General
Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology, transforming Sydney for 23 days and nights. In 2026, Vivid Sydney will fuse art, innovation and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts of our time.
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism major events agency.
Vivid Sydney will return on 22 May - 13 June 2026.
Follow our social channels and sign up to the Vivid Sydney newsletter to stay up to date with the latest information and be the first to know about the 2026 program.
Yes. The Vivid Sydney Light Walk is free for everyone to enjoy along with many other events and experiences, including Vivid Music’s Tumbalong Kids and Tumbalong Nights, a festival long program of free music under the stars.
There are also a number of ticketed events on the program, some you'll need to register in advance as they have limited spots, and some you'll need to purchase a ticket.
For ticketing queries, please contact the venue directly.
If purchased via Universe, please complete the form here and submit a request with the Universe Help Centre.
Visit
Sydney has a wonderful range of accommodation available from budget options through to five-star stays. To be close to the action, we recommend you stay in The Rocks, Circular Quay, Sydney CBD, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont or North Sydney.
Visit our Deals & Experiences page to find exclusive offers for the festival period on accommodation as well as dining options, events, activities and more.
Destination NSW’s website Sydney.com also contains a wealth of information to help you choose accommodation and find out what else is on offer in Sydney to enjoy during your visit.
If you’re thinking about extending your stay, why not also plan a visit to regional NSW? For inspiration, go to VisitNSW.com.
Vivid Sydney is an all-weather event.
Public safety is our number one priority and should adverse weather conditions be experienced there may be restrictions on which areas are operational. We recommend keeping up to date via our website and Vivid Sydney social channels, and to follow directions displayed on Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) located throughout the festival footprint, which provide important real-time safety and operational information.
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk is very popular and attracts large numbers of people across the 23 nights of the event. Generally, Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights and the Drone Show nights Sunday – Wednesday in Darling Harbour, attract the largest crowds. Those with young families and strollers should also consider coming to Vivid Sydney on weeknights when visitor numbers are expected to be lower than the weekends, and earlier in the night. Lights On is at 6pm every night.
For a quieter experience, visitors can also explore Vivid Sydney’s daytime public art and installations, which are on display across the festival footprint during the day. Visiting during daylight hours can be a great option for those looking to enjoy the artworks and precincts with fewer crowds.
If you have lost something around Circular Quay or Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney, call or visit The Rocks Police Station on 02 8220 6399. If you have lost something at another precinct or venue, Vivid Sydney suggests you call or visit the local police station in that area or the venue you were visiting.
Medical Posts and Volunteer Ambassadors at Information booths located on the Light Walk offer wristbands to parents and guardians of children to put contact details on in case their child becomes lost. It is also a good idea to give your child a card with your contact details or to write a contact number on your child’s arm.
Vivid Sydney volunteers and security personnel will be briefed to look out for lost children and will contact parents wherever possible and the NSW Police Force if necessary.
Vivid Sydney attracts large crowds, vibrant light displays, and amplified soundscapes—conditions that may be overwhelming or unsafe for some animals. If you're thinking of bringing your dog or another companion animal, it’s important to carefully consider their temperament and how they respond to busy environments.
Pet owners must also meet their responsibilities under the NSW Companion Animals Act, which includes keeping animals under control in public spaces and ensuring their welfare at all times. More information is available from the City of Sydney website.
Before attending, we recommend checking with the landowners of areas within the Vivid footprint to confirm any site-specific rules regarding animals. These landowners may include:
You can find contact details and access guidelines on their respective websites.
For advice on animal wellbeing and public safety, the RSPCA NSW is also a helpful resource. Visit rspcansw.org.au for more.
Unfortunately, the Vivid Sydney App is no longer available. To keep up to date with Vivid Sydney, check back on our website, sign up to the Vivid Sydney newsletter or follow our social channels Vivid Sydney Facebook , Instagram or TikTok.
Information booths will be open from 6pm to 11pm daily and are situated around Vivid Sydney for the public to obtain directions and information on the program.
Please refer to the interactive map for detailed locations of the Information Booths at Vivid Sydney.
Some of the best vantage points are The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Bradfield Park (under the Harbour Bridge at North Sydney), Luna Park, Lavender Bay, Barangaroo, or on the harbour itself.
Yes. There are locations for accessible viewing.
Read more information on our accessibility facilities and services. You can also download our accessible festival map or toggle the accessibility view on our Interactive Map.
Various charter vessels offer harbour cruises during Vivid Sydney.
