Vivid Sydney is one of Sydney's best modern art festivals, celebrating creativity, innovation, and technology. Held in May and June, the annual festival transforms Sydney for 23 days and nights, illuminating the city's urban landscapes unexpectedly. Since 2010, Vivid Sydney has presented the works of boundary-pushing artists, musicians, and thinkers in the capital of New South Wales, winning 17 awards, including a Grand Pinnacle, at the 2023 IFEA Pinnacle Awards. It was also named Australia's Best Tourism Event multiple times.
Highlights of Vivid Sydney 2024
Lights
Amazing light displays and projections over iconic buildings are among the festival's main attractions. Sydney Light Walk runs uninterrupted from the Sydney Opera House to Central Station, showcasing colorful 3D projections and light artworks. This free 8km stretch features over 30 large-scale projections and immersive works, including "Lighting of the Sails: Echo" by Julia Gutman and "Sea, Sand and Stars" by Guan Wei. Light displays also transform Sydney's CBD, Circular Quay, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, Darling Square and Quarter, The Goods Line, and other locations.
Music
In addition to amazing light art, Sydney Vivid presents a diverse range of concerts, free gigs, and late-night performances from global and local music icons. At the Machine Hall Precinct (June 5-15), each night offers a unique blend of genres, from hyperpop mash-ups to acoustic ballads, pushing the boundaries of traditional music. This heritage venue hosts visionary voices and cutting-edge performances, inviting exploration of sound, culture, and community.
Meanwhile, Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground promises a fusion of comedy and music. As laughter fills the air and cocktails flow freely, each show promises a sparkling lineup of entertainment, from divine diva worship to an adult kids' party. At Tumbalong Nights in Tumbalong Park, families enjoy free live music under the stars, with family-friendly live shows at 5 pm each Saturday, and additional performances tailored for older kids from 7:30 pm.
Ideas
Vivid Sydney's Ideas program is another way to bring attention to creative solutions and a new way of thinking. The festival gathers the brightest minds of our time, like award-winning theatre and film directors, screenwriters, and storytellers. Visitors can delve into thought-provoking discussions, performances, and immersive experiences centered around the theme of humanity. Organizers offer to challenge perspectives and ignite the imagination with program highlights like Shifting Perspectives and A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter.
Food
Vivid Sydney offers an opportunity to savor and appreciate the cultural richness that food brings to our lives during the festival's 23 nights of festivities. This year, food enthusiasts have two options to explore the culinary landscape. At VividPlace Food Trail, located behind Customs House in Sydney Place and Bulletin Place laneways, visitors can indulge in a global feast featuring over 20 restaurants, bars, and market stalls, all conveniently situated near Circular Quay. Meanwhile, at Vivid Fire Kitchen, the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of flame-cooked street food, showcasing the rich diversity of cuisines from around the world. Additionally, guests can learn from culinary masters through cooking demos by renowned chefs like Lennox Hastie, Christine Manfield, and Ivan Brehm.
Tickets
While the Vivid Sidney Light Walk and many other events and experiences are free of charge, there are also a number of ticketed events on the program. Some require tickets or registration in advance as they have limited spots.
Transportation
To ease transportation during Vivid Sydney, additional trains and buses will operate on weekends, facilitating easy access to festival locations. Due to extensive road closures and parking restrictions, public transport is recommended for reaching the festival. Utilize the Transport For NSW Trip Planner or real-time apps for updated metro, train, bus, ferry, and light rail information. Ensure you have a valid Opal card or single-trip ticket for travel, which can be topped up online, via the Opal Travel App, top-up machines, or at retailers.
