In a dazzling reveal set to inspire and captivate, Vivid Sydney returns in 2025, promising to transform Australia’s iconic Harbour City into an immersive dreamscape. Celebrating its landmark 15th year from Friday, 23 May through Saturday, 14 June, the festival’s theme, “Dream,” explores the boundless realms of imagination and innovation through an ambitious lineup featuring lights, music, ideas, and gastronomy.
The complete program and ticket details are now available at the official Vivid Sydney website: www.vividsydney.com.
Reimagined Festival Zones Ignite Sydney
Vivid Sydney introduces five interconnected festival zones in an exciting reinvention, each bringing distinctive experiences under the festival’s signature pillars of Light, Music, Ideas, and Food. These zones—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—are designed to inspire visitors to journey deeper into Sydney’s vibrant heart.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Minister for Jobs, Tourism, and the Arts John Graham emphasizes the festival’s inclusive approach: “Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways and places to bring colour, creativity, and fun to our city. Amid today’s cost-of-living pressures, increasing free events is particularly meaningful, ensuring everyone can enjoy this remarkable festival.”
A Festival for Dreamers, by Dreamers
Festival Director Gill Minervini brilliantly articulates this year’s powerful theme: “Dreaming is timeless and universal, shaping our hopes, fears, and inspirations. This year’s festival uniquely captures the magical and transformative power of dreams through every spectacular installation, innovative idea, and culinary masterpiece.”
Illuminating Sydney Like Never Before
Vivid Light, the festival’s dazzling heart, will astonish audiences with pioneering animation and cutting-edge projection technologies. Among this year’s highlights is the luminous tribute to the late visionary David McDiarmid, whose vibrant art piece “Kiss of Light (2025)” will illuminate the Sydney Opera House’s iconic sails. Other captivating projections include renowned Indigenous artist Vincent Namatjira’s “King Dingo” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and “House of Romance” by celebrated Sydney fashion duo Romance Was Born at Customs House.
For the first time, the Museum of Sydney, The Bond at Barangaroo, and Challis House in Martin Place will join the stunning visual spectacle while returning favourites Argyle Cut and the CTA Building promise nostalgic excitement.
Interactive Experiences Amplify Festival Magic
This year’s Vivid Light Walk is more interactive than ever, inviting visitors to shape their experiences through voice-activated animations, whimsical seesaws, and playful swings. An extraordinary collaboration with Moment Factory allows festivalgoers to transform self-portraits into spectacular 3D projections. Additionally, aspiring artists can project their designs onto The Rocks’ historic ASN Co. Building’s Clock Tower, with selected works showcased weekly.
Thought Leadership and Big Ideas
Vivid Ideas push intellectual boundaries. It is headlined by D.W. Pine, TIME Magazine’s visionary Creative Director, who will deliver a keynote address titled “Where Do Ideas Come From?” World-renowned sleep scientist Professor Matthew Walker will also captivate audiences with insights into the profound mysteries of sleep.
In a compelling partnership, Netflix’s global phenomenon “Stranger Things: The Experience” debuts at Luna Park Sydney, immersing visitors in supernatural nostalgia from 1980s Hawkins.
Culinary Dreams Curated by Nigella Lawson
Adding a touch of culinary prestige, renowned international food icon Nigella Lawson curates three exclusive dining events in Martin Place’s stunning new pedestrian tunnel, Muru Giligu. Transforming the space into a magical feast of sensory delights, these dinners promise an unforgettable exploration of New South Wales’ finest produce and wines.
Nigella is excited: “Sydney’s charm truly sparkles in winter during Vivid Sydney. Curating these dinners is an absolute dream come true.”
Festival favourites, including the Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line and Spice Lounge on Maryanne Street, return alongside new gastronomic adventures in the Hollywood Quarter, celebrating Sydney’s culinary diversity.
Music Echoing Across Sydney’s Heart
Vivid Music expands its sonic horizons with acclaimed performances and exclusive events. Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Nights feature diverse international stars, including Grammy-winning African singer Dobet Gnahoré, Korean pop sensation Stella Jang, and Australia’s Winston Surfshirt.
Oxford Art Factory and Metro Theatre will showcase electrifying acts, marking significant anniversaries for renowned local music labels. Iconic City Recital Hall will host legendary German electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream and indie darling Soccer Mommy, while Vivid Supper Club at Mary’s Underground will revive the contemporary cabaret scene.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House promises unforgettable performances from over 50 legendary and rising artists, including Grammy-winning Ravyn Lenae, lo-fi techno icon Mall Grab, and soulful homegrown talents Miss Kaninna and SAHXL.
Sydney’s Premier Cultural Event
Carriageworks amplifies the rhythm with cutting-edge performances from techno sensation Mall Grab and vibrant events spotlighting Sydney’s booming creative scene. Renowned local eateries step into the limelight, completing this rich cultural experience.
More accessible than ever, this year’s Vivid Sydney significantly increases the number of free events, thoughtfully addressing current cost-of-living concerns and ensuring every visitor can enjoy memorable nights without financial burden.
Proudly supported by major partner Samsung, the festival continues its successful collaboration with key cultural institutions, underscoring its reputation as Australia’s premier event. Vivid Sydney also continues its meaningful partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, highlighting the festival’s community spirit and ongoing commitment to social responsibility.
Vivid Sydney promises an unforgettable celebration of creativity, inspiration, and community, firmly positioning Sydney at the epicentre of global innovation and cultural expression. Don’t miss the extraordinary opportunity to dream bigger and brighter in 2025.
For full details, visit vividsydney.com.
Written by: Soo James
