Vivid Sydney is set to transform the city with twinkling lights and larger-than-life installations in just a few weeks. In 2024 the festival explores the theme “Humanity” and promises an experience for the senses with luminous lights, mouthwatering eats and unforgettable music and entertainment. Audiences can expect four major pillars to take centrestage throughout the festival: Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Ideas and Vivid Food. With so many events on the horizon, if you’re looking to plan ahead to cover the most ground, we’ve put together a list of unmissable experiences this Vivid Sydney across all four categories.
1. Go on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk is the most comprehensive way to experience the best of Vivid Sydney and experience all the must-see installations on one stunning, meandering trail. The 8km walk starts from Circular Quay, winding past The Rocks and Walsh Bay, Barangaroo wrapping up at Wynyard with sparkling artworks and installations sprinkled along the way. Find the full map to the Light Walk here.
2. Book a technicolour train ride
Tekno Train by Paul Mac is set to transform your everyday commute. The immersive event will take over Sydney trains filling them with kaleidoscopic lights and music, set to the pace of the train and the wonderfully illuminated landscape outside. There are two routes to choose from so don’t miss out. Get more information here.
3. See the Opera House light up
Vivid Sydney’s signature Lighting of the Sails: Echo will spotlight the 2023 Archibald Prize winner and Sydney-based textile artist Julia Gutman’s incredible textural works in 2024. Visitors can see the Opera House’s sails light up every night throughout the festival from 7pm as the displays fuse an ancient craft with modern technologies for a dreamy show.
4. Walk along the glittery VividPlace Food Trail
A Vivid Sydney Food Trail sounds like the perfect event to us especially when it brings together Australia’s top chefs, restaurateurs and bartenders. Taking place throughout Sydney Place and Bulletin Place laneways, this curated event is made for Sydney foodies with pubs, cafes and restaurants slinging Vivid-inspired dishes. Some menu items to look forward to include Mi Goreng toasties and rare Japanese whiskies.
5. Witness Vivid Sydney’s mesmerising drone shows
Vivid Sydney’s hugely popular drone show was one of the biggest highlight events in 2023. If you missed out, you’ll be delighted to know the shows are returning over Sydney Harbour but for 3 nights only. See 700 drones light up the sky in this wonderful and free display on June 8,9 and 15. Find more information here.
6. Discover an underground world at Wynyard Tunnels
Another highlight event that you should add to your calendar is Dark Spectrum which also enjoyed a hugely successful run in 2023. It will return in 2024 and take over the run-down and abandoned tunnels under Wynyard Station transforming them into a labyrinth filled with light, sound and sparkling installations. This is a ticketed event and is located in the heart of Wynyard Park. Get your tickets here.
7. Go on a whimsical journey with Lightscape
Lightscape is set to transform the Royal Botanic Garden once again with light and colour. The highlight 2023 event will dazzle Sydneysiders throughout the festival in 15-minute slots. Find glowing tree canopies, lit-up tunnels, neon features and a lot more on the 1.8km glittering trail. Also on site are hearty snacks and drinks to keep warm if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Get your tickets here.
8. Shake it off at Tumbalong Nights
Tumbalong Nights is a fun and free event that is always popular among Sydney partygoers. Enjoy 12 nights of free live music in the heart of all the action with talented local DJs bringing the tunes from Sunday to Wednesday nights. Expect RnB and indie pop from Melbourne-based Forest Claudette and LA-based The Blssm, all the street party vibes from Bare Necessities and K-Indie acts, indie rockers Silica Gel and jazz-pop artist Sunwoojunga in a Vivid exclusive. Find the full line-up here.
9. Get into the heart of the action at Bennelong Bar
Plan a cosy date night with Aurorae at Bennelong Bar, one of Sydney’s finest romantic spots. The exclusive dining experience promises a culinary experience for the books surrounded by stunning Vivid lights and sounds. Chef Peter Gilmore spearheads the experience and offers limited-edition snacks and cocktails alongside live music on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights from 8-11pm. Tickets will set you back by $55 per person, get them here.
10. Step into an immersive labyrinth for Shifting Perspectives
An interesting addition to Vivid Sydney’s stacked roster comes in the form of Shifting Perspectives. The immersive experience combines soul-stirring dance performances with light installationps all within a huge maze of mirrors. As you walk around taking in the sights and sounds, 24 dancers will weave in and out around you unveiling fresh new perspectives in this unique event. Shifting Perspectives is presented by Matthew Adey in collaboration with Restless Dance Theatre. Buy your tickets here.
11. Play around with an interactive Poem Booth
AI is a hot topic of conversation right now and everyone has an opinion on it. No matter where you stand with it, Poem Booth is an event you’ll want to check out. Machines will create poetry in this AI-powered booth and the results might take you by surprise. Find it on Hay Street in Darling Harbour.
12. Listen to Amy Poehler live In Conversation
Lending some extra star power to Vivid this year is SNL alum Amy Poehler who will join the festival for a live In Conversation event at the Opera House to discuss her stellar career. As part of the event, audiences will enjoy an exclusive first look at the upcoming Inside Out by Disney and Pixar and a 30-minute exclusive projection at Customs House on May 27. Grab your tickets here. Please note that this event is now sold out.
13. Look in people’s windows with Window Dressing
Ever been curious to look inside someone’s window for a little peek into their lives? Window Dressing is the event for you. The curious event features 8 performers and will take place across 8 windows at at the Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building in UTS giving visitors a glimpse into the need for human connection and it’s free to attend.
