Vivid Sydney 2025 is preparing to dazzle and inspire as it returns for its 15th year, running from May 23rd to June 14th. The theme this year, 'Dream,' invites audiences to explore the different interpretations and meanings behind dreams, promising to captivate attendees through its vibrant blend of light, music, ideas, and food.
The festival will take over several key locations across the city, including Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place, and Darling Harbour. This year’s festival footprint has been redesigned to enable seamless movement through five connected zones, showcasing the very best of Sydney’s creative culture.
Marking this year’s Lighting of the Sails event is the late David McDiarmid’s illuminating work titled Kiss of Light, which will feature animated projections on the iconic Sydney Opera House. This celebratory homage pays tribute to McDiarmid’s contributions as both artist and advocate for LGBTQ rights, particularly as it observes the 30th anniversary of his passing.
Bringing their unique artistry to the festival’s music lineup is the famed Icelandic band Sigur Rós, who will perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Their emotional and ethereal sound is sure to resonate deeply with fans during this exclusive performance. Joining them at the Sydney Opera House will also be performances from British singer Anohni and her band The Johnsons, indie darling Beth Gibbons of Portishead, and contemporary artists such as Marlon Williams, Japanese Breakfast, and Ravyn Lenae.
Free live music events will also return with the 'Tumbalong Nights' series at Darling Harbour, featuring notable local acts like Winston Surfshirt and Ayesha Madon, as well as international stars like Grammy-winning artist Dobet Gnahoré and V-Pop acts Mỹ Anh and Chi Xê from Vietnam. The performances will unite communities, and the program spotlights diaspora and First Nations artists showcasing their cultural narrations through music.
Other venues like the Oxford Art Factory will feature the UK drill duo Pete & Bas and Newcastle’s Steel City Dance Discs, delivering energetic performances. Meanwhile, the Metro Theatre will celebrate the local music label scenes, with both Bad Apples and NLV Records marking their 10th anniversaries with special gigs.
For food lovers, celebrity chef Nigella Lawson will curate three exclusive dinner events beneath the glow of artistic lights at Martin Place’s pedestrian tunnel, Muru Giligu. Lawson’s dinners will use NSW produce and wines to create unforgettable dining experiences infused with creativity and warmth, inviting guests to indulge fully.
The Ideas program of the festival continues to flourish, featuring discussions and workshops led by visionary thinkers such as D.W. Pine from Time Magazine and leading sleep scientist Professor Matthew Walker. These sessions will cover engaging topics, including the origins of creative ideas and the importance of sleep on wellness and productivity.
An additional layer to Vivid Sydney 2025 is the immersive experience called Stranger Things: The Experience, which will debut at Luna Park, merging elements of nostalgic storytelling and supernatural intrigue typical of the hit Netflix series.
Festival Director Gill Minervini reflects on the transformative power of dreams within the festival's programming, stating, “Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself.” She continued to assert how this theme expands the narratives captured through art: “These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.”
Attendees will enjoy interactive installations and light displays throughout the festival, engaging with the artwork and contributing to the creative spirit of Vivid. Designers and artists will collaborate to develop cutting-edge light displays and enthralling projections utilizing innovative technology.
Complete with culinary collaborations and unique dining events, Vivid Food 2025 expands its reach to include new food markets and pop-up dining experiences around the city. The Vivid Fire Kitchen will return to The Goods Line, where festival-goers will sample bold dishes highlighting unique flavors from around the world.
This year, Vivid Sydney is positioned as not just a festival but as a vibrant gathering celebrating community connection, diversity, and artistic expression. Local businesses are geared up for the influx of visitors inspired by the festival's events, as Vivid works to promote Sydney as the beacon of creativity, especially during its winter months.
By offering countless free events and creating spaces for local artists and performers, Vivid Sydney is determined to help residents and visitors alike weather the cost-of-living crisis by ensuring accessibility to arts and culture. Festival-goers can look forward to endless opportunities to connect with creativity, provide support for local talent, and enjoy the beautiful winter atmosphere under the city’s vibrant lights.
With tickets set to go on sale on March 17, 2025, this year’s Vivid Sydney promises to be another memorable experience, filled with wonder and imagination, inviting everyone to explore the question: What’s in a dream? More details on events, program lineups, and ticketing can be found on the official Vivid Sydney website.