With a theme of “Vivid Sydney, Dream”, the 2025 instalment promises to be a spectacular showcase of lights, culture, activations and cuisine.
Vivid Sydney has redesigned its layout to encompass five zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks; Barangaroo; Martin Place and CBD (for the first time since 2018); Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line and Inner City.
Each connected zone will feature events from the festival’s pillars of light, music, ideas and food.
More than 75 per cent of the Vivid Sydney 2025 program is free, with Vivid Light Walk being 100 per cent free, including eight buildings and landmarks being illuminated for the first time.
“Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways and places to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city,” says NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham.
“From outdoor dining experiences to artistic light projections on our most famous landmarks and big free live shows in Tumbalong Park, Vivid Sydney has something for everyone.
“This year’s festival is helping people face the cost-of-living crisis by increasing the number of free events, which is great news if you want a good night out without blowing the budget.”
Vivid Sydney’s festival director, Gill Minervini, says the dream theme can be interpreted in numerous ways.
“Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself,” she says.
“Dreams can be prophetic, life changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying.
“These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.
“Captivating light installations and 3D projections, thought-provoking and enlightening experiences, awe-inspiring performances from the world’s best musicians, and cutting edge culinary collaborations and dinners in unexpected places – it can all be found at Vivid Sydney.”
Vivid Light Walk will feature installations and 3D projections such as voice-activated animation, a tennis match with light, and illuminated buildings and landmarks including Museum of Sydney, The Bond in Barangaroo, Challis House in Martin Place, Argyle Cut in The Rocks, and CTA Building in Martin Place.
Vivid Ideas will feature keynote addresses from global thought leaders, including TIME magazine creative director DW Pine and internationally renowned scientist Professor Matthew Walker.
“Stranger Things: The Experience” will debut at Luna Park Sydney, delivering an immersive, interactive adventure blending supernatural mystery and nostalgia from the hit Netflix show.
Nigella Lawson will curate three Vivid Sydney Dinners at the Muru Giligu pedestrian tunnel in Martin Place, with the site being transformed with a light and sound experience.
Vivid Fire Kitchen – which honours fire and spice – will return to The Goods Line, while the Vivid Chef Series will see the world’s most innovative chefs collaborating with Sydney’s dining destinations.
Vivid Music will celebrate dreams through sound and song, including the popular Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, and major artists performing at venues across the city.
