From Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, Vivid Sydney is back – and bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever. This iconic festival transforms Sydney into a glowing playground of art, music, food, and ideas, and this year’s lineup has some brand-new surprises in store. 

Ready to see Sydney in a whole new light?

This year, Vivid is turning up the volume on creativity and connection, with a fresh theme: "Soul of the City". Expect more interactive art, global flavours, and heart-pumping live music. Under the direction of creative lead Gill Minervini, 2025’s program dives deep into the stories, cultures and communities that shape Sydney — and it’s bound to spark joy, curiosity and maybe a few selfies. 

Here’s a peek at what’s new and not-to-be-missed:

The Light Walk, Reimagined

Stretching over 8km, this year’s Light Walk features brand-new installations from international artists, including a giant glowing jellyfish tunnel at Barangaroo and AI-powered light projections at Circular Quay that react to the crowd’s movement.

Global Rainbow Returns (with a twist)

Back by popular demand, Global Rainbow will beam across Sydney’s skyline from the Harbour Bridge — now synced with a specially composed soundtrack you can stream live as you watch.

"Luna Dreams" at Customs House

A whimsical projection journey through dreams, designed by celebrated animation studio Ghibli’s Aussie collaborators. Think glowing cats, flying fish, and floating teacups – all projected in vivid colour.

Vivid Nights at Carriageworks

A new late-night precinct bringing together food trucks, local DJs, and immersive digital art until midnight. Perfect for night owls chasing a cultural fix (and great snacks).

Vivid Fire Kitchen in The Rocks

Brand-new for 2025: Australia's top chefs go head-to-head with flame-cooked feasts and smoky cocktails under the stars. Expect sizzling street food with an Aussie twist.

Skybound: Vivid’s Drone Show 2.0

If you thought 700 drones was impressive last year, wait until you see this. In 2025, over 1,000 drones will take to the sky above Darling Harbour, telling a luminous story of Sydney through light, music and motion.

Tips for a Smooth (and Sparkly) Vivid Trip 

Plan Ahead

Download the Vivid Sydney 2025 app to check live crowd updates, queue times, and surprise pop-ups.

Time your visit

Weeknights are less crowded than weekends. Or go late for the dreamy midnight vibes at Carriageworks.

Explore Beyond the Harbour

While Circular Quay is iconic, quieter gems can be found at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and Walsh Bay.

Consider a Cruise

A Vivid Harbour Cruise is pure magic. Book early – they sell out fast.

Stay Connected

Follow @vividsydney on socials for real-time updates and last-minute additions.

Travelling to Vivid? Don’t Forget to consider Domestic Travel Insurance

Whether you're flying in from interstate or road-tripping to the city, travel mishaps can still happen – even if you’re not leaving the country. With Fast Cover’s domestic travel insurance*, you can feel more relaxed knowing you can be covered for unexpected situations like: 

• Trip Cancellation expenses: for example, due to unexpected sickness or injury

• Lost or damaged luggage 

• Rental vehicle excess cover 

• Trip disruption expenses such as reimbursement for emergency accommodation if your trip is disrupted due to circumstances covered under the policy! 

Because nothing dims your sparkle like a cancelled flight or lost phone charger. 

As always, it’s important to read and understand the policy prior to choosing which policy is right for you and your trip, as policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply.  

Top Tips to Stay Healthy and Safer While You Explore 

• Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings safe by using secure luggage with TSA-approved locks and keeping valuables such as passports, wallets, and electronics in a secure location. Consider using a money belt or neck wallet to deter pickpockets in crowded areas. 

• Expect Busy Airports and Traffic: Be prepared for busy airports and increased traffic during peak travel times. Arrive at the airport early to allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. Consider using alternative transportation options such as public transit or ridesharing to avoid traffic congestion. 

• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Traveling can be exhausting, so be sure to stay hydrated and nourished throughout your journey. Pack healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, and granola bars to keep your energy levels up during transit. Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you're spending long hours in airports or on the road. 

• Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when handwashing facilities are unavailable. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to reduce the risk of exposure to germs and viruses. 

• Stay Informed and Flexible: Stay informed about any travel advisories, weather updates, or changes to transportation schedules that may affect your journey. Be flexible with your travel plans and have a backup plan in place in case of unexpected delays or disruptions. 

• Prioritise Rest and Relaxation: Travelling can be stressful, so be sure to prioritise rest and relaxation during your journey. Take breaks when needed, practice deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress, and get plenty of restorative sleep to ensure you're feeling your best when you arrive at your destination.