What's On
What's on in Victoria — December 2026
December brings the two summer fixtures Melbourne does best — the Boxing Day Test and, this cycle, the return of the NGV Triennial, the free once-every-three-years art event that takes over the whole gallery. More December listings are added as programs are confirmed.
Updated 2026-07-10 · every listing links its original source · prices in AUD, always confirm before travelling
Exhibitions & galleries
NGV Triennial 2026 — opening
FreeFrom 13 December (runs to 11 April) · NGV International, St Kilda Road · CBD
The gallery-wide contemporary showcase that arrives once every three years: close to 100 artists from 35 countries across every level of NGV International.
Free entry to the whole thing, and it runs all summer — skip the opening-weeks crush and go on a February weekday morning instead.
Sport & big matches
Boxing Day Test — Australia v New Zealand
Ticketed — check site26–30 December · MCG · CBD
The MCG's summer centrepiece, with the trans-Tasman rivals meeting in the traditional Boxing Day slot.
Day one is the occasion; days three and four are the value — smaller crowds, cheaper tickets, same cricket. Shaded reserved seats are worth the difference in December.
Music & concerts
Guns N' Roses at Marvel Stadium
Ticketed — check site11 December · Marvel Stadium, Docklands · CBD
The rock icons return to Melbourne for a stadium night in the second week of December.
The band and much of the audience are past sixty now — you will be in good company. Reserved seating, and the stadium roof takes the weather out of it.