The first two Saturdays of the festival delivered bumper crowds, with close to 200,000 people per night packing the city to experience the 100 per cent free Vivid Light Walk.

A record-breaking 51,169 diners were recorded in restaurants on Saturday 24 May – the highest number ever in the event’s history, up 45 per cent from 2024.

Vivid Sydney’s world-class food offering continues to be a major drawcard, with more than 850,000 people purchasing food and drink so far, including over 335,000 across the opening weekend alone, delivering a significant boost to local businesses and the state’s visitor and night-time economies.

Darling Harbour, Darling Square and The Goods Line continues to prove popular with over 330,000 people exploring the precinct so far.

Vivid Sydney 2025 fast facts from Thursday 5 June:

  • 25,000 plus prams on the Vivid Sydney footprint
  • 18,000 plus brisket loaded fries and 1,100 plus creme brulée donuts sold at the Vivid Fire Kitchen
  • On average, more than 81 per cent of visitors have purchased food and beverage during their visit
  • Most attendees are exploring multiple zones in one night, with an average of four to five Vivid Sydney zones seen in a single night out
  • On average, attendees are spending more than two hours exploring the festival footprint

Food lovers are in for a treat over the June long weekend, with internationally renowned food writer and television cook Nigella Lawson curating three sold-out Vivid Sydney Dinners in the newly opened Muru Gili tunnel at Martin Place. Adding to the culinary excitement, Our Shared Dream food events with OzHarvest on 11 and 12 June are also sold out, underscoring the strong demand for unique and memorable visitor experiences in NSW.

On Tuesday 10 June designer, director and BAFTA-nominated producer Liam Young will bring his visionary speculative film Planet City to life in an immersive experience at City Recital Hall. Then on closing night, Saturday 14 June, US comedy couple

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally will take the stage at ICC Sydney for a one-night-only appearance as part of the festival’s Global Storyteller series.

The Open Streets Program is activating streets and laneways to support local businesses and bring communities together.

Highlights include Spice Lounge on Mary Ann Street as part of the Vivid Fire Kitchen, open every night of the festival, where visitors can savour world-class food over special fire pits and fire drums. On Saturday 7 June, visitors can experience Sound

Walk in Angel Place with the iconic city laneway awash with light, sound and roving entertainment for one night only, free for all ages to enjoy. Then, on Saturday 14 June, Hollywood Dreaming will illuminate Foy Lane in Surry Hills with stunning light art, live music and DJ sets.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The verdict is in, and people are voting with their feet. Vivid Sydney’s outstanding attendance numbers so far reaffirm NSW's status as one of the world’s premier creative and cultural destinations.

“It’s fantastic to see more than one million people already immersing themselves in Sydney’s vibrant, open-air art gallery and even better to see our restaurants full, proving that people aren’t just coming for the lights but embracing everything our city has to offer.

“With more than a week still to go, there’s every reason to dive deeper into Australia’s largest event. Whether you’ve visited before or are planning to come for the first time, now’s the perfect opportunity to explore a different Vivid Sydney zone, experience live music performances, savour world-class food, or be entertained by some icons of comedy.”

Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond said:

“It’s fantastic to see the roaring success of yet another incredibly curated Vivid Sydney. This festival not only makes Sydney shine, but it’s also a tremendous boost for the visitor economy and plays a huge role in showing off the icons and hidden gems alike.

“The positive numbers and bumper crowds speak for themselves, but if you haven’t already, be sure to experience the fun for yourself with over a week to go.”

Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said:

"Vivid Sydney and major events like it, are crucial for hotels.

"Over the last few years Vivid Sydney has turned what are usually a few quiet winter weekends into a boom period, with occupancy rates in Sydney regularly close to 90 per cent, which is a remarkable achievement."

Service and Creative Skills Australia CEO Natalie Turmine said:

“Vivid Sydney injects millions into the visitor and night-time economy, creating thousands of jobs across Arts, Retail, Tourism, Hospitality and Event Production.

“With more visitors comes a higher demand for skilled staff in hotels, restaurants, transport and attractions, providing a powerful boost to the state’s workforce. From students gaining their first industry experience to seasoned professionals leading complex productions, Vivid Sydney fuels opportunities at every career stage and drives long-term employment growth.”