Latest news with #VividSydney2025
Time Out
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The 8 best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025, according to locals
Vivid Sydney kicked off in spectacular style last Friday – turning the Harbour City technicolour for the 15th time. Every year, Vivid's light displays get a little more out-there: transforming famous landmarks and hidden corners of the city into luminous wonderlands and interactive light shows. And although it might seem like things have been toned down a little this year – with two huge, immersive installations Dark Spectrum and Lightscape removed from the program, along with the dazzling drone show – Vivid Sydney 2025 is even sparklier than ever. The trick? Knowing where to look. Thankfully, we've got people on the ground doing the hard yards for you, so you can get out and explore the very best bits of Vivid Sydney 2025. These are the best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025 1. Neon Dreams, Darling Harbour "What do you get when you combine plant-based queen Shannon Martinez, a rollerskating rink and a 1950's diner? You get Neon Dreams, a brand-new addition to this year's Vivid line-up. Found under the Pier Street underpass in Darling Harbour, Neon Dreams is a retro pop-up serving up (vegan) American diner favourites – think juicy burgers, creamy mac and cheese and jelly donuts. And we weren't kidding about rollerskating – you can lace up and skate around the roller rink (pros and newbies are welcome). The venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids, too." Avril Treasure, Food and Drink Editor 2. Bloom, The Rocks "I spent an evening exploring The Rocks – it's worth giving yourself a few hours to explore this corner of the city because there are so many cute bars and old pubs to stop at. My favourite installation was Bloom – it's at the Argyle Cut and it's a tunnel that gets lit up and displays visuals of nature blossoming. It's very vibrant and the sounds are so calming, it was by far my fave installation in The Rocks." Rebecca Hegedus, Video Editor 3. Night Picnic Under the Bridge "One of the most contestable points each year Vivid rolls around is where the best perch is to watch Sydney light up. This year, my money's on Night Picnic Under the Bridge. Dawes Point Park in The Rocks has transformed into a gorgeous setup under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you get epic vistas of Sydney Opera House while being right next to The Rocks Markets. Best part is the blankets and cushions are already there. Cosy on up." Caitlyn Todoroski, Branded Content Writer 4. Lighting of the Sails, Sydney Opera House "It might be cliché, but I can't go past Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House. I've been to Vivid every year since it started back in 2009, and still couldn't help but squeal when the sails exploded into a riot of colour at 6pm. This year's animation, Kiss of Light, honours the late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid, and celebrates diversity and creativity in every shade of the rainbow. Standing under those glowing sails to take it all in – with the Harbour Bridge shining behind – has to be one of my favourite memories of the year so far." 5. Cygnus, Barangaroo "There's a lot going on at Barangaroo for Vivid this this year. A multi-sensory display of light, sound, and fog has transformed Nawi Garden into a surreal, otherworldly realm. A gorgeous, glowing full moon sits in front of a swing. And a huge canopy of lights – formed by six kilometres of LED light rods – suspended above the Stargazer Lawn has become a mesmerising artwork that responds to your movements. But I'm a simple girl, and I don't think there's anything prettier than the way light dances on water. Cygnus is a simple light display formed by 12 life-like, luminous animatronic swans that glide in an enchanting dance across the mirrored water of Nawi Cove. I could watch them weave over the water for hours, and the soundtrack makes the whole experience even more mesmeric." Winnie Stubbs, Lifestyle Writer 6. Vivid Sydney Skywalk, Sydney Tower "I've done Vivid on foot more times than I can count, but seeing the lights from 268 metres above the city? That's a whole new kind of magic. I did the Vivid Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye just as the lights flicked on across the city. You're out on this open-air platform, harnessed in and looking out over the skyline, when everything below starts to glow. The Harbour, the Bridge, all the little pockets of installations – it's like the city's dressed up for the night. It's calm, a bit surreal, and just a really lovely way to take it all in." Kate Breytenbach, Account Manager 7. House of Romance: Dream Collide, Customs House "The façade of Customs House has been the canvas for some of Vivid's most spectacular projections over the years, including a heartfelt tribute to Ken Done (2022), a mesmerising dive beneath the Harbour (2019) and a love letter to Australia's flora and fauna (2015). The 2025 iteration, House of Romance: Dream Collide, is one of its best yet. