As the nights get cooler and darker, Vivid Sydney returns and light’s up the city from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June.
For the 2025 program, there’s a theme: Vivid Sydney, Dream. It follows the idea that everything starts with a dream or an idea, and can turn into a movement. For the light, music, food and art in this year’s Vivid, creators have definitely followed their dreams.
Staged over 23 nights, the festival will deliver mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, uplifting live music performances and deep-dive discussions.
With over 200 events to see and experience, we’ve rounded up the 5 best must-sees you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
1. In conversation with Martha Stewart
Lifestyle icon, media mogul and the world’s O.G influencer (long before the term existed), Martha Stewart is coming to Sydney this week.
For one night only, Martha will take to the stage to share the secrets to her success, dishing on how she has constantly reinvented herself and captured the Zeitgeist with her culture-defining moments and moves. Limited tickets remain, so book yours now!
In Conversation with Martha Stewart will take place on Wednesday 28 May 2025 at ICC Sydney as part of Vivid Sydney.
2. Aus Music Countdown
Vivid Sydney Supper Club, a late-night escape at Mary’s Underground, is hosting several nights of music during the festival. The Aus Music Countdown is on the 5th of June, and will go through all of Australia’s best hits.
Whether you love Kylie Minogue or Paul Kelly, performer Luke Carroll is ready to take you back to your favourite Aussie music moments.
3. Vivid Fire Kitchen
As for what to eat, the Vivid Fire Kitchen is always at the top of the list for us. After chilly walks around the harbour, nothing is better than a fiery dinner to keep your belly warm. This year, the Fire Kitchen has been moved to a new home, The Goods Line, to accommodate even more delicious BBQ for you to try.
Watch as the chefs work their magic, and stay close to the fire so your hands can keep warm too!
4. Lighting of the Sails
David McDiarmid was a defining voice of the late 20th-century art scene. On the 30th anniversary of his death, the Sydney Opera House will transform his life’s work into another art form. Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light will be a “slow dance of texture, colour feeling and idea, tracing the artist’s punk, queer sensibility.”
With four bodies of work showcased across the sails of the Opera House, this is not one to miss. Luckily, it’s on every night of Vivid, so all you have to do is head down to Circular Quay to get the best viewing spot!
5. Why We Sleep ft. Professor Matthew Walker
Getting a good night’s sleep is such a big part of staying healthy. This year, Vivid has partnered with the Sydney Writers’ Festival to bring the discussion of ‘Why We Sleep’ to life for one night only, on the 27th of May.
World renowned neuroscientist Professor Matthew Walker will take you through the ins and outs of beauty sleep, including the science of sleep, dreams and their profound impact on our wellbeing.
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