Vivid Sydney 2025

The lights of Vivid will soon illuminate Sydney, enveloping the city in lovely colors, sounds, and tastes.

Vivid Sydney, a festival celebrating light, music, food, and ideas, will take place from Friday, May 23, to Saturday, June 14, focusing on the theme Vivid Sydney, Dream.

The first Smart Light Sydney event took place in May 2009, establishing the groundwork for Vivid. The Sydney Opera House's shells were transformed into a canvas for the festival's debut headline projection, created by Brian Eno. Numerous small and large displays were set up throughout Circular Quay and the Rocks, illuminating several renowned buildings.

Vivid evolved from a modest initiative into a globally recognized annual celebration in just a few years. It now competes with longer-running festivals such as Lyon's famous Fête des Lumières, Montréal en Lumière, and the Berlin Festival of Lights.

This event has been voted Australia's Best Tourism Event multiple times. It has also received over 30 special awards in the past two years—no wonder it's considered the largest and most important event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere! Here's another reason - Vivid Sydney is produced by Destination NSW. This agency organizes the type of events responsible for the fact that Sydney is called the events capital of the Asia Pacific.

Vivid Sydney invites us all to explore how our human story is deeply connected with dreams.

What to Expect When Attending Vivid Sydney 2025

Vivid Sydney brings artists, musicians, chefs, and other creative minds to New South Wales's bustling capital. It features exhibitions and live events honoring creativity, innovation, and technology for over three weeks. These elements are presented through four aspects of Vivid: Light, Music, Ideas, and Food.

The city's buildings will serve as a foundation for an exciting display of lasers, searchlights, and awe-inspiring art installations extending from Sydney Harbour to Tumbalong Park. The Vivid Light Walk is an eight-kilometer stretch of light installations, projections, and experiences from the Sydney Opera House to the Goods Line in Ultimo.

The Goods Line park and pedestrian pathway in Ultimo will feature flame-seared cuisine from various countries for those seeking a meal. Expect to attend masterclasses and dining experiences from some of the best international foodie faces and local chefs at Vivid Food.

You can hit the dancefloor under the starry sky during the Tumbalong Nights at Tumbalong Park. Explore fresh tracks or groove to beloved favorites as local and international DJs keep the energy flowing!

Darling Harbour is a must-visit during Vivid Sydney! It features stunning water projections and interactive light displays with breathtaking harbor views. Arrive early to grab a good spot, enjoy a meal at waterfront restaurants, and watch the light shows reflecting on the water. For an extra special experience, consider a Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruise to see the festival from the water—it's a magical way to take in the illuminated skyline!

Evenings in Sydney during this period can get chilly, so putting on some cozy layers will make you feel snug! And as there's a chance of rain, it's a great idea to have an umbrella or a waterproof jacket handy to stay dry and happy. During late May, daytime highs are anticipated to reach about 20 C (68 F), with nighttime lows around 12 C (54 F). In early to mid-June, daytime highs are projected to be around 18 C (64 F), and nighttime lows roughly 10 C (50 F).

Tickets

The Vivid Sydney Light Walk and numerous other events and experiences are accessible to all at no cost!

There are also several ticketed events on the program. Some require advance registration, as there are limited spots, and some require the purchase of a ticket.

Security Protocols

Vivid Sydney has strict but friendly security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Expect bag checks at major venues like the Sydney Opera House and other key locations. Large bags, bulky items, and prohibited items (like glass bottles, alcohol, and drones) won't be allowed. Crowd control measures will be in place, so follow staff directions and stick to designated walkways. If you see something unusual, let security know. Travel light, stay aware of your surroundings for a smooth visit, and have fun!

How to Get To or From the Event

Additional trains and buses will operate on weekends to facilitate your travel to and from Vivid Sydney venues. Given the numerous road closures and parking limitations, using public transport will be the most convenient option for accessing the festival, as all locations are readily reachable this way.

Utilize the Transport For NSW Trip Planner to keep informed about metro, train, bus, ferry, and light rail services.

Vivid Sydney 2025 Bag Policy

Carrying only the essentials to each venue is advisable, as large bags aren't recommended. Avoiding bulky items will ensure a smooth experience and make entering the venues easier.

Bounce is here to help you make the most out of your visit to Sydney and this event. At Bounce, we help travelers explore the city without the weight on their hands by storing their luggage in their chosen area.

You can find us on our website or our mobile app and find out how easy the process of storing your bags with us is.

Vivid Sydney 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Dream Big at the Vivid Sydney

All you have to do is check for available stores in Sydney, book one, and pay online.

The price is only A$5.60 per day. There's no cancellation fee, but there's 24/7 support for all your questions!

How to Stow Your Bag at Vivid Sydney 2025 With Bounce

• Book: Pick a store in your chosen area, book it, and pay online.
• Store your bags: Go to the store and show your payment confirmation to the employee so they can store your luggage.
• Enter the world of dreams: Enjoy this magnificent journey while Bounce keeps your stuff secure.

How to Make the Most Out of Vivid Sydney 2025

• Plan ahead: Check the official website for the full Vivid Sydney program as soon as it's updated, book tickets early for ticketed events, and secure accommodation in advance.
• Choose the best viewing spots: For stunning views, head to Circular Quay, The Rocks, or the Sydney Opera House. To avoid crowds, explore lesser-known installations.
• Use public transport: Roads get busy; take trains, ferries, or buses for easy access.
• Visit on weekdays: Weekends get packed! Weeknights offer a more relaxed experience.
• Explore beyond lights: For a full experience, don't miss Vivid Music, Vivid Ideas, and Vivid Food.
• Dress comfortably: Wear warm clothes and comfy shoes for lots of walking.

Let's celebrate dreams and the way they shape our inner world and our lives. Vivid Sydney will spark excitement with its events created to brighten your nights there!