Vivid Sydney celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
Across 23 nights starting May, Sydney will transform into a canvas of creativity. Celebrating its 15th year, Vivid Sydney 2025 will illuminate the city with an impressive line-up of activities. Set to take place 23 May 23 to June 14, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival promises an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Like previous years, the festival promises a dynamic blend of light installations, top-notch performances, and thought-provoking events—all under the theme of “Dream”.
A Spectacle of Light
One of most anticipated highlights in Sydney this 2025 is Vivid Light Walk, where the city’s landmarks are illuminated with breathtaking installations. Over 75% of the program and the entire Light Walk will be free to enjoy, allowing everyone to experience Sydney in a whole new light.
The city’s prominent landmarks will be illuminated during the event. Exclusive works include David McDiarmid’s “Kiss of Light” on the iconic Sydney Opera House. Vincent Namatjira’s “King Dingo” will light up the Museum of Contemporary Art whilst fashion label Romance Was Born will beam a stunning projection on Customs House.
A Feast for the Senses
Vivid Sydney 2025 also brings the culinary world into focus, with Nigella Lawson curating three exclusive Vivid Sydney Dinners in the mesmerising Muru Giligu tunnel. Known for her love of Australia, Lawson is excited to bring her unique flavour to the festival’s vibrant food program.
Those eager to savour local flavours, the festival will also feature the popular Vivid Fire Kitchen and Chef Series, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of New South Wales.
Ideas, Chats, Music
The Ideas Program at Vivid Sydney brings together global thought leaders to spark conversations on innovation, creativity, and culture. International speakers include D.W. Pine, Creative Director of TIME Magazine, and renowned sleep scientist Professor Matthew Walker. Plus, “Stranger Things: The Experience”, a thrilling and immersive adventure, makes its highly anticipated debut in Australia at Luna Park Sydney.
Music lovers will find themselves at the heart of the action with incredible performances at the Sydney Opera House by international icons like Sigur Rós, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, and Japanese Breakfast. For those looking for free concerts, Tumbalong Nights will feature a mix of global talent and the best of Australian artists.
With its Dream theme, Vivid Sydney invites visitors to explore the mysteries and wonders of the unconscious. From life-changing, prophetic visions to bizarre, whimsical fantasies, the festival celebrates all the fascinating ways we dream—both while sleeping and while awake.
Images: Destination NSW
