VIVID Sydney
26
May
17
Jun
Light, music and ideas

VIVID Sydney

Vivid Sydney will illuminate Darling Harbour with art, light, creativity and exploration.

View the 2023 Program

When
Friday,
26 May 2023
Saturday,
17 Jun 2023

Vivid Sydney brings light artists, musicians and innovative thinkers together from Sydney and all over the world to bathe our city in a warm glow. It’s a Sydney event you can enjoy in so many ways, whether you’re wandering the city’s streets exploring countless light sculptures, catching a comedy show or concert, or listening to an inspiring speaker.

Vivid Sydney shines a light over Darling Harbour through art and creativity, from the bizarre and unusual, to the charming and quaint, the sculptures and creatives behind Vivid give us new ways to connect with each other and our city.

It’s full of surprises and new ways of seeing, hearing, feeling and experiencing, right here in Darling Harbour.

Music

Vivid Music 2023 showcases music as the thread that connects us to our natural and urban environments, our culture, our families, our stories and our sense of belonging. Featuring international heavy-hitters and domestic trailblazers, alongside some of Australia’s finest emerging talent, Vivid Music is a world-class program of artists and truth tellers, offering something for all audiences.

Tumbalong Nights

The bullseye at the centre of Sydney's Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park is your Vivid Sydney go-to for free and eclectic contemporary music, in the very heart of the Light Walk. Catch 12 nights of live music, with artists from Africa to Arnhem Land, as well as Sydney's finest acts - free for all, with an open invitation to dance. Plus, DJs keep the vibes high from Sunday to Wednesday nights and beloved Australian children's acts kick things off before the lights turn on, every Saturday from 5pm.

See The Program
Vivid Kids

Who said the adults should have all the fun? Round up the little ones and start your Light Walk journey in Tumbalong Park at 5pm each Saturday during the festival as the stage lights up with FREE children’s acts ahead of a night of live music

See The Program

Eating and drinking in Darling Harbour

Vivid Sydney is the perfect excuse to visit Darling Harbour for a weekend of art, dining, drinking and exploration.

For beer, gyoza, fried chicken and guaranteed good times, try Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium or, for the best craft beer selection in the city, drop in to Batch Brewing in Haymarket.

If you fancy yum-cha and gorgeous garden views, head to The Gardens by Lotus, or book at Momofuku Seiobo for a taste of the Carribean at one of Australia’s leading fine dining restaurants. Try the tastiest, spiciest chicken in Sydney at Belles Hot Chicken, serious donuts at Shortstop or impossibly creamy gelato at Gelato Messina Darling Square.

Keen to explore more of Sydney’s best eating and drinking? Check out a selection of 150+ bars, cafes and restaurants in Darling Harbour and some stocked with these amazing Vivid-inspired offers...

A guide for where to go, eat and stay during Vivid Sydney

This year's Vivid Sydney is better than ever, with a spectacular lineup of events and boundary-pushing installations, many of the highlights being centred around Darling Harbour.

We’ve compiled some itineraries for families, social butterflies and cocktail aficionados so you can get the most out of your Vivid experience in this vibrant precinct.

COCKLE BAY WHARF

FREE Parking

Drive in to Darling Harbour from Friday to Sunday or public holidays, leave the car at Darling Park, then spend just $50 at any Cockle Bay Wharf venue to park for free!

View Offer

Getting to Darling Harbour

Getting to Darling Harbour is easy, whether you’re walking, cycling, driving or catching public transport:

  • The train from the airport takes just 25 minutes. Get off at the Museum Station and walk less than 10 minutes
  • Light rail from the CBD leaves every 4 minutes. Get off at the Town Hall stop and walk less than 5 minutes
  • Cycling from the city takes less than 5 minutes. Take your bike over Pyrmont Bridge to see the ultimate view of Darling Harbour
  • Walking from the city takes just 10 minutes
  • Or there are several car parks throughout Darling Harbour if you’re driving.

For more help getting to Darling Harbour, check out our guide.