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sydney fashion label Romance Was Born, the installation is a kaleidoscope of colour, couture and creative joy, portraying their most iconic looks from the past two decades. One of my favourite parts was the high-energy soundtrack by Heckler Sound that made it all the more magical." 8. Fire Kitchen, The Goods Line "I know Vivid is all about the lights – and I'm a fan of them too! – but for me, it's really about the delicious eats. You'll find plenty at the flame-fuelled Vivid Fire Kitchen, which is back again along The Goods Line in Ultimo (just a few minutes' walk from Central). My picks? The aromatic butter chicken jaffle with melted cheese, and the crème brûlée churro cone, which is as brilliant and as ridiculous as it sounds." These are the best places to eat during Vivid. Here's what's on for Vivid Music. And here are all of your Vivid FAQs, answered.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The 7 best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025, according to locals
Vivid Sydney kicked off in spectacular style last Friday – turning the Harbour City technicolour for the 15th time. Every year, Vivid's light displays get a little more out-there: transforming famous landmarks and hidden corners of the city into luminous wonderlands and interactive light shows. And although it might seem like things have been toned down a little this year – with two huge, immersive installations Dark Spectrum and Lightscape removed from the program, along with the dazzling drone show – Vivid Sydney 2025 is even sparklier than ever. The trick? Knowing where to look. Thankfully, we've got people on the ground doing the hard yards for you, so you can get out and explore the very best bits of Vivid Sydney 2025. These are the best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025 Neon Dreams, Darling Harbour "What do you get when you combine plant-based queen Shannon Martinez, a rollerskating rink and a 1950's diner? You get Neon Dreams, a brand-new addition to this year's Vivid line-up. Found under the Pier Street underpass in Darling Harbour, Neon Dreams is a retro pop-up serving up (vegan) American diner favourites – think juicy burgers, creamy mac and cheese and jelly donuts. And we weren't kidding about rollerskating – you can lace up and skate around the roller rink (pros and newbies are welcome). The venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids, too." Avril Treasure, Food and Drink Editor 2. Bloom, The Rocks "I spent an evening exploring The Rocks – it's worth giving yourself a few hours to explore this corner of the city because there are so many cute bars and old pubs to stop at. My favourite installation was Bloom – it's at the Argyle Cut and it's a tunnel that gets lit up and displays visuals of nature blossoming. It's very vibrant and the sounds are so calming, it was by far my fave installation in The Rocks." Rebecca Hegedus, Video Editor 3. Night Picnic Under the Bridge "One of the most contestable points each year Vivid rolls around is where the best perch is to watch Sydney light up. This year, my money's on Night Picnic Under the Bridge. Dawes Point Park in The Rocks has transformed into a gorgeous setup under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you get epic vistas of Sydney Opera House while being right next to The Rocks Markets. Best part is the blankets and cushions are already there. Cosy on up." Caitlyn Todoroski, Branded Content Writer 4. Lighting of the Sails, Sydney Opera House "It might be cliché, but I can't go past Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House. I've been to Vivid every year since it started back in 2009, and still couldn't help but squeal when the sails exploded into a riot of colour at 6pm. This year's animation, Kiss of Light, honours the late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid, and celebrates diversity and creativity in every shade of the rainbow. Standing under those glowing sails to take it all in – with the Harbour Bridge shining behind – has to be one of my favourite memories of the year so far." 5. Cygnus, Barangaroo "There's a lot going on at Barangaroo for Vivid this this year. A multi-sensory display of light, sound, and fog has transformed Nawi Garden into a surreal, otherworldly realm. A gorgeous, glowing