26 unmissable highlights of Vivid Sydney 2024

This year’s Vivid shines brighter than ever before, blanketing the city in colour from 24 May to 15 June.

Vivid Sydney‘s 2024 program is delighting and dazzling in what may just be its best year yet. This year’s theme is Humanity, with a focus on light, music, ideas and food. The Sydney CBD is coming alive over 23 nights with some of the best boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, musicians and culinary experts of our time.

This year’s festival is firmly plugged into the zeitgeist, infusing the NSW capital with the latest in art, innovation and technology. This year’s program is jam-packed with excitement, from music performances and comedy shows to interactive art and culinary experiences. Here is our guide to the best of it all.

1. Have a chat with Amy Poehler

Where: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay

American actress and star of countless Hollywood-hit films, Amy Poehler, will be heading down to Sydney this year to attend Vivid (yes, you read that right). The multi-award-winning actress, writer, director, producer and author will front Vivid Sydney Presents – In Conversation with Amy Poehler on 27 May at the Sydney Opera House.

Appearing for the first time in Sydney since 2015, Poehler will be chatting with moderator Zan Rowe, followed by an exclusive 30-minute look at scenes from the highly anticipated movie Inside Out 2. The film is set to be released later this year, with Poehler back to voice Joy, the main character of the Disney and Pixar hit. There will be a red carpet event before the show, with a bespoke Inside Out 2 projection lighting up Customs House as a 30-minute one-off afterwards. Tickets are on sale now!

2. Get excited for Champions of Change

Where: Sydney Town Hall, Sydney

Legendary goal keeper McKenzie Arnold is heading to Vivid this year with Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson. Their not-to-be-missed conversation, Champions of Change: Mackenzie Arnold and Tony Gustavsson, will be on 10 June at Sydney Town Hall and will deep-dive into the relationship between coach and athlete.

Matildas’ alumni Grace Gill will be moderating the chat, which will cover all things women’s football. The dynamic duo will chat about everything from their biggest challenges, pressures and rewards to the social impact of the Matildas’ achievements beyond the field for females in sport. This is not one to miss; tickets on sale now.

3. Watch the Opera House light up

Where: Bennelong Point, Sydney

One of the most brilliant displays of technology and light takes form on the Opera House each year during Vivid. This year, the iconic Sydney sails will be transformed by Julia Gutman and her work Lighting of the Sails: Echo, the artist’s take on Roman poet Ovid’s myth of Narcissus.

Fabrics like denim, hessian and scrap metal blend to create a patchwork canvas, touching on themes of vulnerability and strength through dance, music and puppetry. Lighting of the Sails: Echo is a project in collaboration between Gutman and Pleasant Company, with music by Angus Mills.

4. Get an unfair advantage

Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Whether you’re a card player, a magic enthusiast or none of the above: you will love The Unfair Advantage. From May 25 to June 14, sit down for an intimate chat and demonstration with Australia’s leading sleight-of-hand specialist, Harry Milas. After taking in the Vivid lights from 200 steps high up in the Pylon Lookout, Milas walks guests through some of the tricks and skills that led to him landing a job catching out gambling con rings for the world’s top casinos, from Vegas to the Middle East.

We can’t tell you exactly what you’ll learn (no really, guests must sign an NDA), but we can tell you to take someone with you because you’ll NEED to talk about what you just saw. Tickets are priced at $129 per person or $159 for dinner and the show.

5. Make interactive art with a stranger

Where: State Library of NSW, Sydney

If you’re keen to get involved and step out of your comfort zone, A Thousand Ways: An Encounter is the event for you. Held at the State Library of NSW, this interactive experience sees you and a stranger sit down opposite each other, separated by a glass partition. A set of instruction cards in-between helps you both create your very own intimate art performance.

The idea is loosely inspired by a global movement of stranger interactions, from live performance art to social experiments, all backed by rave reviews from the New York Times. So step up and be brave – you may just make a lasting memory and turn a stranger into a lifelong friend.

6. Have a boogie at Tumbalong Nights

Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

Hosted in Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park, the aptly named Tumbalong Nights is the place to be for free and eclectic contemporary music. Unfolding across 12 nights, artists from Australia and around the world will take to the stage for your entertainment. There will also be DJs from Sunday to Wednesday, with beloved children’s acts every Saturday.

The line-up is brimming with talent. Dreamy pop meets groovy rock with Mallrat and Tiffi. Multi-gen First Nations group Jalbu Muna tell stories through music. Bare Necessities brings the party vibes. And so much more, all for free.

7. Spice it up at the Vivid Fire Kitchen

Where: The Goods Line, Ultimo

Treat yourself to a meal at the Vivid Fire Kitchen for a feast for the senses. Indulge in street food from around the world, cooked on an open flame by pitmasters who’ve mastered their art.

This year, there will be a particular focus on NSW produce, which will infuse international dishes like tandoor, teppanyaki, brisket and satay with Australia’s top-quality ingredients. Don’t miss the free live cooking demonstrations either, where leading chefs may even reveal a few secrets.

8. Vogue at The Grand Silky Ball

Where: Machine Hall Precinct, Sydney

Get ready to get down with the incredible Elite Kiki House of Silky at The Grand Silky Ball this year. Bringing ballroom culture into the spotlight, guests can expect a whole lot of voguing, fashion and chosen-family fun.

Having already slayed the stage at both Sydney World Pride 2023 and Australian Fashion Week, this Sydney-based QTPOC collective sure knows how to put on a party. The event is free for “mob and Fem Queens”, but tickets must be reserved.