14. See the MCA light up with Sea, Sand and Stars
Seeing the facade of the MCA light up with colour is always a favourite Vivid activity amongst locals. This year, the building will be transformed with Chinese Australian artist Guan Wei’s works with projections taking visitors on a journey through space and the depths of Bondi’s oceans in a dreamy display. Catch Sea, Sand and Stars every evening throughout the festival from 6pm to 11pm.
15. Soak up the views from the Harbour Bridge
A Sydney bucket list experience that you simply must do at least once is the Harbour Bridge Climb. But it’s made that much better during Vivid enveloped with all the lights and sparkle of the city. The immersive event is returning this year with climbs scheduled every evening throughout the festival. Book your tickets here.
16. Have an unmissable foodie experience at Vivid Fire Kitchen
Foodies will be spoilt for choice because Vivid Fire Kitchen is returning and serving up a fiery treat for Sydneysiders. Taking over The Goods Line, the foodie event will bring the best of NSW produce, and BBQ and put a spotlight on Sydney’s diverse dining scene. Plus, expect live demonstrations, fire sculptures and fire pits at this highlight event.
17. Enjoy 9 nights of film at Golden Age Cinema
There is something for everyone at Vivid including film buffs. Nine nights of exceptional cinema are promised at the beloved Golden Age Cinema with all nine films related to Vivid Sydney’s 2024 theme: Humanity. The movies will be introduced by leading Australians every night and the line-up includes Viceroy’s House on May 25 at 8pm, Bend It Like Beckham on May 28 at 8pm and The Quiet Girl on June 4 at 8pm. Find the full program here.
18. Dance with life-size cranes inside Nest
Over at the Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo, Vivid-goers can step inside a huge circular structure and come up close with life-sized Brolgas — one of only two species of crane native to Australia. The installation symbolises our deep spiritual connection with nature and is a must-see this year. Read more about Nest here.
19. Observe the exciting Horizon installation
Horizon is a new installation that will be set up at Harbour Park in Barangaroo that promises yet another mind-altering experience at Vivid. Once you enter Horizon, you’ll be met with strobe lights and trance music which will transport you to an alternate dimension. Even better, it’s free to visit.
20. See this dreamy candle display in Barangaroo
There are many Instagram-worthy installations promised at Vivid and one to add to your list is Stateless. Featuring thousands of solar-powered LED candles, it will be set up along the sandstone blocks of Nawi Cove in a display that represents the core human values of hope and remembrance.
21. See Cockle Bay glow with Hika Rakuyo
From one Instagrammable display to another. Head down to Darling Harbour for Hika Rakuyo, a mesmerising light show that will take over the skies every evening from 6pm. The eight-minute show will play on repeat and delight visitors with dreamy visuals of flowers and falling leaves throughout Vivid. Read more about it here.
22. Get keyed in with After the Fact
To help you cultivate a global perspective and learn more about current affairs, some of the great Australian thinkers and philosophers will take a deep dive into the daily cycle and all that is making headlines around the world followed by an interactive Q&A. The event will be moderated by Tom Wright and will take place between 6 to 7pm each weekday at Barangaroo House if you’re looking for an after-work Vivid activity. Learn more here.
23. Plate up for a purpose
Plates with Purpose — A Taste of Ukraine is a specially curated 10-course degustation which will feature hearty Ukrainian cuisine and traditional music from an all-female Ukrainian band. This initiative is part of Plate It Forward and aims to contribute 200 meals to impacted Ukrainians both in Sydney and Ukraine. Grab your tickets here.
24. Get your tickets for Vivid Live
The Vivid Live line-up for 2024 is a treat for live music lovers with emerging and world-renowned artists set to take over the Sydney Opera House. Expect Australian premieres, global acts and so much more throughout the 23 days and nights in this massive celebration of live music and creativity. Find the full line-up here.
25. Check out the displays at Customs House
Another classic Vivid staple, the Customs House is set to dazzle again this time by displaying a classic Aussie road trip on its facade complete with retro-futuristic robots, one-eyed koalas and plenty of weird and wonderful creatures. See it every evening from 6pm to 11pm. Also note that Dog Trumpet will be performing live and free here on Saturday, May 25 at 7.30pm.
26. Take a step inside a hypnotic Portal
A huge 15-metre tall installation dubbed Portal will be set up at Walumil Lawns in Barangaroo inviting visitors to step in and get lost in another dimension. With dramatic archways, LED lights and a moody soundtrack, this one is a must-visit display this year and it’s free to visit.
27. See a rainbow light up over Sydney
See a dazzling rainbow shine from Sydney’s highest viewpoint this Vivid. Dubbed Global Rainbow, this light display will extend from the Sydney Tower Eye, all the way to the Vivid Sydney Light Walk — for up to 40km, as a symbol of hope and inclusivity. See it every day throughout the festival from 6pm to 11pm.
28. Get tickets for Champions of Change
Ace footballer Mackenzie Arnold and Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson are heading to Vivid Sydney. The duo will talk all things football, their respective journeys on and off the pitch and the huge impact of the 2023 Women’s World Cup among other things. Tickets are now on sale, get them here.
29. Book an unforgettable Vivid Cruise
One of the best ways to experience Vivid is on the water and there’s a head-spinning variety of cruises to choose from. Get bougie with a private cruise with Sydney Luxury Cruise, or enjoy the lights along with dinner and cabaret courtesy of Sydney Showboat. There are also clear boat cruises to choose from, gourmet dinners, live shows and more. Take a pick here.