full moon sits in front of a swing. And a huge canopy of lights – formed by six kilometres of LED light rods – suspended above the Stargazer Lawn has become a mesmerising artwork that responds to your movements. But I'm a simple girl, and I don't think there's anything prettier than the way light dances on water. Cygnus is a simple light display formed by 12 life-like, luminous animatronic swans that glide in an enchanting dance across the mirrored water of Nawi Cove. I could watch them weave over the water for hours, and the soundtrack makes the whole experience even more mesmeric." Winnie Stubbs, Lifestyle Writer 6. Vivid Sydney Skywalk, Sydney Tower "I've done Vivid on foot more times than I can count, but seeing the lights from 268 metres above the city? That's a whole new kind of magic. I did the Vivid Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye just as the lights flicked on across the city. You're out on this open-air platform, harnessed in and looking out over the skyline, when everything below starts to glow. The Harbour, the Bridge, all the little pockets of installations – it's like the city's dressed up for the night. It's calm, a bit surreal, and just a really lovely way to take it all in." Kate Breytenbach, Account Manager 7. House of Romance: Dream Collide "The façade of Customs House has been the canvas for some of Vivid's most spectacular projections over the years, including a heartfelt tribute to Ken Done (2022), a mesmerising dive beneath the Harbour (2019) and a love letter to Australia's flora and fauna (2015). The 2025 iteration, House of Romance: Dream Collide, is one of its best yet. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sydney fashion label Romance Was Born, the installation is a kaleidoscope of colour, couture and creative joy, portraying their most iconic looks from the past two decades. One of my favourite parts was the high-energy soundtrack by Heckler Sound that made it all the more magical." These are the best places to eat during Vivid. Here's what's on for Vivid Music.
Time Out
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Surry Hills' Hollywood Quarter is turning it on for Vivid 2025
Vivid is doing things differently this year. For Vivid Sydney 2025, it's not all watching the Opera House turn technicolour and wandering around The Rocks looking at the lights (though that's still very much worth doing). This year, sparkly season is going beyond the big, CBD landmarks and lighting up one of Sydney's trendiest inner city neighbourhoods: the Hollywood Quarter. First up, let there be light. From now until the closing night of Vivid (Saturday, June 14), the streets of HQ will glow with neon-toned nods to the world of cinema. Wander the neighbourhood and trace luminous movie soundtrack lyrics and famous quotes; this one's a Vivid light display for cinephiles. Then, there's the event program – which is taking over venues across the neighbourhood with ongoing and one-off events. Every Saturday of Vivid, the Hollywood Hotel will be hosting live music and DJs in its moody 'Vivid After Dark Lounge', with snacks catered by nearby Butter served until 11pm. Around the corner, Golden Age is transforming into a dreamlike realm for the duration of the festival, with live music, performance art and kooky, obscure installations inspired by the beloved late director David Lynch. The Vivid line-up at Golden Age includes a performance by Marcus Whale and Nini Voss covering Lynch originals, and they'll be screening dream-inspired movies in the next door cinema throughout sparkly season. The Soda Factory is also stepping up its entertainment game for the duration of Vivid, hosting live bands every Wednesday during Vivid. The jewel in HQ's Vivid crown will be taking place on Saturday, May 31, when Foster Street will close to vehicles for a gorgeous, glittering street party. From 5pm until 11pm, Sydney's coolest street will become a pedestrianised alfresco dining destination, with food from Nomad, Gildas, Nel, Kiln, Poly and Brooklyn Boy Bagels, drinks by The Rover, Golden Age Bar, Butter, Alberto's Lounge and Tio's and live music performers keeping people entertained. Up on the roof of Paramount House, you'll find a one-off gig poster-making workshop soundtracked by an acoustic set by The Lazy Eyes (taking place from 4.30pm until 6.30pm). On Saturday, June 14, Foy Lane (the alleyway behind Ace Hotel that plays host to one of the most beloved parties of Mardi Gras) will close out HQ's Vivid fun with a high-energy laneway party – complete with live music, digital art, snacks by Butter and drinks under the stars. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Let There Be Light: Vivid Sydney 2025 Kicks Off
