Vivid Sydney is back to illuminate the Harbour City from Friday 23 May 2025 - Saturday 14 June 2025! After an incredibly successful event in 2024 (almost 2.5 million people attended!), the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival is returns in 2025 with a programme of technicolour light projections, installations and performances centred around the theme ‘Vivid Sydney, Dream.’
As always with Vivid Sydney, expect show-stopping colour and light, innovative artists, boundary-pushing thought-leaders, talented musicians and culinary experiences to delight all of your senses.
Celebrating its 15th year, this year’s festival has been redesigned to feature five connected zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place and CBD, Darling Harbour, and the Goods Line and Inner City. Each zone will feature an exciting lineup of light installations, music performances, talks and culinary experiences that not only entertain, nourish, and captivate, but also seek to answer, “what’s in a dream?”
“Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying. These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s programme this year. In 2025, the festival celebrates creativity, innovation and connection in the best city in the world.”
- Gill Minervini, Festival Director
There's good reason Vivid Sydney has fast become one of the most popular things to do in Sydney, and one of the best reasons to visit the city – so here’s everything you need to know about Vivid Sydney 2025 to make the most of the exciting and inspiring event.
Vivid Sydney programme highlights
Vivid Light
Vivid is synonymous with the light art that covers Sydney’s iconic attractions buildings in technicolour, dressing her up for the thousands of visitors she receives each night. From secret tunnels adorned with sparkling lights to the sails of the Opera House and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney’s harbourside treasures become a canvas for creativity.
This year, Sydney will transform with exclusively commissioned pieces, light installations and 3d projections that feature cutting-edge animations and technologies.
Some highlights include:
- The Lighting of the Sails at Sydney Opera House will showcase the bold and unapologetic work of the late Australian artist, David McDiarmid in a tribute titled Kiss of Light.
- The façade of Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will be illuminated with projections by acclaimed First Nations artist Vincent Namatjira called King Dingo, accompanied by an original score by Jeremy Whiskey.
- Customs House’s now-famous kaleidoscope of colour will feature a vibrant celebration of the 20th anniversary of Australian fashion label Romance was Born.
- The entire Vivid Light Walk is free for all to enjoy and features interactive installations, voice-activated animations, suspended swings, a tennis match with light, and self-portraits turned into 3D projections, and so much more. Argyle Cut in the Rocks and the CTA building in Martin Place make a return as part of the Vivid Light Walk, while new building and landmarks include Museum of Sydney, The Bond in Barangaroo and Challis House in Martin Place
You can see the full programme Of Vivid Light here.
Vivid Ideas
Vivid Ideas brings thought-provoking discussions and debates and deep dives into controversial and leading-edge topics to challenge and expand our way of thinking with appearances from some of the world’s greatest minds, innovators and creatives. This year, Vivid Ideas gathers some of the world’s brightest minds and fearless storytellers, with intriguing talks and workshops, exploring community, authenticity, respect, love and lessons learnt from the natural world.
Some highlights include:
- D.W. Pine (Creative Director of TIME Magazine) presenting Where Do Ideas Come From?.
- Internationally renowned scientist Professor Matthew Walker exploring the science of sleep in Why We Sleep.
- Stranger Things: The Experience at Luna Park Sydney, an immersive adventure designed exclusively by the Netflix show’s creators to transport visitors into the world of Hawkins, 1986.
- Weekly free Firetalk Series at Barangaroo Reserve, featuring First Nations storytellers.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg for the Ideas programme – visit the website for more and to book tickets.
Vivid Music
Vivid Music is an eclectic programme of music and performance in new and unexpected locations, pushing boundaries, sharing stories and keeping the Vivid energy at 11.
his year’s music lineup will celebrate dreams through sound, featuring a mix of international and local artists, with highlights including:
- The free concerts at Tumbalong Nights in Darling Harbour, with a focus on music in diaspora communities and First Nations artists singing in their own languages. This year’s lineup includes Winston Surfshirt, Ayesha Madon, Grammy-winning Dobet Gnahoré, and V-Pop sensations Mỹ Anh and Chi Xê.
- Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House will host performances from over 50 international and Australian artists, including Anohni and The Johnsons, Beth Gibbons (Portishead), Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and more.
- Shows at Oxford Art Factory, Metro Theatre & City Recital Hall, including Pete & Bas, Tangerine Dream, Soccer Mommy and Bad Apples' 10th Anniversary Event.
Check out the full Vivid Music programme for free and ticketed events.
Vivid Food
Launched in 2023 and returning for yet another year, Vivid Sydney’s Food programme is back – from decadent street food to luxurious dining experiences as well as three events curated exclusively for Vivid Sydney 2025 by internationally renowned food writer and TV cook, Nigella Lawson. Highlights this year include:
Vivid Sydney Dinners curated by Nigella Lawson at the pedestrian tunnel Muru Giligu in Martin Place, combining food with a stunning light and sound experience.
- Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line returns, honouring fire and spice.
- Maryanne Street will transform into Spice Lounge, a new space to gather around the fire.
- Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills will have exclusive gigs and food trails from the likes of Golden Age Cinema, Hollywood Hotel, and The Soda Factory.
- The food and music of the Carriageworks Night Market - a must-visit for foodies!
Check out the full Vivid Food programme for free and ticketed events.
Vivid Sydney FAQs
What is Vivid Sydney?
Vivid Sydney is an annual festival that transforms Sydney into a creative hub, featuring light installations, music, talks, and food experiences. It is Australia’s largest event and a highlight of the city’s winter calendar.
When is Vivid Sydney?
Vivid lights up Sydney’s nights every evening for 22 nights from Friday 23 May to 14 June 2025, giving Sydney’s iconic buildings a glow up and drawing us all back to the harbour and Sydney’s acclaimed dining and entertainment precincts for a calendar stuffed with events.
Where is Vivid Sydney?
Vivid Sydney takes place across five key zones:
- Circular Quay and The Rocks
- Barangaroo
- Martin Place and CBD
- Darling Harbour
- The Goods Line and Inner City
What time does Vivid Sydney start?
Vivid’s light installations and 3D projections turn on at 6.00pm until 11pm.
When is the best time to go to Vivid?
The best time to go to Vivid is typically on weeknights, when it’s usually less crowded. Try to visit before the last week, as that's when Vivid is at its busiest with the last-minute rush.
Vivid Sydney is at its busiest over the weekend when everyone comes out to play, and Friday and Saturday nights are especially busy, so plan accordingly if that’s the only time you can make it.
Is Vivid free?
Vivid is one of the best things to do for free in Sydney - especially with kids.
Over 75% of the programme is free, including the entire Vivid Light Walk and Tumbalong Nights concerts. Some events, like Vivid Ideas talks and Vivid Food experiences, require tickets.
Check out more of the free events of the programme at the Vivid website here.
Are there Vivid Sydney events for kids?
Kids love exploring the art installations and watching the light shows, especially Lights On and the Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House at 6pm, so make sure you’re in position!
Head to Tumbalong Park each Saturday evening at 5pm Vivid Kids at Tumbalong Park and be sure to explore the interactive installations of the Vivid Light Walk.
TIP: Visit any of the Vivid Medical Tents and grab wristbands for kids and write your phone number on them.
For more events for kids and families, visit the Vivid Sydney website here.
Will Vivid Sydney be cancelled if it rains?
No, Vivid continues rain, hail or shine. Keep your eye on Sydney's weather and forecast to check if you need to pack an umbrella or wear a raincoat.
Is there a Vivid Sydney map?
Visit the Vivid Sydney 2025 Maps & Guides before you set off. It covers all locations and has instructions for how to plan your Vivid Sydney adventure using their interactive map.
How do I see all the lights and projections?
You’re going to need a few visits to see everything, so make a plan and focus on one or two areas each visit. Visit Vivid Sydney for your guide to installations, transport and access.
How do I get to Vivid Sydney?
Thankfully getting around Sydney to visit Vivid's multiple installations, exhibitions and experiences is easy. The best way to travel to Vivid Sydney is by public transport. Use buses and trains to get in and home from the city. Major hubs include Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall, and Central Station. You can plan and check transport in real time at 131500.com.au
Where are the best spots to see Vivid?
Following the Light Walk will give you a great view of the installations, projections and light shows. Cruising on the harbour – whether by taking a local ferry across the water or booking an organised Harbour Cruise - will give you a unique view of the lights and installations around Circular Quay, the Harbour and Darling Harbour.
You can also book dinners at Sydney restaurants and gaze at the lights while you dine, or cruise along the Harbour spotting installations and with the lights and projections creating a fabulous show for you on the canvas of Sydney’s iconic buildings.
What are the best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney?
Remember that wherever you go during Vivid, you will see incredible light displays and installations!
Some of the best things to do at Vivid include:
- Walk the Vivid Light Walk and interact with installations.
- Attend a Vivid Ideas talk from world-renowned speakers.
- Enjoy free live music at Tumbalong Nights.
- Book a Vivid Food experience, like the Nigella Lawson-curated dinner.
- See exclusive performances at Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House.
- Visit Stranger Things: The Experience for an immersive adventure.
Who owns Vivid Sydney?
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and events agency.
Book Vivid Sydney Experiences
Want to make the absolute most out of Vivid Sydney 2024? Book one of these incredible experiences!
- Vivid Sydney Harbour BYO Catamaran Cruise with Snacks
- Vivid Sydney Lights Evening Cruise (1.5 Hours)
- Vivid Sydney Sightseeing Cruise
- Vivid Sydney Night Photography Workshop (3 Hours)
- Vivid Sydney 4 Course Dinner Cruise