This $0 Vivid Sydney Night Out Is The Perfect Weekend Adventure

Make the most of buzzy live gigs, dazzling light shows, fire-fuelled theatrics, and free storytelling by the fire — without spending a cent at this year’s Vivid Sydney.

Ria Lawrence - Senior Staff Writer • May 29, 2025

Customs House in Sydney lit up with a colourful Vivid Sydney projection featuring rainbow-toned spheres and patterns — Image: Destination NSW

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In the past, Vivid Sydney has dazzled with blockbuster ticketed events, from the immersive Wynyard Tunnels to the glowing Lightscape at the Botanic Gardens. But one of the best things about the program this year is that over 75% of it is completely free, a welcome relief in the middle of a cost-of-living crunch. There are interactive artworks, luminous installations, eclectic contemporary concerts, and delicious food to enjoy, and much of it is free. With the weekend fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to start mapping out your night. Here’s your guide to a brilliant Vivid Sydney adventure that won’t cost a thing.

Free things to do at Vivid Sydney 2025

A street in Sydney decorated with a canopy of glowing blue fairy lights, with buildings lit up in pink, purple and orange for Vivid Sydney — Image: Destination NSW

1. Vivid Sydney Light Walk

Sydney's skyline illuminated at night, with a Vivid Sydney light projection on a historic building and beams of blue light streaking across the sky — Image: Destination NSW

Start your evening with a wander through the city along the iconic Vivid Sydney Light Walk. This year, 42 striking installations and projections will light up five key precincts — Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line and Inner City, and Martin Place and the CBD. Kicking off each night from 6pm, it’s the perfect way to experience the magic of Vivid, and best of all, it’s completely free.

2. Tumbalong Nights

Love live music? Make a beeline for Tumbalong Nights, a series of twelve completely free gigs taking over Darling Harbour throughout Vivid. From pop and indie to experimental sounds and powerful First Nations voices, there’s something for every music fan. Artists still to perform include MonoNeon, Manfredo Lament, Charley and Ayesha Madon, and more. Find the full line-up here.

3. Lighting of the Sails

The Sydney Opera House illuminated with vibrant, abstract light projections during Vivid Sydney, reflected in the waters of Sydney Harbour at night. — Image: Destination NSW

While you’re on the Light Walk, don’t miss the Lighting of the Sails, one of the most anticipated highlights of Vivid Sydney. Each night from 6pm to 11pm, the Sydney Opera House comes alive with bold colour, light, and art. This year’s feature is Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid, a vibrant new animation celebrating identity, truth, and joy, projected across the sails in dazzling style.

4. Vivid Fire Kitchen

Feeling hungry? Vivid Fire Kitchen is bringing the heat to the mega event with the theme Fire and Spice. A nightly feast of flame-grilled street food from around the world is on the menu, and while the food is available to buy, there are plenty of free experiences too. Watch live-fire cooking demos by top chefs, take in fiery art installations, and enjoy the spectacle of flamethrowers, fire barrels, and more.

5. Free fun at Darling Square

If you can’t deal with the crowds and chaos of Circular Quay, head to Darling Square — another glowing Vivid hub, offering plenty of free fun and family-friendly activities. Expect live music every Saturday night, neon face painting, glitter tattoos, and eye-catching light installations — including a five-metre-tall immersive face sculpture by Estée Lauder. Don’t miss out on the limited-edition Vivid-themed bites and sips on offer around the precinct, including glowing drinks, deep-fried bao ice cream, and more.

6. Firetalk

Looking for something low-key to do mid-week that won’t burn a hole in your pocket? Head to Barangaroo Reserve on Wednesdays for Firetalk, a free evening of storytelling under the stars. Set around the Bon(d)fire light installation, this weekly series brings together First Nations poets, songwriters, and storytellers for a night of words, music, and reflection. No tickets needed, just show up and find a cosy spot by the fire.

7. Space to Dream

Two people watching a large-scale Vivid Sydney installation projected onto a glowing cube floating on the water in Darling Harbour — Image: Destination NSW

One of this year’s most striking installations is making waves at Cockle Bay and Palm Grove. Three glowing, floating waterfalls will hover above Darling Harbour every night as part of the Light Walk. In line with the 2025 theme “Dream”, this free installation transforms water into art, with three shimmering dreamscapes unfolding across land and water.

8. Flowers’ Power

A glowing installation of oversized, illuminated flower sculptures lighting up a city street at night during Vivid Sydney — Image: Destination NSW

It’s always a tough fight to find the most Instagrammable location during Vivid, when the whole city is drenched in colour and light, but Martin Place is a strong contender this year. Transforming into a luminous flower field, filled with giant mirrored blooms and dreamy projections, this free installation celebrates flowers and their resplendent beauty.

Find more free things to do on the Vivid Sydney website.