Some operators may be offering services via agents, direct sales and online deal websites. We kindly suggest you read all terms and conditions and relevant information before making a purchase. Also please read all information on your ticket including departure times, locations and other conditions.
Please note that Vivid Sydney does not operate any harbour cruises. If you have any questions about a cruise, please contact the operator directly.
For vessels that are a part of Vivid Light on Sydney Harbour, see the Lights on Sydney Harbour page.
Yes — the Vivid Sydney Drone Shows will return in 2026 as part of the festival program. They will take place over Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, Sunday – Wednesday with two shows each night, 7.30pm & 9.30pm, running for approximately 10 minutes. The shows are very popular, and high visitor numbers are expected, so planning your visit in advance is recommended. There will also be accessible viewing options and alternative live broadcast screens around the precinct for those who prefer quieter viewing areas.
For more information, please visit the How to Get to Vivid Sydney page.
Travel and Transport
Extra trains and buses will run on weekends to help you get to and from Vivid Sydney locations. With extensive road closures and parking restrictions in place, it’ll be the easiest way to get to the festival as all locations are easily accessible by public transport.
You can use the Transport For NSW Trip Planner to stay up-to-date with metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail information. You can also use one of the many real-time apps to track your service. Alternatively, you can call the Transport Information Line on 131 500.
You will need a valid Opal card or single-trip ticket to travel on public transport services to Vivid Sydney locations. Top up your Opal card online ahead of time to avoid the queues. You can top up your card via the Opal Travel App, top-up machines or at more than 2,100 retailers.
Alternatively, if you have a debit or credit card which displays the contactless payment symbol, or a card-linked device, you can use it to pay for your travel by tapping on and off at Opal card readers on all public transport services. Adult Opal fare pricing applies, and you will receive Opal benefits, including daily and weekly fare caps.
For more details on Opal card and contactless payment visit transportnsw.info
During Vivid Sydney, road closures and special event clearways will be in effect each night from 3pm – 1am, limiting parking and causing heavy traffic. Many car parks in the Sydney CBD will not be accessible, and parking restrictions will apply on most major roads.
Special event clearways are strict no-parking zones for all vehicles, including local residents and Mobility Scheme permit holders. Vehicles left in clearways will be towed, and a fee applies. If your vehicle is towed, it will be relocated to the nearest available parking space. To locate your vehicle, call the Traffic Information Line on 132 701.
People with accessible requirements are encouraged to contact the Vivid Sydney Access & Inclusion Team at vivid.access@dnsw.com.au for guidance on how best attend Vivid Sydney or read our Access and Accessibility information.
Road closures will be in place in the city each night of the festival. On weeknights, closures will be in place around Circular Quay. On weekends, closures extend into the Sydney CBD.
Anyone attending a Vivid Sydney event is strongly encouraged to leave their car at home and catch public transport as delays on roads are expected, particularly on the weekends.
The road closures are in place to keep pedestrians safe and allow for an enjoyable Vivid Sydney experience. It is an offence to drive on or exit a carpark or driveway onto a closed road until the road has been safely reopened.
Detailed information on road closures, clearways and access is available at vividsydney.com/transport. For real-time traffic conditions and updates visit livetraffic.com, follow @LiveTrafficSyd or download Live Traffic NSW from the App Store or Google Play.
We have several maps that are available to be downloaded including an Accessibility Map and a map of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. You can download them here New maps are available each year closer to the festival.
Feedback and Involvement
The Vivid Sydney team welcomes your constructive feedback. To do so, head to Contact Us.
Yes. Vivid Sydney wouldn’t be possible without the support of its incredible team of volunteers. Click here to express your interest in Vivid Sydney 2026. Applications are now live!
Any type of local business can get involved through the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program. The Vivid Sydney Location Business Program for 2026 applications are closing 3 April, visit the Local Business Program page for more information.
Expressions of Interest for Vivid Sydney Light, Music, Minds, Food and cross-artform are currently closed. Keep an eye on the Vivid Sydney website and social media channels for updates about opportunities to be involved in the Vivid Sydney program or register your interest for 2027, please visit the Vivid Sydney Work With Us page.
From time-to-time Destination NSW does seek quotations for the supply of goods and/or services relating to Vivid Sydney. For current contract opportunities, please visit the Vivid Sydney Work With Us page.
You can get involved through the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program. The Vivid Sydney Location Business Program for 2026 applications are closing on 3 April, visit the Local Business Program page for more information.
If you need to contact Vivid Sydney, please visit our Contact Us page.
