General
Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology which transforms Sydney for 23 days and nights. In 2023, for its 13th year, Vivid Sydney will fuse art, innovation and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, musicians and culinary experts of our time, united by this year’s artistic direction, "Vivid Sydney, Naturally".
From 26 May to 17 June, the streets will transform with mesmerising art displays and 3D light projections, exhilarating live music performances, thought-provoking debates, and deep-dive discussions from some of the world's brightest minds. And for the first time ever at Vivid Sydney, chefs, producers and more will collaborate for the launch of Vivid Food, a program of multisensory meals that celebrate Sydney’s rich and vibrant restaurants, food culture and local produce.
Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney’s events calendar supporting the entire ecosystem of the state’s visitor economy during winter, from our artistic industries to entertainment and hospitality venues, accommodation providers and retailers. The festival is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
Vivid Sydney has been recognised by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and received 15 accolades at the 2019 IFEA Pinnacle Awards including gold in the Grand Pinnacle category. Vivid Sydney was also voted Australia’s Best Tourism Event in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event in 2017 and 2019 in the Australian Event Awards.
Vivid Sydney will return in 2024 for 23 nights from 24 May – 15 June 2024.
Follow our social channels and sign up to MyVivid to stay up to date with the latest information and be the first to know about the 2024 program.
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 MyVivid or follow our social channels Vivid Sydney Facebook , Instagram or TikTok
Visit
Sydney has a wonderful range of accommodation available from budget options through to five-star stays. To be close to the action, we would recommend you stay in The Rocks, Circular Quay, Sydney CBD, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont or North Sydney – our Vivid Sydney blog has several suggestions.
Visit our Deals & Experiences webpage 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 to choose accommodation, and to find out what else is on offer in Sydney to enjoy during your visit. Visit our Vivid Sydney deals and experience webpage for accommodation deals.
If you're thinking about extending your stay, why not also plan a visit to regional NSW? For inspiration, go to VisitNSW.com.
The event will operate rain, hail or shine. Should extreme adverse weather conditions be experienced there may be restrictions on which areas are operational and we recommend keeping up to date via our website or the Vivid Sydney Facebook .
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk is free of charge, along with many other events and experience, including our free music program called Tumbalong Nights.
There are also ticketed events each year including Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House, thought-provoking talks at the Vivid Ideas Exchange and you can make reservations for our program of Vivid Food events.
Check out the full program to find information on all our free and ticketed events. You can also keep up to date with everything Vivid Sydney on Facebook.
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 Monday public holiday night 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.
If you have lost something around Circular Quay or Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney, visit The Rocks Police Station or call them 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 on it or 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 or the NSW Police Force if necessary.
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 MyVivid or follow our social channels Vivid Sydney Facebook , Instagram or TikTok
Information Kiosks will be open from 6pm to 11pm daily. There will be nine Information Kiosks 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 Kiosks at Vivid Sydney:
- Central Station
- West Circular Quay
- The Goods Line South
- Tumbalong Boulevard
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, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, or on the harbour itself.
Various charter vessels will be undertaking harbour cruises during Vivid Sydney 2023. You can view all operators here.
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.
Yes. There will be three locations for accessible viewing:
- Circular Quay - Museum of Contemporary Arts Australia
- Walsh Bay - Hickson Road Reserve
- Darling Harbour - Tumbalong Park
Read more information on our accessibility facilities and services. You can also download our accessible festival map.
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 an American Express, Mastercard or Visa 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
With road closures and special event clearways in place in the city each night during the festival, access to parking will be limited and traffic will be heavy. Some car parks in the Sydney CBD will be inaccessible while roads are closed and special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect on most major roads each day of the event. These clearways are strict no-parking zones for all vehicle types and apply even for local residents or Mobility Scheme permit holders. Check signs carefully as 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, call the Traffic Information Line on 132 701 to speak to an operator and find its location. For more details on special event clearways and their locations during Vivid Sydney, visit livetraffic.com
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 event. On weeknights closures will be in place around Circular Quay and on weekends closures extend into the Sydney CBD and Walsh Bay.
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 city is no place for cars during Vivid Sydney and you can’t enjoy the installations from your vehicle. 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 can download them here.
Feedback and Involvement
The Vivid Sydney team welcome your constructive feedback. To do so, please contact us online.
Yes. Vivid Sydney wouldn’t be possible without the support of its incredible team of volunteers. Click here to express your interest.. Applications are due to open early 2024.
If you are a restaurateur, bar or café owner, hotelier, retailer, entertainer, museum or gallery owner, tour provider or run a local attraction, you can get involved with the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program. The Vivid Sydney Location Business Program for 2023 is now closed but you can pre-register your interest for 2024 on the Work With Us page.
You can apply with your Expressions of Interest for Vivid Sydney Light, Music, Ideas, Food and Cross-Art Forms by clicking the link below.
From time-to-time Destination NSW does seek quotations for the supply of goods and/or services relating to Vivid Sydney for each of the contract opportunities, please visit the Vivid Sydney Work With Us page.
Applications are closed for Vivid Sydney 2023. For expressions of interest for Vivid Sydney 2024 please visit our Work With Us page.
