A pop-up bar by The Midnight Special, a culinary experience by Danielle Alvarez, Vivid Sydney-inspired menus across the Opera House’s dining precinct and a new music-centric cinema program will elevate Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival.
Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House cinema
For the first time, Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House will include a curated cinema program of groundbreaking films, presented in the Playhouse from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June.
The program includes premiere screenings of Eno, a pioneering film charting the life of Brian Eno alongside a fascinating Q+A session with creator Gary Hustwit, and an exhilarating Devo documentary fresh from the Sundance Film Festival. Audiences can also watch the celebratory 25th anniversary screening of Portishead – Roseland NYC, Sophia Coppola’s cult classic The Virgin Suicides soundtracked by AIR, Saul Williams’ sci-fi musical Neptune Frost, and a short film session We’re from Outer Space from the Asian youth diaspora, including Australia’s first-ever K-Rap crew 1300.
Bar Subterranean by The Midnight Special
The creative visionaries behind Newtown’s The Midnight Special will triumphantly return to the Opera House as the Concert Hall Northern Foyer undergoes an electrifying transformation into Bar Subterranean.
Inspired by the legendary Bob Dylan anthem, ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’, the immersive pop-up will serve cocktails curated by Archie Rose and is a must-visit along the Vivid Sydney journey.
Entry is free, and tickets are not required. All are welcome, with entry via the western external steps of the Opera House (or the Concert Hall for ticketholders).
Open nightly from Friday 24 May to Sunday 2 June (excluding 27 May) from 6:00pm to late.
A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez
As a part of Vivid Sydney’s Food program, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez will light up the iconic Yallamundi Rooms with an extraordinary dinner celebrating women in Australian gastronomy, winemaking and music.
Danielle’s Vivid Sydney menu pays homage to the best NSW ingredients, honouring their makers and the spirit of sharing through hospitality. Guests will experience Danielle’s culinary creations paired with wines from female winemakers selected by sommelier Louella Mathews. Between courses, guests will be treated to two 30-minute musical performances by Katie Noonan.
A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to Vivid Sydney’s 2024 charity partner Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Bookings are available Friday 7 & 14 June from 6:30pm.
Aurorae at Bennelong Bar
In the heart of the action, Aurorae at Bennelong Bar offers guests a bespoke bar snack by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore and a cocktail crafted to match Vivid Sydney’s brilliance.
Accompanied by musical theatre legend Max Lambert and vocalist Nicky Crayson on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, this Vivid Sydney Food event promises an unrivalled view of the city’s lights and an opportunity to experience the best of Australian hospitality.
Bookings are available from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June (excluding Wed 29 May) from 5:30pm to 11:00pm, with live music on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 8:00pm-11:00pm.
Vivid Food at House Canteen
As part of the official Vivid Food program, House Canteen presents Taste, See, Connect culinary events. These events encourage an interactive dining experience with draw-on tablecloths and a shared-style feast of sushi, dumplings and dessert curated by Chef Fernando.
House Canteen will also come alive with Neon Nights featuring vibrant light installations from artist Carla O’Brien’s ‘Neon Winter’ collection, with the option to indulge in Vivid Sydney-inspired cocktails – the Hibiscus, Passion, Loose Goose and Gilded Goose.
Make a booking for Taste, See, Connect, available in two-hour sittings on Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 May, Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 June, Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 June, at 6:00pm or 8:00pm, or join House Canteen for Neon Nights throughout Vivid Sydney.
Through the Kaleidoscope – Opera Bar
The harbourside icon, Opera Bar, will introduce its captivating and immersive Through the Kaleidoscope dining experience.
Accompanied by live music and intricate frosted kaleidoscopes and lights, Opera Bar will offer three unique and colourful cocktails inspired by Vivid Sydney’s vibrant and colourful atmosphere.
Available from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June.
Midden by Mark Olive
The Opera House’s newest restaurant, Midden by Mark Olive, will deliver an unforgettable dining experience alongside the electrifying ambience of Vivid Sydney.
Among the illumination of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, dine on culinary delights like lemon myrtle teriyaki chicken skewers infused with zesty lemon myrtle ponzu. Elevate your experience with the Rosella Gimlet , featuring Archie Rose’s rosella-infused signature dry gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon, agave and myrtle.
Open nightly from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June from 4:00pm.
Vivid Dinner at the House
Explore the rich history and architectural wonder of the Opera House with a behind-the-scenes tour followed by an exclusive dining experience in the Opera House’s most intimate and hidden venue.
Vivid Dinner at the House includes captivating light projections and a First Nations inspired three-course dinner from Midden by Mark Olive.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from Thursday 23 May to Saturday 7 June at 4:15pm.
Food trucks on the Forecourt
A range of food trucks will set up under the sails, offering festival-goers a variety of snacks and small plates to dine on after dark. Vegan and vegetarian options will also be available.
Open from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June from 5:00pm.
Vivid Sydney will be held from Friday 24 to Saturday 15 June.
