Vivid Sydney is much more than a dazzling display of lights.
Each winter, the city transforms into a playground of immersive dining experiences, waterfront parties, family-friendly events and one-off collaborations that celebrate Sydney at its most creative.
From a five-course feast inspired by two centuries of Australian dining history to a live Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance on the harbour, this year’s lineup is packed with memorable ways to eat, drink and play your way through the festival. Whether you’re after a romantic date night, a family outing or a late-night adventure with friends, these are the standout Vivid Sydney experiences worth adding to your calendar.
Dream Feast, Sydney
Part of Vivid Food, Dream Feast is one of the festival’s most ambitious dining events. Presented in partnership with Museums of History NSW, the experience invites guests on a sensory journey through the evolution of how we’ve gathered, entertained and eaten from the 19th century to today.
Sydney-born, New York-based ARLO Communal, led by Tobi Fox and Cal Fernie, will serve a five-course menu with paired drinks, inspired by materials from the Caroline Simpson Library Collection. Expect nostalgic dishes reimagined with a contemporary lens, including Bone marrow toast, deconstructed Bombe Alaska and an original fine dining interpretation on the traditional lobster vol-au-vent. Held on 2nd, 4th and 5th June, this is a one-of-a-kind event for lovers of food, culture and storytelling. Find out more here.
Hollywood Quarter, Surry Hills
For one night only, the Hollywood Quarter will transform Foster and Hunt Streets into a buzzing open-air festival for A Taste of HQ: Street Eats Edition. Running from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday 30th May, the event brings together nine leading chefs, each creating handheld dishes designed exclusively for the night.
The lineup includes Lennox Hastie of Firedoor, Lakhan Bhounsie of Nomad, Nelly Robinson of Nel, Julian Cincotta of Butter Sydney and more. Expect outdoor bars, live music, roaming performers and the family-friendly Creatives’ Quarter on Hunt Street. From 10pm, HQ After Hours keeps the celebrations going across venues including Butter Sydney, Kiln, Hollywood Hotel, Soda Factory and Golden Age Cinema & Bar. Find out more here.
The Jackson Sydney, Sydney Harbour
For a truly unforgettable way to experience Vivid Sydney, The Jackson Sydney is hosting the first-ever live performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on Sydney Harbour. Across two exclusive evenings on Saturday 23rd May and Saturday 30th May, guests will step aboard Sydney’s largest superyacht for a night that combines world-class music, exceptional dining, and front-row views of the city’s illuminated skyline.
The experience includes a five-course menu curated by The Jackson Sydney’s culinary team, paired with premium Penfolds wines, while a specially curated ensemble from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs live on board. As the vessel cruises past the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and the glowing Vivid installations, guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening that brings together Sydney’s best-loved elements: food, culture and the harbour. Find out more here.
Opera Bar, Circular Quay
Few places capture the magic of Vivid Sydney quite like Opera Bar. Positioned directly beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House, this iconic waterfront venue offers uninterrupted views of the illuminated harbour and front-row access to the Vivid Light Walk.
Grab a cocktail, order some seafood and settle in as the city sparkles around you. Whether you’re stopping by for sunset drinks or a late-night bite, Opera Bar remains one of the most atmospheric spots to soak up the festival.
Jacksons on George, Sydney CBD
Running from 22nd May to 13th June, Jacksons on George is celebrating Vivid Sydney with food, drinks and entertainment across all three levels of the venue.
At Bistro George, head chef Steven Sinclair has created a dedicated Vivid snacks menu in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Highlights include vongole frites, the Bistro George squish cheeseburger, chicken nuggets with hot sauce, sauce au poivre and caviar, and sticky date pudding with koji ice cream. Upstairs, expect live music in the Public Bar and DJs on the Rooftop, making this a lively all-in-one destination before or after the Light Walk. Find out more here.
After Dark Cinema at Sydney Place, Circular Quay
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to experience Vivid, Sydney Place is transforming into a free outdoor cinema across three weekends from 28th May to 13th June.
Set among the laneways of 180 George Street, the After Dark Cinema will screen Disney favourites including Finding Nemo, Encanto, Frozen, Luca and The Princess Diaries from 6pm to 10pm nightly. Bean bags and ambient lighting create a relaxed atmosphere, while nearby venues such as Sil Bi Jip, Open Sesame, Burger Point and Bar Besuto make it easy to grab dinner before the show. Best of all, no bookings are required.
