Vivid Sydney 2025: Events worth staying up late for
09 May 2025From strobe-lit dancefloors and nights of vogueing and queer expression to left-of-field variety shows, there’s a great excuse for anyone and everyone looking to stay up late.
This year, the brilliant Vivid Sydney Supper Club is back. The famed Studio Party series for Vivid LIVE will have you dancing the night away at the Sydney Opera House, plus there’s a slew of vibey parties across the festival footprint.
It’s time to forget the clock and experience the best late-night events below.
Vivid Sydney Supper Club
Mary’s Underground | Thursdays 8.30-11pm, Fridays 9pm-1am
Vivid Sydney Supper Club is your late-night cabaret escape at Mary’s Underground – a speakeasy-style haven for music, mischief and midnight snacks every Thursday and Friday of the festival. Curated by a rotating cast of hosts – from Tom Cardy to Angela Bishop – expect genre-bending nights of big songs, wild guests and plenty of hair-letting-down energy. Check the full program below, then descend into the eclectic vibes and mood lighting at Mary’s and experience a night you won't forget.
Friday 23 May: Tamworth to Tennessee
Golden guitars and Nashville dreams. Amber Lawrence leads a rollicking ride through country’s biggest ballads and boot-scootin’ hits at Tamworth to Tennesee.

Thursday 29 May: Broadway’s Best with Mark Humphries (sold out)
Jazz hands at the ready! A cheeky, showstopping tribute to Broadway’s biggest numbers with musical theatre tragic and comedian Mark Humphries.

Friday 30 May: Open Mic! with Tom Cardy & Alex Lee
Spoken word, interpretive dance, original song – anything goes at this hilarious and heartfelt open mic night hosted by two local comedy legends: Tom Cardy and Alex Lee.

Thursday 5 June: Aus Music Countdown
From Kylie to Cold Chisel, Luke Carroll hosts Aus Music Countdown, a live mixtape of Australia’s greatest hits. Loud, proud and full of nostalgia, singalongs are whole-heartedly encouraged.

Friday 6 June: A Night at the Oscars
Golden hits from Hollywood’s finest films. Angela Bishop hosts a glitzy night of Oscar-winning songs and behind-the-scenes stories.

Thursday 12 June: The Pink Pony Supper Club (sold out)
Bring the glitter, glitz and glam. Ryan Gonzalez hosts a fabulous celebration of queer anthems and joy – think Cher, Chappell, Gaga and all the camp revelry.

Friday 13 June: Celebrating Eurovision
Camp chaos and cult classics collide in this outrageous Eurovision tribute hosted by Chloé Zuel and CJ Johnson. Costumes, flags and glitter encouraged.

Studio Party Series at Vivid LIVE
Sydney Opera House Studio | multiple dates, 9pm–2.30am
The iconic Studio space becomes a full-blown dancefloor as the Studio Party Series brings world-class DJs and cutting-edge electronica to the heart of the Sydney Opera House. Check the full program below and get ready to dance the Vivid Sydney night away.
Friday 23 May: Studio Party by Barney Kato
Saturday 24 May: Studio Party by dstreet
Saturday 25 May: Studio Party by House of Mince (sold out)
Friday 30 May: Studio Party by DUNJ
Saturday 31 May: Studio Party by Mad Racket (sold out)

Sound Escape at City Recital Hall | Saturday 7 June, 5pm–late
Vivid Sydney’s ultimate day-into-night party, Sound Escape, will take over City Recital Hall with over six hours of music, from over 20 bands, solo artists and DJs, across four stages. From The Jungle Giants (DJ set) and Haiku Hands (DJ set) to KLP and POOLCLVB, it’s a night of funk, pop and underground energy – complete with surreal visuals, queer party takeovers and surprise guests. Your night begins in the Recital Hall and ends in a dream.

Hollywood Dreaming
Hollywood Dreaming at Soda Factory, Wednesdays, 6pm–12am
Soda Factory is turning up the volume on Aussie music every Wednesday of Vivid Sydney, with nights showcasing the freshest local talent across soul, indie, rock and punk. Grab a signature Vivid Sydney-inspired cocktail, hit up happy hour and soak up some of the best local acts. Live music, great food and a glowing dance floor – Soda Factory is your mid-week fix for good times and tunes.

Hollywood Dreaming at Hollywood Hotel, Fridays, 8pm–12am
Live bands and DJ collectives turn up the volume in this old-school Sydney institution every Saturday night of Vivid Sydney. Sashay into the Vivid Sydney After Dark lounge, open from 8pm ‘til late and enjoy good times in this dimly lit corner of Hollywood Quarter post-lights out. Featuring special themed cocktails and snacks from fried chicken legends and Hollywood Hotel neighbours, Butter (available until 11pm).

Butter Beats n Eats: YAWDOESITALL, 14 June, 8–11.30pm
Ghanaian-Australian artist Yawdoesitall is taking over Butter for a high-energy night of live hip-hop, DJ sets, exclusive merch drops and fried chicken that truly slaps. Join Yawdoesitall as he plays his latest EP live and celebrates the launch of his brand-new YDIA merch, surrounded by some of Sydney’s freshest talent. Expect a night of heavy beats, killer flows and the kind of energy that only Sydney’s hip-hop scene can bring.

Explore the full program and start dreaming now.