SYDNEY, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harbour City has awakened in colour and creativity tonight as Vivid Sydney 2025, Australia's largest event, has officially begun for its 15 th year. Under this year's theme of Dream, a world class curation of Light, Ideas, Music and Food await festivalgoers over 23 nights, until Saturday, 14 June. This year, the festival comprises over 200 events across five unique zones around the city's CBD, all designed to inspire wonder, expand thinking and give each visitor the opportunity to see Sydney in a new light. Making Vivid Sydney more accessible than ever, over 75 per cent of this year's program is free to enjoy, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, Martin Place also makes a welcome return to the festival footprint after a seven-year absence. This year, the world's biggest names in entertainment, food, and pop culture will feature, including, Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, plus Portishead's Beth Gibbons. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, "Sydney is ready to shine! As we mark 15 years, this world-class event continues to showcase the very best destinations and creative talent our city has to offer. "Vivid Sydney continues to grow in scale and impact, drawing millions of visitors and reinforcing Sydney's position as the premier destination in the Asia Pacific. "With over 75 per cent of the program free to attend and the entire Vivid Light Walk open to everyone, it is one of the most accessible events in the country, and this year's program has something for everyone. "It's a festival that unites communities, supports local businesses and boosts our visitor and night-time economies. We can't wait to see the city light up tonight!" Vivid Sydney 2025 kicked off at Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for the annual First Light ceremony, featuring performances by NAISDA dancers that honoured Yolngu culture in Arnhem Land. The ceremony culminated at 6pm as Sydney Harbour burst to life with pyrotechnics, projections and installations illuminating the city's world-famous buildings and landmarks followed by First Light Live, a free concert honouring the power and pride of First Nations music.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Let There Be Light: Vivid Sydney 2025 Kicks Off
SYDNEY, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harbour City has awakened in colour and creativity tonight as Vivid Sydney 2025, Australia's largest event, has officially begun for its 15th year. Under this year's theme of Dream, a world class curation of Light, Ideas, Music and Food await festivalgoers over 23 nights, until Saturday, 14 June. This year, the festival comprises over 200 events across five unique zones around the city's CBD, all designed to inspire wonder, expand thinking and give each visitor the opportunity to see Sydney in a new light. Making Vivid Sydney more accessible than ever, over 75 per cent of this year's program is free to enjoy, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, Martin Place also makes a welcome return to the festival footprint after a seven-year absence. This year, the world's biggest names in entertainment, food, and pop culture will feature, including, Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, plus Portishead's Beth Gibbons. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, "Sydney is ready to shine! As we mark 15 years, this world-class event continues to showcase the very best destinations and creative talent our city has to offer. "Vivid Sydney continues to grow in scale and impact, drawing millions of visitors and reinforcing Sydney's position as the premier destination in the Asia Pacific. "With over 75 per cent of the program free to attend and the entire Vivid Light Walk open to everyone, it is one of the most accessible events in the country, and this year's program has something for everyone."It's a festival that unites communities, supports local businesses and boosts our visitor and night-time economies. We can't wait to see the city light up tonight!" Vivid Sydney 2025 kicked off at Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for the annual First Light ceremony, featuring performances by NAISDA dancers that honoured Yolngu culture in Arnhem Land. The ceremony culminated at 6pm as Sydney Harbour burst to life with pyrotechnics, projections and installations illuminating the city's world-famous buildings and landmarks followed by First Light Live, a free concert honouring the power and pride of First Nations music. Vivid Sydney runs from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June. For more information visit SOURCE Destination NSW Sign in to access your portfolio
