Everything you need to know about this year’s Vivid festival, plus our top picks of the Vivid events you can’t miss.
It’s one of our absolute favourite times of year, we would go as far as to say it even rivals Christmas. There’s an electric energy that runs through Sydney as the city lights up in winter for Vivid. You’re going to want to go ahead and mark Friday 6th August in your calendar as you don’t want to miss this year’s most anticipated and luminous event.
Due to last year’s cancellation (thanks rona) Vivid is back in 2021 with a vengeance and is prepared to make up for the lost time. There is plenty for the whole family to see and do over the 23 days it runs. These are our top picks of must-see events during Vivid.
Music Shows
This year is all about the music, with a whopping 50 shows popping up in unexpected venues across Sydney. There’s Golden Features & Hermitude, Sampa The Great, Barkaa, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and much, much more. From Cariageworks to Hyde Park, Circular Quay and Oxford Street, Vivid is determined to give Sydney its nightlife back in the aftermath of lockdowns and lockout laws.
Can’t wait until August and want to get into the groove now? Listen to the Vivid Music 2021 Spotify playlist here.
Mumm Harbour Bar
The only thing we like more than French champagne is being able to enjoy it while taking in a spectacular show. You’ll be the envy of all your friends when you raise a glass and become part of the living watercolour painting of Vivid from the Harbour. Tickets to hop aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ luxurious floating Vivid Mumm Harbour Bar start from $99 but, with free-flowing champagne, seafood platters and the best views in the house, it’s well worth it.
Lighting of the Sails
Each year, an internationally-renowned artist is commissioned to create an original artwork to be projected onto the Sydney Opera House for all to see. This year, get ready to watch as the Sydney Opera House transforms into a First Nations celebration with Yarrkalpa – Hunting Ground, 2021 by the Martu Artists, brought to life by Curiious. Setting the scene will be a soundtrack provided by Electric Fields and Martu Artists (inspired by Yarrkalpa – Always Walking Country 2014). Yarrkalpa – Hunting Ground represents an intimate connection with country, cataloguing seasons, traditional burning practices and regrowth, hunting and resources, as well as abstracted tales.
Twilight Bridge Climb
There is no better place to enjoy the views of Vivid than from the apex of the Harbour Bridge. Thanks to the Twilight Bridge Climb, you can feel on top of the world as you take in the glittering views of Vivid, glistening beneath you like a sea of sequins. If the Bridge Climb has been on your bucket list for a while now, you’re going to want to book in August to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. Our top tip: celebrate your climb with harbour views and great food afterwards at the beloved Glenmore.
Heaps Gay
This year, the Heaps Gay Qween’s Ball has outgrown its Town Hall location and will be taking place at Luna Park instead, for a very extra celebration. This is a night for party people and over 20 diverse acts, including headliner Mia Rodriguez, to come together for a night of fancy dress, art and dancing. Get ready for debauchery and twisted surprises, and don’t forget to go all out with your costume. You’re going to want to dress to impress for this one.
Details
Vivid Sydney runs from 6-28 August in locations across Sydney. Head to the website to find out more HERE
