, which tells the story of Geelong’s BMX legacy.

 

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“The Festival of Sport is a highlight on our calendar each year, providing the community with the opportunity to enjoy and try a variety of sports at Kardinia Park. It’s an opportunity for all the family to have fun and take to the same field as their sporting heroes”, said Gerard Griffin, CEO Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.

The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) oversees the management of land in Geelong, which includes GMHBA Stadium, the Geelong Sports Museum, Geelong Cricket Club rooms, Sports House, and the Barwon Regional Cricket Centre. KPST’s mission is to inspire moments of connection and joy through sports, entertainment, and community activities. It aims to contribute to the economic, community, and liveability benefits of Geelong and the broader region.

In the 2024/25 period, GMHBA Stadium generated more than $190 million in social and economic value, supporting 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs in the Victorian economy. The stadium hosted more than 480,000 visitors across 44 events and was used for 286 days during the financial year. Known for its world-class facilities, GMHBA Stadium continues to draw visitors from outside the region, with 190,000 visitors travelling to Geelong to experience the stadium’s events. Through its community program, over 21,000 local participants engaged in events at the stadium, strengthening the connection between sport and the local community. The Festival of Sport adds to their community-driven mission.

It’s a fantastic way to kick off the long weekend in the region. For more information on the Festival of Sport and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, head here.