The NSW Government is delivering an even bigger and bolder Vivid Sydney in 2026, with just 100 days to go until the world-famous festival lights up the city with the tallest structure and longest installation in its history.

From 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will transform the city across 23 unforgettable nights of light, music, food, theatre, talks, performances and large-scale immersive experiences celebrating NSW’s creative talent and vibrant culture.

Internationally acclaimed British artist and photographer Chris Levine will unveil Molecule of Light, the tallest installation ever featured at Vivid Sydney, standing an incredible 23 metres high and 17 metres wide and visible across Sydney Harbour from Balmain to Kirribilli.

Levine is one of the world’s leading light artists, best known for his iconic portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, Lightness of Being and Equanimity, with works held in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection.

The festival will also feature its longest-ever installation, Obstacle, by Melbourne collective Reelize, stretching an impressive 45 metres. Blending cutting-edge light and sound, the experience promises a thrilling, immersive spectacle and highlights the growing scale and ambition of Vivid Sydney on the world stage.

The free 6.5 km Light Walk will feature more than 40 light installations in a streamlined, unbroken format, delivering a more user-friendly and impactful visitor experience stretching from Circular Quay and The Rocks through to Barangaroo, Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour.

The Stargazer Lawn at Barangaroo will be the new home for the beloved Vivid Fire Kitchen, taking visitors on a rich, culinary journey through the flavours, stories and culture that define NSW.

Festival-goers can also experience a spectacular free nightly laser, light and water show at Cockle Bay. The installation will transform the harbour into a canvas of colour, motion and sound.

Powerful laser beams will cut through the night sky as choreographed water jets and immersive audio create a fully sensory experience, delivering one of the most dramatic and accessible highlights of the 2026 program.

Following the record-breaking success of Vivid Sydney 2025, including the highest May hotel occupancy since 2019 and bumper crowds of nearly 200,000 on four major nights the 2026 festival is expected to deliver an even greater boost to the NSW economy.

With total visitation now surpassing 25 million people and more than $1.3 billion generated in visitor expenditure since the festival began, Vivid Sydney has become a cornerstone of NSW tourism, driving demand for accommodation, hospitality and local experiences while supporting thousands of jobs across the visitor economy.

Vivid Sydney will take place from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026, with the full program to be unveiled in March, giving audiences even more to explore across light, music, food and ideas.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “It’s just 100 days to go until Australia’s biggest and brightest festival lights up the city, I’m incredibly excited for festival-goers to see what we have in store for this year.

“We are always looking for different ways to excite the audience, and this year Vivid Sydney is set to deliver one of its most ambitious programs yet.

“Each year, Vivid Sydney continues to push creative boundaries, and the 2026 program is a perfect example of the bold ideas, world-leading talent and immersive experiences that sets this festival apart.”

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said: “Vivid Sydney 2026 is set to be one of our most ambitious festivals yet. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the festival in entirely new ways and discover what’s been created for this year.

“With announced program highlights including the tallest structure, the longest installation and Australia’s biggest laser show to date, this is one to lock in the calendar as we hit the 100‑day countdown.”