Vivid

From 23 May to 14 June 2025, join pioneering artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts as they converge under this year’s theme of “Dream". Whether you’re a seasoned Vivid enthusiast or embarking on your first Vivid adventure, we’ve curated an essential guide to help you navigate this year’s’ most captivating light installations, enchanting music sets, enlightening speakers and delectable food stops.

Highlights

• The iconic Light Walk is free again!
• Nigella Lawson will curate three exclusive dinners.
• TIME Magazine’s Creative Director D.W. Pine talks about creativity and where ideas come from.
• NRMA Rewards Members save on accommodation and Vivid harbour cruises.

Must see light installations for VIVID 2025

Fly to the Moon

Head down to Barangaroo reserve for the perfect instagram shot. Fly to the Moon allows you to “bask in its luminous glow and step into a moment of pure whimsy and play.”

A giant inflatable moon adorns the shoreline with swing in front, letting each of us become inhabitants of the ethereal rock for a brief moment. This interactive installation is a celebration of curiosity and ambition—a playful reminder to dream big, aim high and let your imagination take flight.

Fantasmagoria

Reminiscent of children’s favourite The Pagemaster, Fantasmagoria tells the story of a little girl, drawn into a swirling vortex of a storybook. Her adventures take her through lush green forests, expansive deserts, and icy tundras.

Stories have always been more than words on a page and Fantasmagoria immerses you in a surreal universe of books, narrative, and stunning scenery, all brought to life on the façade of the Bond Building in Miller’s Point.

Drawn in Light

Feel like a child again as you gaze upon the incredible kinetic installation Drawn in Light.

Inspired by dreaming beneath a mobile in a childhood crib, this installation “transforms simple, hand-drawn objects into a floating, dynamic chandelier.” Watch this stunning art piece sway gently in the breeze as your dreams come to life in the cool air as a reminder there is magic to simple ideas.

Top music spots at Vivid Sydney 2025

International headliners

Icelandic post-rock trio Sigur Rós are headlining the music strand of the festival with epic concerts of instrumental and elemental classics at the Opera House. A three-night residence at the historic concert hall will transport its audience every night to blissful ambience.

Also at the Opera House, you can catch Ezra Collective who have become one of the must-see live acts of the past few years. Whipping up an irresistibly eclectic mix of Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa and Afrobeat – with a dash of reggae, soul and hip-hop – his will be a show not to be missed.

Local darlings

Up and comers Velvet Trip are an Aussie must-see at this year’s festival. The duo have been electrifying audiences around the country with their winding sonic jams, dreamy vocals and infectious rhythms. Triple J favourites Skegss are set to bring their raw mix of surf and garage rock to Vivid Sydney at Carriageworks. Get down and funky with their particular brand of gritty guitar riffs and dance the night away.

Tumbalong Nights

See Sydney indie-rockers Body Type as well as the all-female Arnhem Land legends Ripple Effect Band at the Tumbalong stage for free! In fact, every night at Tumbalong Park is free of charge and you can see a huge range of artists from a whole night of kids entertainment on May 24th, to a grand group sing along hosted by Bob Downe.

Best places to eat at Vivid Sydney 2025

Dance of Dreams

Step into a world where food, art and movement merge, as celebrated chef Danielle Alvarez crafts an elegant dream-inspired tasting menu in this immersive dining experience. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Dance of Dreams unfolds in the Yallamundi Room at the Sydney Opera House, each dish is enhanced by live contemporary dance, ethereal music and visual storytelling.

Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen

Hungry for some flamed-seared street food? A smorgasbord of choices awaits at Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen on The Goods Line in Ultimo, with food trucks, markets and barbeque stands serving up Filipino, Spanish, Lebanese, Greek, Mexican dishes and more. The full lineup can be tasted here.

If you're still craving more dining options and happen to be an My NRMA Rewards member, unlock exclusive discounts using your My NRMA app to discover nearby dining options in Sydney.

Enjoy a generous 20% off your total bill at popular spots like Pancakes on the Rocks (Locations in Haymarket and The Rocks) and P'Nut Asian Kitchen. Plus, keep the little ones happy with a treat from Gelatissimo (locations in Darling Harbour and Circular Quay) and Baskin-Robbins, where members can indulge with an extra scoop of ice cream with every purchase

Top talks at Vivid Sydney 2025

Delve into the archives of the state library with Tim Ross and take a look back at the Australian Dream of housing. What are the kins of houses we’ve built, sold, rented, and torn down as a nation. And what, if anything, we can learn from our past to ensure more housing security in our future.

Taking the theme of “Dream” very literally, Professor Matthew Walker, author of the New York Times bestseller Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, talks about Why We Sleep with ABC’s All in the Mind host Sana Qadar.

For a free talk, visit the Australian Museum and find out how bold climate action can shape a brighter future for Australia? Join keynote speaker Matt Kean, Chair of The Climate Change Authority, and a driving force behind some of Australia’s most progressive climate policies, to find out what can be done when it all feels like doom and gloom.

Visiting from out of town?

Accommodation: Nearby and central Sydney accommodation options, inclusive of member discount, so you can spend more money on dining out and enjoying Vivid Sydney’s attractions. Members save 10% on one-night stays at TFE Hotels.

Car rental: Planning to zip around the city between or discover the many beaches? Members save 15% on daily rental rates with SIXT Australia.

My NRMA app: Find and save on your nearest fuel and dining and discover nearby NRMA Rewards member benefits on the My NRMA app. For more information on Vivid Sydney and the full program, visit: vividsydney.com.