Vivid Music Curator Julian Ramundi has been busy booking global stars, indie icons and experimental pioneers.

While no parent can pick a favourite, he’s chosen a few must-see 2026 acts, including some from Carriageworks and Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, and shout-outs to Vivid Light, Minds and Food.

Art After Dark

Friday May 29, June 5 & June 12, White Bay Power Station

“For the first time, Vivid Sydney’s collaborating with the Biennale of Sydney for three Friday night concerts as part of their Art After Dark series at the White Bay Power Station.

Explore the Biennale’s art and catch shows from New York ambient-techno trio Purelink and French-Senegalese R&B star anaiis, alongside a free multi-stage party on Friday 12 June.”

Clara La San

Thursday 11 June, 7.30-11pm, Metro Theatre

“One of R&Bs most intricate and mysterious artists, and she’s finally coming to Australia for the first time.

After breaking through in the early 2010s with glitchy, moody R&B, Clara La San went dark before reemerging a few years back with a killer album and an excellent re-work of Good Mourning, her mixtape she’d pulled from streamers.

Direct to Vivid Sydney from a huge US tour and with fans waiting for years, this one’s going to be very special.”

Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE | Vivid LIVE

Sunday 24 May, 8-9.30pm, Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

“Two of America’s most innovative rappers make their Sydney Opera House debut, fresh off their massive joint album POMPEII // UTILITY.

Coming up alongside Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean in collective Odd Future, Earl Sweatshirt’s carved out his own lane with rich, rule-breaking hip-hop. He’s met his match with MIKE’s breezy beats and raw, clever lyrics.”

Kae Tempest

Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June, 8-11pm, City Recital Hall

“Poet and performer Kae Tempest can hold a room still with his soaring, introspective lyrics. Catch one of the UK’s most celebrated voices in a rare intimate setting at the beautiful City Recital Hall.  

With Kae’s latest album Self Titled exploring his journey towards recently coming out as a trans man, this will be an emotional, powerful show.”

Lil' Kim

Friday 29 May, 5-10.30pm, Carriageworks

“She’s not called the Queen of Rap for nothing. A true pioneer, Lil’ Kim changed hip-hop and pop-culture with her albums Hard Core and The Notorious K.I.M.

Celebrating more than 30 years since Hard Core, the New Yorker returns for her first Australian shows in 15 years. Monumental.”

RUBII

Thursday 4 June, 6.30-10.30pm, Oxford Art Factory

"Another UK act, this alt-R&B emergent puts it all into her songs, pairing big feelings with chill beats, neo-soul rhythms and soft-spoken bars. This one’s for fans of Greentea Peng, Jorja Smith, Ravyn Lenae and Joy Crooks.”  

Soft Centre

Friday 5 June, 9pm-late, City Recital Hall

“No stranger to Vivid Sydney, SOFT CENTRE is a festival-within-a-festival, dedicated to boundary-pushing electronic music and high-intensity club performances. A favourite of Australia’s underground, SOFT CENTRE brings a special dance party, with a line-up of cutting-edge international DJs to be announced soon.”  

Tumbalong Nights

Tumbalong Park, Friday 22 May – Saturday June 13

“Free-for-all and under the stars, Tumbalong Nights is 23 nights of free music in Tumbalong Park, with a line-up spanning K-Pop stars, Jamaican reggae legends, opera and post-punk.  

It’s hard to pick just one night, so how about three? Afrobeat hero Seun Kuti will turn up the heat with band Egypt 80 on Saturday 6 June. Asia’s electronic rap underground takes centre stage on Friday 29 May with Chinese rappers SEBii and Billionhappy and Korean producer kimj. And on closing night (Saturday 13 June), who better to serenade than Australian great Matt Corby?”

Julian Ramundi’s picks for Vivid Light, Minds and Food

Vivid Light: Afterimage: A Projection Mapped Mural 

Tumbalong Park, Friday 22 May – Saturday June 13

“Afterimage combines graffiti art with 3D animation to create a moving mural 12-metres-tall, a collaboration between Australian street artist Sofles and US artist Chaske Haverkos. I’m stoked to have it right next to Tumbalong Nights.”

Vivid Minds: Zane Lowe: In Conversation

Sunday 24 May, 3-4.30pm, City Recital Hall

“One of the Music industry’s leading voices, Zane Lowe’s interviews on Apple Music with A-list artists like Bad Bunny, Tame Impala and Taylor Swift offer unparalleled insight.  

I’m excited to see him in the interviewee’s spot for once, chatting with triple j’s Lucy Smith about his life-long passion for music and where the industry is going.”

Vivid Food: Vivid Fire Kitchen

Stargazer Lawn, Friday 22 May – Saturday 13 June, 6-11pm

“Over at Barangaroo Reserve, Vivid Fire Kitchen plates up something new every night. Free-to-enter, you can wander between cooking demonstrations, talks, tastings and even a mini Vivid Music experience, via a marquee stage with free music from local and regional acts.”