From May 23 until June 14 Vivid Sydney transforms the city into a dazzling display of interactive light sculptures and immersive projections, providing viewers with a magical, ethereal experience. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Dream’, and so will focus on exploring how dreams impact our lives, creativity, and shared human experiences.
Visitors are encouraged to dream big, venture to the outer reaches of their minds, and think without putting boundaries on their thoughts.
During the festival, various light installations, performances, talks, and dining experiences will interpret and incorporate this theme in myriad creative ways.
Choosing where to go, what to see and how to get the most out of Vivid can be overwhelming, and so we’ve created an ultimate guide to Vivid Sydney 2025.
Speaking up at Vivid Sydney 2025
The one and only Martha Stewart will be making an exclusive appearance at the International Convention Centre (ICC) on May 28, where she’ll be reflecting upon her career, the evolution of her personal brand, and what it takes to remain relevant. Martha is one of the world’s most successful lifestyle entrepreneurs, and tickets to her talk ‘Run, don’t walk!’ are $65.
On May 27 at Sydney Town Hall, world-renowned neuroscientist and sleep expert Professor Matthew Walker. Professor Walker’s presentation called ‘Why we sleep’ will explore the profound impacts of sleep on health and wellbeing. Tickets are $55.
Or tune into D.W. Pine – Creative Director of TIME magazine – and Australian comedian, television presenter and writer Tim Ross. Having designed more than 1,000 magazine covers, Pine is a great choice for a talk on the art of visual storytelling, while Ross will discuss home ownership in Australia, no doubt bringing some humour to the table.
Collectively, these brilliant speakers encapsulate the diverse aspects of the festival’s theme, providing attendees with a variety of unique perspectives and experiences.
Vivid Sydney 2025’s light show installations
The Lighting of the Sails has become an iconic, unforgettable light installation where a series of kaleidoscopic patterns are displayed across the Sydney Opera House.
This year, the Lighting of the Sails will feature several artistic series by Australian artist David McDiarmid, including ‘Kiss of Light’, ‘Bedsheet Paintings’, and ‘Disco Kwilts’.
McDiarmid’s works usually feature vibrant colours and patterns, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and social justice. Regarded as a defining voice of the late 20th century radical counterculture, his provocative, subversive work a must-see!
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) will be a canvas for light projections at Vivid Sydney 2025. Australian artist Vincent Namatijira’s work ‘King Dingo’ will be displayed across the building, featuring a dingo clad in royal regalia.
Shining a light on Aboriginal strength, pride and resilience, the projection is being lauded as Namatjira’s most ambitious multimedia work to date.
The Bond Building in the Barangaroo precinct will also be illuminated with an installation by Belgian studio Dirty Monitor, which is known for producing surreal and immersive light experiences. Called Fantasmagoria, it will celebrate the power of stories and how books can transport us to other worlds.
Additional sites to view Vivid Sydney’s 2025 light installations include Challis House in Martin Place, Argyle Cut in The Rocks and the CTA Building in Martin Place.
For something truly immersive, visitors can really get in on the action by designing their own 3D projections and submitting them to the Vivid Sydney website for a chance to have their artwork displayed across the ASN Co. Building’s Clock Tower in The Rocks.
Get your steps up and your inspiration flowing on the incredible Light Walk from the Sydney Opera House to Central Station. On this curated journey, visitors can experience all of Vivid Sydney’s major light installations.
Along the route are information stations, food vendors and live performances. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the large number of installations and don’t know where to start, this walk is for you.
Cruise into Vivid Sydney
Not into kayaking? No problem! There are boats and yachts of all sizes to suit all budgets, offering 360- degree views of the festival, for as little as $49 a ticket.
From the water, viewers are surrounded by light installations on the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the waterfront buildings. Larger boats are equipped with spacious indoor and outdoor viewing decks, allowing for incredible photo opportunities.
Early dining cruises are specifically designed for families with young children who want to experience the lights together in a safe place away from the crowds. The cruises typically depart around 5pm, providing passengers with daylight views of Sydney Harbour before the city is transformed into an illuminated masterpiece at 6pm.
Kayak into Vivid Sydney
For something truly different, book a 1.5-hour guided kayak tour with professional instructors from Sydney Harbour Kayaks, who’ll provide you with a water-level view of the festival.
Avoid the chaotic crowds and get some unique photos, paddle through Darling Harbour while taking in the stunning light installations. For something even more special, sign up for a sunset departure and view the light shows with a magnificent sunset. Vivid’s kayaking tours will depart from Darling Harbour between May 23 and June 14, with prices set at $155 per person.
Dining during Vivid Sydney
There are endless eateries open during Vivid Sydney, with something to suit every taste and budget. There are food trucks and pop-up eateries scattered around the harbour, and vans offering sweet treats such as ice-creams, donuts and more.
To raise the bar, Vivid Chef Series sees chefs from award-winning Sydney restaurants partner with Michelin-starred international chefs to create collaborative, one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Book these unique dinners well n advance, as they are highly sought after, with prices ranging from $125 to $160 per person.
If you’re looking for something more casual that offers exquisite views of the Vivid lights, look no further than Opera Bar, which has uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and Sydney’s skyline.
Tuck into fresh oysters, grilled fish, and delicious seasonal dishes while you bask in the ever-changing illuminations on the Opera House.
If you enjoyed our feature on Vivid Sydney 2025, you might enjoy our story on other events in Sydney.
