A wet and wintery Sydney couldn’t dampen the spirit of thousands who made the trek into our beautiful harbour city to witness its transformation into a city of light and vibrant colour. In its 16th year VIVID Sydney has this kicked off this weekend showcasing immense talent both locally and from around the world turning light into artwork with one of the worlds most beautiful cities as their canvas. For the first time there are no themes for artists and creators to work within paving the way for varied and unparalleled creativity across the many curated Light, Mind, Music and Food events and experiences this year.
Over a total of 23 nights festival goers have access to more than 200 events with a program that boasts over 80% that are free to experience, a welcomed edition! The iconic “light walk” is more condensed than previous at 6.5km but contains 43 installations, projections and large-scale public artworks. Including the return of the biggest ever drone show to feature at Vivid Sydney. Star-Bound will be pushing the boundaries of immersive entertainment, combining cutting-edge technology with an original musical score commissioned from one of Australia’s leading composers, Antony Partos. Designed to be experienced from every angle Cockle Bay is its new home but be sure to get in there early for the best vantage points and check out www.vividsydney.com for times and dates that they will be filling the skies.
Vivid has always been a highlight on the calendar each year, a time when the city truly comes alive. It has this ability to bring people of all ages and walks of life together to experience art in new and interesting ways. Some highlights from past years include breathtaking and thought-provoking storytelling at the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay, its historic, but let’s face it bland, facade transformed into a bright flowing storyboard. A quick walk up the road your senses explode as a mix of sight, sound and smell fill the air with a plethora of choices with foods from all corners of the globe represented around the Overseas Passenger Terminal and The Rocks. While having dinner and a drink sit back on the banks of Circular Quay and watch the sails of our world-renowned Opera House transform before your eyes while our famous ferries show their true colours out on the harbour. Why not jump on one of those ferries and travel around to Barangaroo or you can brave Observatory Hill before once again taking in the sights and sounds on your way to Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay.
There is so much happening this year and there is so much more I am yet to experience, for more information and to help you plan out your trip check out Vivid Sydney | Light, Music, Minds & Food. This link will take you directly to the light installation website.
Vivid Sydney 2026 is on now through to June 13th.
A small word of warning, it will be packed, the best vantage points for specific harbour side shows fill up early with some I have spoken to in previous years waiting hours before hand. It is best to have a rough plan of what you want to see and what you want to do. The light walk is an amazing way to see many parts of the festival and as it is always moving the crowds never feel overly constricting. Take public transport if you can. There are plenty of places to stop for a drink and something to eat along the way with plenty of food trucks to try out spattered around the city.
