Vivid Sydney 2024: Your Guide to the Epic Events Lighting Up Sydney this Winter
When it's cold outside, Vivid is the hottest ticket in town. Here are the unmissable events.
It may be getting cold outside but Vivid is set to be the hottest ticket in town, lighting up Sydney's chilly nights with its epic line-up of events.
Running from Friday 24th May until Saturday 15th June, you can expect hundreds of amazing events embracing this year's theme: Humanity. Undoubtedly the best thing to do this winter in Sydney, Vivid is a tribute to our epic city with events themed around light, music and ideas.
So, grab your winter woolies, pop on your comfiest walking shoes and start mapping out your Vivid Sydney 2024 game plan as we wrap up the very best things to do at Vivid this year.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Events: Light
The lighting of the Sails: Echo
One of Sydney’s most iconic events lighting up perhaps our most iconic building. Each year, an artist is commissioned to create an original artwork for projection onto the Sydney Opera House.
In 2024, the Sydney Opera House's sails will be illuminated by animated artwork titled Lighting of the Sails: Echo. This unique projection will showcase the vibrant paintings of Australian artist Julia Gutman, who has reimagined Ovid's myth of Narcissus for this work. Echo uses digitized textural artworks to explore the paradox of self-consciousness via multiple visual storytelling techniques.
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Sydney Opera House
Tekno Train by Paul Mac
In a Vivid first, Sydney Trains are getting aboard the, erm, Vivid train for a sensory experience you'll want to get in on. Tekno Train by Paul Mac involves an original techno soundtrack with lights that match the music, train's speed and landscape. You'll be travelling along Sydney's city circle and disused train lines. Choose from The Scenic Route which will take you through North Sydney, over the Harbour Bridge and a secret line to Lavender Bay - the best options for families. The Tech Express is a smidge livelier if you're feeling something fast-paced.
From $19.90
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Portal
An incredible photo op and immersive experience, Portal challenges you to step into possibility. The 15-metre-high installation involves both a vibrant display of lights and an atmospheric soundtrack. Constructed with multiple reflective surfaces, the installation will also capture your surroundings and reflect the world around you.
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Barangaroo Reserve
Sea, Sand and Stars
One of the highlights of Vivid this year will undoubtedly be Guan Wei’s artistic light projection onto the MCA. Wei’s projection will take viewers from deep space to ocean depths on a whimsical, detailed journey.
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Museum of Contemporary Art
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
The much-loved subterranean experience Dark Spectrum will be back again this year, taking visitors on a light-filled journey through 1km of abandoned tunnels under Wynyard Station. Eight themed chambers are waiting to be explored, each with their own unique soundtrack and monochromatic colour scheme. If you didn't get a chance to visit last year, 2024 is a must!
From $46
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Entry via Wynyard Park Rooftop
Global Rainbow
Having done the rounds in London, Berlin, Toronto and Northern Ireland, Yvette Mattern’s Global Rainbow beacon will be arriving in Sydney for Vivid 2024. The spectrum of light will make its home at the Sydney Tower Eye and be visible for up to 40km as a beacon of hope and inclusivity.
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Poem Booth
Engage with AI and see what it has to say with one of the several Poem Booth’s to be found around the festival. You’ll be left with some intriguing questions - what does it mean to be human and what is creativity? Don’t miss it!
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
Vivid Sydney 2024 Events: Music
Thelma Plum
Hottest 100 regular and Gamilaraay woman Thelma Plum is set to perform her first headline show for Vivid and it’s going to be a goodie. For one night only she’ll be serenading the audience with her engaging live performance of tracks from her decade long career.
From $29 per person
Wednesday 29th May
Sydney Opera House
Synthony
Electronic dance anthems meet the monumental sounds of a live orchestra at this epic dance party. Lights, visuals and the best dance anthems of the last 30 years will be the backdrop to your evening that features a 29-piece live orchestra.
