Vivid ’25: “Something for Everyone”

Australia’s biggest light show is back!

Key points:

From May 23, Vivid 2025 kicks off in the Sydney CBD, with a new instalments and five new “zones” to see light displays, performances and events.

This is Vivid’s 15^th year in Sydney.

“In 2025, the festival celebrates creativity, innovation and connection in the best city in the world,”  Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said.

“Captivating light installations and 3D projections for everyone, awe inspiring performances from the world’s best musicians, along with cutting edge culinary collaborations and dinners in unexpected places, it can all be found at Vivid Sydney.”

Dream

The theme of this year’s Vivid is “Dream”.

“Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself,” Ms Minervini said.

And many of this year’s Vivid installations reflect that theme.

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“Dreams can be prophetic, life changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying,” Ms Minervini said.

“These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.”

The free Vivid Light Walk will be across five zones: Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line walkway.

Five Zones

This year, the free Vivid Light Walk will be across five zones: Circular Quay (and The Rocks), Barangaroo, Martin Place (and the CBD), Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line walkway (and Inner City).

Each zone will have events, music and food stalls.

Visitors can expect 3D projections, animation, “suspended swings”, “whimsical seesaws”, and a tennis match with light.

Further, expect to see buildings in a new light, including the Museum of Sydney, The Bond (in Barangaroo) and Challis House (in Martin Place).

“Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways and places to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city,” Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said.

“From surprising outdoor dining experiences to artistic light projections on our most famous landmarks and big free live shows in Tumbalong Park – Vivid Sydney has something for everyone whether you’re a visitor or a local.”

Installations

There are many free installations and activities for Vivid 2025.

Here are Hope 103.2’s highlights:

Painting the House

Each night at 6pm, the work of the late Australian artist David McDiarmid will be projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Called Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light the projection will involve an animation of Mr McDiarmid’s art.

“Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways and places to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city,” Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said.

Tunnel of light

At Hay Street in the CBD, walk a 40 metre tunnel illuminated by a “galaxy of glowing stars”.

The “Starscape Tunnel” features more than 700 glittering stars.

Organisers promise that “brilliant flashes of colour dance along the length of the tunnel, creating a vibrant display that’s captivating from both inside and out.”

Colour the Clock

Meanwhile, the ASN Clock Tower in The Rocks will become a canvas for any budding artist.

For the Colour the City installation, people are invited to download the colouring page template, create a piece art, and if you’re lucky, see it projected onto the building.

Each week, 150 artworks will be selected for projection.

Visit here for how to take part.

Swing to the moon

Fancy a quick trip to our natural satellite?

The Fly Me to the Moon installation at Barangaroo involves a swing that lets you become part of the lunar landscape.

Just sit on the swing and move until you are one with the moon.

“This interactive installation is a celebration of curiosity and ambition—a playful reminder to dream big, aim high and let your imagination take flight,” a statement read.

For a full list of the installations, visit here.

Events

Meanwhile, there are plenty of opportunities to throw down a rug and sit down for a special Vivid show.

At Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park there are plenty of concerts on offer, inlcuding a singalong under the stars on May 31.

Hosted by Bob Downe, the event “unites Sydney’s most iconic choirs for an unforgettable night of community and song.”

Before the main show, there is a free kids’ show by Benny Time, “the teacher-turned-kids’ entertainer who makes learning fun with songs packed full of energy and heart.”

For more free events, including more concerts at Tumbalong Park, visit here.

“This year’s festival is helping people face the cost-of-living crisis by increasing the number of free events, which is great news if you want a good night out without blowing the budget,” minister Graham said.

Vivid runs until June 14.

Feature image: Photos by CanvaPro