Our AO Hacks series returns in the build-up to Australian Open 2026, offering handy tips and tricks to help you elevate your experience at Melbourne Park.
From the very first day of AO 2026, the ‘Happy Slam’ is guaranteed to live up to its name.
AO Opening Week presented by Herald Sun kicks off three weeks of Grand Slam action with a smorgasbord of exciting events, live entertainment and immersive activities.
From Monday 12 January to Saturday 17 January, fans can head to Melbourne Park where, for the first time, the entire precinct will be open from the get-go and kids go free on Day 1.
Whether you’re a tennis fanatic, a music lover in search of their next gig, or a family looking to entertain the kids, there’s something for everyone at AO Opening Week.
For tennis aficionados
Wednesday 14 January is when you can watch the highly-anticipated 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia, a gripping knockout showdown between tennis pros, celebrities and amateurs from across the country – with $1 million prize money on the line for the winner.
Qualifying rounds have taken place in local clubs across Australia, with finalists headed to Rod Laver Arena to compete in the draw where Grand Slam champions Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, Danill Medvedev and Naomi Osaka feature among the line-up.
If you enjoy nothing more than devouring the latest news on player rivalries, match points and rankings, AO Opening Week is also when you can watch the qualifying event – 128 men’s and 128 women’s hopefuls competing to proceed through to the main draw.
RELATED: Qualifying entry lists released for AO 2026
Hardcore tennis fans will also love the chance to attend the AO 2026 Official Draw – from 2.30pm AEDT on Thursday 15 January at the Grand Slam Oval fan stage – where defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys are expected to join to see the singles draws unveiled.
Throughout the week there are also open practice sessions inside Rod Laver Arena, which will also host Opening Week Showdowns each evening from 13-16 January.
There’s also the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony, headlined by six-time champion Roger Federer who will be joined in an iconic ‘Battle of the World No.1s’ match by Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter.
For music lovers
Toe-tapping beats and electrifying DJ sets are just the beginning as AO LIVE Opening Week kicks off the Australian Open’s music offering with a bang.
Discover a jam-packed schedule of live music events from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 January with world-renowned acts including Hot Chip, Elderbrook, Cassian and The Presets.
Follow the pumping bass and high vibes to TOPCOURT, located at Birrarung Marr’s middle terrace, and discover how the space will be transformed into an open-air stage.
Can’t make it to any of those acts? Never fear – AO LIVE Opening Week is part of a wider program across the entirety of the AO, a 21-day summer music festival of chilled-out acoustic sessions, mesmerising DJ sets, homegrown indie rock bands and so much more.
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Kids and families
Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates on Saturday 17 January continues to be one of the AO’s most-loved traditions. It’s a complete takeover of the AO precinct, with special events and activities as well as the Arena Spectacular, which will be held in John Cain Arena.
And there’s also the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, which provides kids with a world of excitement and more ways to play than ever before – including an airport-themed obstacle course, thrilling waterslides, speed-serve competitions and live entertainment. Secure a seat under the shade and watch as cartoon characters come to life with live performances from animated icons like Peppa Pig, Care Bears and Paw Patrol.
When downtime calls, young fans can take a break with Storytime at Ballpark, a daily 25-minute read-along session. And when adventure calls, the whole family can set off on an epic scavenger hunt across the entire precinct, collecting stamps to go into the draw to win free tickets to the women’s semifinals.
For foodies
During AO Opening Week, you can travel the world without leaving the precinct.
Soak in the buzzing atmosphere as you sip on an exclusive AO Shake and savour a signature ShackBurger® from the first-ever Australian pop-up of New York City’s Shake Shack.
Head to the Grand Slam Oval for a quick trip to Greece; order a souvlaki or spanakopita from Stalactites x Taverna. Southeast Asia is calling with Season Chicken’s exciting new Vietnamese fried chicken offering, while Japan is within reach at Suupaa, a Japanese-inspired convenience store serving quick and easy bites.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg – you can also revel in Melbourne’s favourite flavours when you beat the heat with a refreshing AO Frappe® - Served up by a2 Milk® from the front of John Cain Arena, or secure yourself an AO staple: the must-try Peach Melbourne soft serve.
For the foodies, the mouthwatering culinary line-up – which you can enjoy as early as AO Opening Week – is itself a reason to venture to Melbourne Park this January.