From $109 per person
Friday 7th June to Saturday 8th June
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Vivid Sydney 2024: Experiences
Vivid with Capella
It truly does not get more luxe than this. Elevate your Vivid experience with Capella's cruise package which includes a two-course dinner at the hatted Brasserie 1930 and a 75-minute cruise on the harbour aboard the Spectre. All whilst sipping on a glass of champagne. Sublime!
$300 per person
Tuesday and Wednesdays from 24th May to 15th June, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Take in Vivid from the Comfort of a Cruise
Darlinghurst favourite Bei Bar and Bistro is hitting the harbour for one night only this Vivid season. They'll be taking over 90-foot luxury catamaran Eclipse for an evening of antipasti, lamb sausage rolls with cucumber yoghurt, Sicilian cannoli with ricotta and plenty more Italian delights. It's one luxurious way to beat the crowds!
$170.73 per person, tickets available here
Sunday 26th May, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Double Bay Wharf
Grab Tickets to the Oscar II x Taittinger Luxury Vivid Cruise
What could be better than catching Sydney's famous light festival from the water with a glass of Taittinger champagne aboard a superyacht? Your ticket will cover two hours of cruising, a 9-piece canape selection and a premium beverage package. Pure luxury!
$200 per person, bookings can be made here
Saturday 25th May, Friday 14th June
Vivid Sydney 2024: Shop
The Rocks Night Market
Smack bang in the centre of the action, The Rocks Night Market will be hosting a swathe of glowing stalls packed with locally made goodies. There will also be plenty of food, sweets and drinks to fuel you back up for your light walk.
4pm to 10pm, Fridays
10am to 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays
George Street and Playfair Street
Vivid Sydney 2024: Eat
Aria Snack Bar
Sydney icon Aria is getting in the spirit this year with an incredible snack menu that we're a little smitten with. Sitting at a lower price point than their standard menu, the fun snack selection also comes with two drinks. In terms of bites, you can look forward to the likes of gildas (featuring Moran Family Farm pork), crab croustade, BBQ Clarence River prawns and ice cream sundaes. Tasty morsels and views out over Circular Quay? Sounds like the perfect date night to us!
$150 per person
Friday 24th May to Saturday 15th June
1 Macquarie Street, Sydney
VividPlace Food Trail
The only thing better than a night wandering Vivid’s bright lights is one accompanied by tasty bites. This year, the laneways of Sydney Place and Bulletin Place will transform into a hub of food stalls and pop-ups. Sample everything from Mie Goreng toasties to rare Japanese whiskies. The cafes, restaurants and pubs lining the way will be offering plenty of vivid-inspired specials, too.
Ah Toy Lane, Sai Ying Lane, Underwood Street and Bulletin Place
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Complement your Vivid experience with a fire-cooked feast! Celebrating the global appeal of BBQ, Vivid Fire Kitchen is back this year with an almighty lineup of international and local BBQ legends. There will be tandoor, teppanyaki, First National dishes, brisket and so much more. You can even opt in to some fire-cooking masterclasses!
The Goods Line, Ultimo
Swing by PIER Dining for a Selection of Treats On-The-Go
The newly opened PIER Dining is the perfect stop on your light walk this year. Refuel with PierLova ice cream cones, crumbed Mac & cheese or a coffee from Pier's pop-up coffee cart. You can even spike your coffee should you fancy something a little extra.
11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Plates with Purpose: A Taste of Ukraine
There's never been a better chance to get a taste of Ukranian food. This year for Vivid Kyiv Social will be hosting a 10-course degustation packed with authentic and reimagined classics alongside the traditional sounds of an all-female Ukranian band. Best of all, as part of Plate It Forward, the event will raise funds to contribute 200 meals to Ukrainian people in need.
From $165 per person
Tuesday 4th June
202 Broadway, Sydney
Loved this edit of must-attend events at Vivid Sydney 2024 and already planning your next adventure? Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Sydney on a rainy day. Or if the weather is playing ball, have a squiz at our round-up of Sydney's best secret beaches.
