With Vivid Sydney 2025 set to turn on the lights tonight, locals and visitors from around the world are preparing to experience the vibrant cultural showpiece that transforms the Harbour City into Australia’s largest celebration of creativity and innovation.

Now in its 15th year, the world’s leading multi-artform festival promises to reimagine Sydney through Light, Music, Ideas and Food, united by the theme ‘Vivid Sydney, Dream’.

From 23 May to 14 June, the Harbour City will become a canvas for boundary-pushing artists, global thought leaders and bold culinary voices, inviting everyone to dream big and experience Sydney in new ways.

More than 75 per cent of the program will be free to attend, while the entire Vivid Light Walk will be 100 per cent free to experience, making Vivid Sydney accessible to everyone.

The 2025 program officially begins tonight at 5:30pm with First Light at Campbells Cove in The Rocks, followed by Lights On and First Light Live – a free, open-air concert that celebrates the power and pride of First Nations music – at 6pm.

Set against the Sydney skyline, the opening event will showcase First Nations artists and mark the start of Vivid Sydney with a night of music, storytelling and connection.

In another Vivid Sydney-first, the iconic Vivid Light Walk will connect five zones throughout the city—Circular Quay and The Rocks; Barangaroo; the CBD and Martin Place (returning for the first time since 2018); Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line and Inner City, with each zone offering visitor experiences spanning all four festival pillars.

Vivid Ideas returns with a line-up of more than 30 events designed to spark conversation and challenge perspectives. Highlights include ‘In Conversation with Martha Stewart’ and comedy duo Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally at ICC Sydney.

Vivid Music will deliver over 100 live music performances, with a free program at Tumbalong Park lighting up Darling Harbour every night of the festival, showcasing Aussie pop, indie music, First Nations performances and a diverse array of languages and cultures.

Vivid Food continues to grow as a festival favourite, celebrating the state’s vibrant culinary culture and world-renowned produce, with events led by global food icons such as Nigella Lawson as well as experiences in some of Sydney’s most acclaimed restaurants.

The hugely popular Vivid Fire Kitchen also returns to The Goods Line, offering free cooking demonstrations and flame-fuelled flavours from across the globe. Vivid Sydney will also unite some of Sydney’s most iconic festivals and cultural institutions through a range of collaborations.

Vivid Sydney visitor experiences will be delivered in partnership with the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Carriageworks, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, State Library of NSW, Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum and the City Recital Hall.

Transport for NSW has also partnered with Vivid Sydney to deliver the Open Streets Program, activating streets and laneways to support local businesses and bring communities together.

In 2025, four projects will be featured across the city, combining Vivid Light, Music and Food.

To support Vivid Sydney’s enduring popularity and give festivalgoers more time to enjoy the program, the NSW Government has also extended trading hours across three Sunday nights during the festival.

From 25 May to 8 June, eligible hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, breweries and live music and performance venues in key precincts in and around the CBD—including The Rocks, Barangaroo, Pyrmont, Woolloomooloo and Potts Point—will be able to stay open until midnight on Sundays.

In 2024, Vivid Sydney attracted more than 2.5 million attendees and generated more than $180 million in visitor expenditure, the second highest in visitor expenditure in the festival’s history, underscoring the festival’s vital contribution to the state’s visitor, night-time and creative economies.

View a preview video below:

Premier Chris Minns said: “Vivid Sydney is our city’s living legacy and come 6pm tonight, the world’s focus will once again be on our beautiful Harbour City as it’s transformed into a canvas of innovative light installations, immersive experiences and cutting-edge artistry.

“The tireless efforts from the many talented artists, technicians, event organisers and behind-thescenes support crew to bring this year’s Vivid Sydney to life has been extraordinary. I congratulate all of those who have contributed to shaping this year’s event into what will be an unmissable Sydney experience.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper (above, left) said: “Sydney is ready to shine! As we mark 15 years, this world-class event continues to showcase the very best destinations and creative talent our city has to offer.

“Vivid Sydney continues to grow in scale and impact, drawing in millions of visitors and reinforcing Sydney’s position as the premier destination in the Asia Pacific.

“With over 75 per cent of the program free to attend and the entire Vivid Light Walk open to everyone, it is one of the most accessible events in the country, and this year’s program has something for everyone.

“It’s a festival that unites communities, supports local businesses and boosts our visitor and night-time economies. We can’t wait to see the city light up tonight!”

Minister Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “When those lights come on Vivid Sydney gives the world a technicolour reminder of our city’s vibrant creative side.

“Vivid is a massive boost to Sydney’s night-time economy, with many of the 2.5 million visitors pouring into our restaurants, bars and live venues.

“As well as supporting the festival itself, the government has also been cutting red tape so our entertainment and hospitality operators can make the most of the big boost in visitors.”

For more information and to plan your visit, click here.