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Step into a world of heightened senses in this exclusive interview with David Moraton, the artist and composer behind the spellbinding artwork Laniakea at Vivid Sydney 2026. As someone with the perceptual condition synaesthesia, Moraton processes colours simultaneously as sound, and vice versa. Named after a cosmic supercluster, Laniakea traverses galaxies, with its kaleidoscopic colours and patterns dictated by the artist’s own original symphonic score.

It was fierce, it was feminine, and it was undoubtedly one of the most magnetic artworks at Vivid Sydney 2026! Vaiola by Sāmoan-Australian artist Angela Tiatia lit up the façade of the Museum of Contemporary Art with a lush palette and striking visual language of pearls, flowers, water, fire and the female form. Translating to “water of life”, a powerful message was channelled through its beauty.  We sat down with the artist to hear more about her motivations in creating this striking ode to nature, culture, and femininity.  

Looking for that perfect shareable Vivid Sydney snap? This year’s Light Walk is packed with 43 installations and projections sure to sparkle on Instagram or other socials. Plus, it’s easier to explore than ever, as an unbroken 6.5km trail of light art from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour.

Vivid Sydney is a stunning spectacle, but it's not always easy to capture all its beauty with a photo.  Want your photo memories and social media posts to really sparkle? Vivid Sydney photographer Daniel Tran has shared nine of his top photography tricks to avoid taking blurry, dark or generally underwhelming shots.

Vivid Sydney welcomes visitors of all abilities, and aims to make the festival accessible and enjoyable for everyone as Sydney’s streets, parks and buildings transform into a wonderland of Light, Music, Minds and Food programming from 22 May to 13 June 2026.

Vivid Sydney 2026 is all about going beyond – as Light, Music, Minds and Food converge to transform our city this winter and ignite bigger, bolder and broader thinking.   With driverless trains running every four minutes at peak times and fully accessible stations designed for prams, wheelchairs and festivalgoers of all walks of life, the Metro is a great way to glide through the glow of Vivid Sydney. 

In 2026, Vivid Sydney returns from 22 May to 13 June 2026 with new, bold experiences across Light, Music, Minds and Food, spanning awe-inspiring installations, electrifying concerts, illuminating talks, unforgettable dining experiences, and so much more. To help you make the most of it, here’s our guide to the best hotels to experience Vivid Sydney. Whether you’re planning a dream holiday, looking for the ultimate staycation or a budget hotel, we’ve got you covered. 

It’s almost time for Sydney’s streets, parks and buildings to transform into a wonderland as the Vivid Sydney Light Walk glows up from 22 May to 13 June, 23 nights from 6-11pm. This year’s Light Walk is easier to explore than ever, as an unbroken 6.5km trail of light art spanning Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. That means you’ll always be able to see the next artwork from the last.

Keep the adventure going after Vivid Sydney with a quick, easy getaway exploring NSW’s natural wonders just outside of the city. A treasure trove of experiences awaits. Hike into the mountains; taste wine from the barrel; walk among the treetops, discover where rainforests back onto pristine beaches, and relax with restorative wellness experiences surrounded by nature.

New to Vivid Sydney, Vivid Minds is where Art, Performance and Ideas collide.  Expanding upon and reimagining the previous Ideas programming, Vivid Minds complements talks with festival-first artforms and events, including invigorating theatrical spectacles and immersive experiences.  Minds curator Mitchell Oakley Smith runs us through five of his top picks, plus his most anticipated Light, Music and Food offerings.  

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