How to Throw the Ultimate AFL Finals Weekend Party with Glow Sticks & Flashing Novelties

The AFL Finals Weekend is one of the most exciting events on the Australian sporting calendar. It’s a time of fierce rivalries, edge-of-your-seat moments, and unforgettable celebrations. Whether your team made it to the big dance or you’re just in it for the vibes, hosting a grand final party is a perfect way to bring your mates together.

But this year, why not kick things up a notch? Forget the typical BBQ and beer setup. Add a splash of colour, energy, and fun with glow sticks and flashing novelties. Here’s how to turn your AFL Finals Weekend party into a glowing celebration everyone will remember.

Start by decking out your space in the colours of your favourite team—or go all out and represent both teams if your guest list is mixed. Balloons, streamers, and flags are classic, but now’s your chance to level up with colour-coordinated glow sticks, flashing wristbands, and LED novelties.

Top Tip: Use glow products in your team’s colours. For example, red and white for the Swans, navy and white for Geelong, or black and yellow for Richmond. It adds a personal touch and looks amazing once the sun sets.

As the game heads into the evening, flip the switch from daytime BBQ to electric night-time bash. Here's where your glow and flash gear really shines (literally).

Glow sticks: Hand them out as guests arrive. You can get glow necklaces, bracelets, or even extra-large sticks for waving when your team scores a goal.
Glowing cups: Serve drinks in glowing cups that light up with every cheer.
Fairy lights & LED strips: Add these around the TV setup, garden fences, or even inside your esky for some ambient lighting.

Pro Tip: If you're outdoors, solar-powered LED lights can help create a magical effect without worrying about cords.

Encourage your guests to come in footy gear, but with a twist—ask them to accessorise with glowing or flashing items.

Flashing mohawk headbands
LED sunglasses or shutter shades
Glow-in-the-dark face paint

You can even run a mini "Best Glowing Fan" competition with a novelty prize for the most creatively lit-up supporter.

While watching the AFL Grand Final is the main event, build some excitement around the game with glow-themed activities and props.

Goal Celebrations: When your team kicks a goal, everyone waves glow sticks or activates a flashing party toy. It adds a communal and festive feel to the moment.
Half-Time Glow Games: Play quick party games like glow ring toss, flashing novelty trivia, or glow pong (beer pong with glowing cups and balls).
LED Foam Batons: These are perfect for waving during cheers and look great in photos and videos.

Keep your food classic—think meat pies, sausage rolls, burgers, and chips—but give your drinks table a party twist.

Serve punch in a clear bowl with submersible LED lights.
Label drinks with glow-in-the-dark stickers or write on glasses with UV pens.
Offer colourful mocktails and cocktails in LED glasses.

If you're feeling extra creative, bake cupcakes topped with edible glitter or sparklers for a festive, Instagram-worthy snack.

AFL Finals Weekend is fun for all ages, and glow sticks are always a hit with kids. Create a glow zone just for the little ones with:

Mini glow stick dance parties
LED balloons
Flashing bubbles
Flashing animal headbands

Plus, glow sticks double as great tools for keeping an eye on kids once it gets dark!

Set up a glowing photo booth with an AFL-themed backdrop and a box full of glowing and flashing props. Provide guests with fun items like:

Foam fingers
Glow wigs
LED glasses
Team flags and scarves

Make sure you include a ring light or flashing fairy lights to light up the booth—photos will be a hit on social media!

No matter who wins, keep the energy going after the final siren.

Crank up a playlist of Aussie classics and party anthems.
Turn your yard into a mini dance floor with disco balls, flashing novelty microphones, and glow batons.
Keep drinks and snacks flowing so guests stick around and celebrate (or commiserate) together.

AFL Finals Weekend is about more than just the game—it’s about mateship, community, and celebrating Aussie footy culture. By adding glow sticks and flashing novelties to your party plan, you’ll create an atmosphere that’s fun, festive, and full of energy from kick-off to the final siren.

So grab your guernsey, stock up on glowing gear, and get ready to host the most electrifying AFL party of the season. Game on!