Vivid Sydney is in full swing in the Harbour City and if you’re keen to make the most of the giant light festival over the long weekend, there is a stacked line-up of events to look forward to. You’ll find everything from heavy-hitting talks and conversations to top-notch night markets, electrifying music and dance performances and of course, some seriously sparkly installations. Check out the best things to do at Vivid Sydney over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
1. Gaze at hundreds of drones light up the skies
Vivid Sydney’s popular drone show returns for 3 nights on June 8, 9 and 15. 700 drones will take over the skies at Circular Quay presenting various symbols of love in different colours and formations for a short but unforgettable show each evening. We’ve rounded up the best vantage points you can enjoy the show from and all the public transport information here.
2. Have a feast at The Rocks’ Vivid Sydney market
The Rocks is switching up its popular weekend market with an exclusive Vivid Sydney edition. Street food, shopping, bright lights and jazz music are on the menu alongside a night picnic under the Harbour Bridge. The markets will take place on June 8 and 9 from 10am to 10pm, don’t miss out. Find other night markets at Vivid here.
3. Stroll the 8km Light Walk
If you want to experience the very best of Vivid Sydney, you can’t go wrong with its meandering 8km light trail. The Light Walk features light shows, displays, pop-ups and more from Circular Quay through to Wynyard and more. The lights are switched on at 6pm every evening and the walk includes both free and ticketed events. Find the full map and more details here.
4. Go underground for Dark Spectrum
If the crowds and traffic put you off, you’ll want to consider snagging some tickets for Dark Spectrum. The immersive experience has once again taken over the abandoned tunnels under Wynyard Station, filling them with dazzling lights, lasers, hundreds of lanterns, strobe lights and peppy music to boot on a 1km trail. Get more information and grab your tickets here.
5. Dance it out at Tumbalong Nights
Tumbalong Nights offers 12 nights of free and contemporary music all in the heart of Vivid Sydney. Over the long weekend, several musical acts will take to the stage and you can enjoy it all without spending a cent. Here is what to expect over the weekend.
- June 8 — Grentperez + Friday, R&B meets genre-bending groovy tunes
- June 9 — Sounds of Afrobeats, a celebration of African culture and music.
6. Head to the Vivid Fire Kitchen
Foodies are spoilt for choice at Vivid Fire Kitchen, which is back in 2024 and serving scrumptious fire-cooked food from around the world alongside immersive elements like fire sculptures, fire pits and flame throwers. The open-air event takes place at The Goods Line from 6pm to 11pm and don’t let the cold deter you from going, because there is plenty here to keep you warm. Also, Messina will be on-site dishing out dessert if you needed another reason to go.
7. See the Royal Botanic Garden in a new light
Another highlight event from 2023 which is back and better than before is Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden. The glittering event brings a sea of lights, glowing tree canopies, a luminous rope walkway, a neon walkway and so much more spread across a delightful 1.8km trail. This is an excellent family-friendly event so take the kids along. Get your tickets here.
Head to the Vivid Sydney website for more.