The Best Things to See and Do at Vivid Sydney 2025

Sydney’s iconic Vivid Sydney Festival is back for 2025, transforming the city from Friday, May 23 to Saturday, June 14 with an epic program of light installations, world-class music, thought-provoking talks, and unforgettable dining experiences.

For its 15th anniversary, Vivid Sydney has reimagined its festival footprint, expanding into five key zones across the city: Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place and CBD (returning for the first time since 2018), Darling Harbour, and The Goods Line and Inner City. Each area will feature a mix of immersive light displays, live performances, interactive installations, and culinary experiences, making it an unmissable winter event.

Vivid Sydney 2025: A Festival of Light, Music, Ideas, and Food

Vivid Light: A City Illuminated

This year’s Vivid Light will push creative boundaries, with newly commissioned installations and cutting-edge projection technologies lighting up Sydney’s most famous landmarks.

• Sydney Opera House will showcase Kiss of Light (2025), featuring the late Australian visionary David McDiarmid’s bold and unapologetic artwork.
• Vincent Namatjira’s striking King Dingo will illuminate the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Customs House will debut House of Romance by the acclaimed Sydney fashion label Romance Was Born.
• The Vivid Light Walk will feature interactive installations, including voice-activated animations, light-based swings and seesaws, and a tennis match with light effects.
• The Rocks’ ASN Co. Building Clock Tower will display designs submitted by festivalgoers, with 150 selected entries featured each week.
• Eight new buildings and landmarks, including the Museum of Sydney, The Bond in Barangaroo, and Challis House in Martin Place, will be illuminated for the first time.

Vivid Ideas: Thought-Provoking Conversations

Vivid Ideas will bring together some of the world’s most influential thinkers, creatives, and innovators, with highlights including:

• D.W. Pine, Creative Director of TIME Magazine, presenting the keynote Where Do Ideas Come From?
• Professor Matthew Walker, world-renowned scientist, discussing Why We Sleep.
• Stranger Things: The Experience at Luna Park Sydney, an immersive, interactive adventure transporting visitors to the supernatural world of Hawkins in 1986.
• Firetalk series at Barangaroo Reserve, featuring First Nations storytellers in a weekly free event.
• Endling, a powerful new physical theatre work performed nightly by Legs On The Wall.

Vivid Food: A Culinary Dream

Vivid Sydney 2025 will serve up spectacular dining experiences, including exclusive collaborations with world-renowned chefs and local culinary legends.

• Nigella Lawson will curate three exclusive Vivid Sydney Dinners at Muru Giligu in Martin Place, transforming the pedestrian tunnel into an immersive light and sound dining experience.
• Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to The Goods Line, celebrating the art of cooking over fire.
• Vivid Chef Series will feature international chefs teaming up with Sydney’s best restaurants.
• Spice Lounge at Maryanne Street will offer a cosy spot to soak up the festival atmosphere.
• Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills will host food and gig trails at venues including Golden Age Cinema, Hollywood Hotel, and The Soda Factory, plus lively street parties.

Vivid Music: A World-Class Lineup

This year’s Vivid Music program is bigger than ever, celebrating diverse global sounds, emerging talent, and unique musical experiences across Sydney.

 

• Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour will feature a free concert series with artists such as Winston Surfshirt, Ayesha Madon, Vietnamese pop stars Mỹ Anh and Chi Xê, Grammy-winning Dobet Gnahoré, Korea’s Stella Jang, and Indian artist Zaeden.
• Metro Theatre and City Recital Hall will host events including Tangerine Dream, Soccer Mommy, and anniversary celebrations for labels Bad Apples and NLV Records.
• Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House presents over 50 artists, including Anohni and The Johnsons, Beth Gibbons, Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Japanese Breakfast, Marlon Williams, and Ravyn Lenae.
• Carriageworks will host Mall Grab, Ngaiire, and Skegss, plus its legendary Night Market, featuring top young chefs and bartenders.
• Oxford Art Factory will bring UK rap duo Pete & Bas and Newcastle’s Steel City Dance Discs to Sydney’s nightlife scene.
• Vivid Supper Club at Mary’s Underground returns with an all-new lineup blending contemporary music and cabaret.

A Festival of Creativity and Connection

Vivid Sydney 2025 promises to be a mesmerizing fusion of art, music, food, and ideas, embracing creativity, innovation, and community. With over 75% of events free, the festival ensures everyone can experience the magic without breaking the budget.

Tickets for select events are on sale now. For the full program and more information, visit Vivid Sydney.

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