Vivid Sydney is an annual festival involving lights, music, and creativity. For 23 days and nights, Sydney transforms with outdoor light shows, multimedia interactive work, and live music showcases on display.

It is a light spectacular with iconic Sydney attractions, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up. 

When is Vivid Sydney Held?

Vivid Sydney is generally held from late May to mid-June. In 2023, it will be held from 26 May to 17 June. It is designed to draw visitors domestically and internationally to Sydney during the cooler months. The evenings are the best time to see the light projections from 6-11 pm. Make sure you wear

warm clothing, as it can get chilly!

Where Can You See Vivid Sydney?

The city precinct is where you can expect to see the main attractions of Vivid Sydney. The Rocks, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Barangaroo are where many events and programs are held. Be amazed at the light show projected on the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Customs House, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Cadmans Cottage.

What Will You See at Vivid Sydney?

Vivid Sydney is a celebration of art, innovation, and technology. From light artists, brilliant storytellers, and talented musicians from Australia and overseas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The artistic

program has the following three main elements;

Vivid Light

Vivid Light is the main highlight of the festival. View the city, and various buildings lit up in a rainbow of colours. Art installations are spread out amongst different public spaces. The large-scale glowing light art and illuminations are stunning to see.

Photo by: demas

Vivid Music

Vivid Music draws talented musicians from Sydney, Australia, and internationally with free and ticketed performances. Held at underground and mainstream venues, you can expect a lineup that allows you to

discover new music and sounds. 

Photo by: sydneyoperahouse

Vivid Ideas

Vivid Ideas is about expanding your mind and making you think outside the box. Thought-provoking talks, workshops, and deep-dive discussions are led by some of the world’s brightest minds. You’ll be

inspired by a new way of thinking about different subject matters.

 Photo by: vividsydney

Best Ways to View Vivid Sydney

- Walking is the best way to check out Vivid Sydney. Catch the train or bus to Central Station or Town Hall Train Station to view the Darling Harbour light show. Circular Quay train station is where you can see the light displays on the Sydney Opera House, The Sydney Harbour, and other areas, including The Rocks.

Photo by: ateliersisu

For stunning views from the water, you can’t beat a Vivid Sydney Cruise. Take the sights of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from a boat as you drink and dine on board. It is a great way to view the light projections as you cruise along beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Photo by: captaincookcruises

Vivid Sydney is truly an impressive event for locals and international visitors to experience. Vivid Sydney was voted Australia’s Best Tourism Event in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event in 2017 and 2019 in the Australian Event Awards. You wouldn’t want to miss the best event in town!