Regarded as the biggest light, music and ideas festival in the South, Vivid Sydney will light up the city’s opera house and surrounding harbour area from 23 May to 14 June, 2025. More than three million people attended Vivid Sydney 2024.
Vivid is Australia‘s most beloved and awarded festival. The theme for this year’s festival is Colour the City.
“Humanity is at the core of everything we do, and this year Vivid Sydney is diving deep into what makes us uniquely human,” Gill Minervini Festival Director said. “We have curated a diverse program that explores the human spirit, designed to foster connections, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity enriches our lives. Everyone is invited to be part of this global event in the world’s most beautiful city to connect, create and celebrate.”
What Is Vivid Sydney 2025?
The festival consists of four pillars: Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Ideas and Vivid Food.
Vivid Light
This programme will have large-scale projections, interactive art and immersive experiences, as well as the Vivid Sydney Light Show. Highlights include a 40km stretch of rainbow lasers from the Sydney Tower, and a universal symbol of hope from artist Yvette Mattern. Other artists featured include Julia Gutman, Guan Wei, Reg Mombassa and Leila Jeffreys.
Vivid Music
There will be a programme of live music across the city. This includes Tumbalong Nights, a free programme of performances by Budjerah, grentperez and Mallrat. The Machine Hall Precinct will feature No Fixed Address, Deerhoof and Jen Cloher.
Vivid Ideas
Part of the ideology of the festival is to spark new ways to imaging ideas. Engage in After The Fact is a nightly discussion of current affairs. Window Dressing allows you to peek through another person’s window, while A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter aims at forging connections between total strangers. There will also be immersive art and dance from Shifting Perspectives, and film screenings and talks at Golden Age Cinema.
Vivid Food
Finally, discover the variety of food in Sydney and New South Wales through projects such as Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line. Danielle Alvarez will showcase the role of women in Australia’s food through A Culinary Canvas, and Plates with Purpose will provide a taste of the food of Ukraine. You can also follow the VividPlace Food Trail featuring some of the best chefs in Sydney or sample cocktails at Aurorae at Bennelong Bar.
Vivid Sydney Dates
The Vivid Sydney dates are from 23 May to 14 June 2025. For the precise Vivid Sydney time of events go to the official website below.
Where Is Vivid Sydney 2025?
The major festival is held across the New South Wales capital at venues include Circular Quay, NSW State Library, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Rocks and of course the Sydney Opera House.
Vivid Sydney 2025 Tickets
Lots of the events for Vivid Sydney 2035 are free of charge, but need to be reserved, others are charged. Tickets can be obtained here. The organisers also have deals with partners on accommodation and activities which you can find here.
Vivid Sydney Drone Show
To get you in the mood here is the 2023 Sydney Vivid Drone Show Written in the Stars:
Things To Do in Sydney and NSW
Sydney is a wonderful destination in itself. Discover the 13 Fun Things To Do in Sydney. Alternatively, if you are looking for ideas on what to do elsewhere in New South Wales, click here.
More Information
To keep up to date with the programme, click here. To discover about their sustainability commitments, click here.
Cover image: Christine Anu FLOWER CROWN. All images courtesy of Destination NSW.
