Sometimes, we get news where there’s just too much stuff to cram into a headline – and Neon Dreams is one of those occasions. Ostensibly, it’s a food pop-up for Vivid, but that’s barely scratching the surface. Once you throw in one of Australia’s top vegan chefs, a DJ booth in an old mail plane, botanical cocktails, and the nostalgic thrill of strapping on a pair of roller skates and gliding around the rink, you’ve got one of the most joyful experiences that Vivid has to offer. Here’s the rundown!
Neon Dreams at Darling Harbour
Neon Dreams brings an explosion of colour and fun to Tumbalong Boulevard, where you’ll find it under the Pier Street Overpass until June 14. It’s a co-production between Vivid and Trolley’d, a collective of mixologists known for their pop-up bar experiences; with that in mind, let’s start with the drinks. All of Trolley’d cocktails rely on low waste, ethically-sourced, and foraged ingredients, creating botanical beauties like lemon myrtle margaritas and Illawarra plum sours. To match the American diner vibes, they’re also responsible for the milkshakes, which I reckon are the perfect thirst-quencher after a spin on the rink.
Speaking of the rink, it’s billed as an “airline-themed fantasy”, which helps explain the presence of a 1979 mail plane alongside the rink. It’ll house the DJ booth, which, in keeping with the theme, is committed to spinning vinyl tunes curated by Bob Gherkin, ones that’ll keep you grooving around the rink. Skates are included in the price of your session, tickets for which will set you back just under $24 after taxes. Best of all, the rink is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids, allowing everyone to live out their roller dreams in style.
Finally, let’s focus on the disco diner, where the pass is being run by Shannon Martinez, best known for her tireless quest to bring delicious, indulgent vegan food to Australia. Preserving the 70s feel of the entire place, she’ll be whipping up a menu of plant-based American diner classics: think fries, burgers, mac and cheese, and jelly donuts. Admission to the diner is free is you’re not skating, and if you are, you can pop in before or after gliding round the rink. Personally, I’d recommend skating before you eat, or you might find yourself a bit aerodynamically challenged whilst skating…