9. Stroll the Light Walk

Where: Throughout the CBD

If you’ve only got a night, one of the best ways to squeeze in the most light and art installations is the Light Walk. The route will stretch 8.5 kilometres from The Sydney Opera House to Central Station. Along the way, iconic Sydney locations will be illuminated by a kaleidoscope of light artworks.

The Light Walk will encompass 60 incredible installations from a variety of talented artists. It’ll take you around the Opera House; through Circular Quay and The Rocks; under the Harbour Bridge; over to Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and finally Central. It’s one of the prettiest ways to get your steps up.

10. Stay informed with After The Fact

Where: Rekodo, Barangaroo

After The Fact is like watching the news in real time, and each weeknight, a panel of the brightest minds in Australia come together to deliver and discuss current news events from around the world.

Moderated by Tom Wright, you’ll hear about daily headlines, with the opportunity to interact through a Q&A with some of Australia’s best journalists, ex-politicians, artists and academics. This is a free event, occurring Monday to Friday from 6pm to 7pm.

11. Dance with brolgas at Nest

Where: Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo

Bare witness to the strangely mesmerising mating dance of the brolgas – one of only two species of crane native to Australia – at Nest. This serene art installation was created by video artist Leila Jefferys, designed to appear to float gracefully above the air in an expansive circular structure.

The artwork is set on the Stargazer Lawn, a peaceful patch of land in Barangaroo that offers respite from the bustle of the city. Whether you admire the brolgas or dance among them, this installation is sure to reconnect you with nature.

12. Go gourmet at the Warakirri Dining Experience

Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh

For a truly special feast, head to Carriageworks for the Warakirri Dining Experience, hosted by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor. Indulge in 60,000 years of culture through native Australian food, prepared using both modern techniques and traditional methods.

Sharon is the founder of Indigiearth, a leading Aboriginal premium native food supplier, and an Indigenous culinary expert. Throughout each dining experience, she will pioneer cultural storytelling and share her in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and food. It’s sure to be an experience to remember.

13. Rave on rails with Tekno Train

Where: Departing from Central Station, Sydney

In an Australian first, TeknoTrain by Paul Mac is coming to Vivid 2024 for all 23 nights. The event will see Sydney trains transformed into techno raves, with custom lighting and an original soundtrack created by Paul Mac filling the carriages. As the train trundles along, the music and lights adjust to its movements, creating an amazingly immersive experience.

Ticket holders will board at Central Station and adventure along one of two 60-minute routes. The Scenic Route is more suited to families and will venture to North Sydney and Lavender Bay. The Tech Express is more fast-paced and thrilling, journeying through the city and down to South Sydney. Ticket prices range from $13.90 to $59.90 per person.

14. Get lost underground at Dark Spectrum

Where: Wynyard Station, Sydney

After a successful inauguration in 2023, Dark Spectrum is back at Vivid again this year. However in 2024, the popular event features an all-new immersive experience. The electronic labyrinth of light, colour and sound will bring the abandoned tunnels under Sydney to life with state-of-the-art lighting, laser and video effects.

The one-kilometre trail features eight themed chambers, each with a monochromatic colour scheme and backing track of electronic dance music. Underground explorers can expect lasers, strobe lights, hanging lanterns and illuminated neon signs, all within an intricate maze. Tickets on sale now.

15. Take a wacky road trip at Customs House

Where: Customs House, Circular Quay

Australian artist Reg Mombassa’s renowned artwork will bring the facade of Customs House in Circular Quay to life with his signature illustrations for Gumscape with Road and Creatures.

The piece will feature kooky koalas, retro-futuristic robots and bacterial monsters in a wild and surreal Australian landscape. Head down on Saturday 25 May at 7.30pm to witness the work alongside a free performance by Dog Trumpet.

16. Make a difference at Plates with Purpose

Where: Kyiv Social, Chippendale

With so much happening at Vivid this year, it’s important to remember what’s going on in the rest of the world. That’s where Plates with Purpose – A Taste of Ukraine comes in. This special event takes guests on a journey of Ukraine through food and culture with head chef Borys Chernyk.

Sample Ukrainian flavours with a 10-course degustation featuring both authentic and reimagined dishes. By taking part, you help Plates with Purpose, in collaboration with Plate It Forward, contribute 200 meals to Ukrainian individuals in need, both in Sydney and Ukraine.

17. Snag the best view with a Vivid Bridge Climb

Where: BridgeClimb Sydney, The Rocks

Join BridgeClimb Sydney for the ultimate view of Vivid this year. A Vivid Sydney Climb is an unforgettable experience that offers guests the chance to ascend to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the festival. You’ll see everything from the Sydney Opera House covered in a canvas of colours to The Rocks, the CBD and beyond.

Your package will include a fully guided climb, a printed photo, certificate, cap and complimentary post-climb G&T. The first climb that departs each afternoon is a real winner, as it’s timed to reach the summit as all the lights and installations are switched on for the evening.

18. Make a connection with Embrace

Where: First Fleet Park, The Rocks

This one truly encompasses the theme of Vivid this year – Humanity. Embrace is all about human connection and the power of community, bringing both friends and strangers together.

Join a paper daisy-like chain of illuminated figures as they stand together in a circle. Stepping into the circle with them offers up a fantastic light display. But completing the circle, with each figure connected through human touch, triggers a striking illumination that you and your new connections are sure to remember.

19. Soak it all in from Bennelong Bar

Where: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay

With so many incredible events, it can all get a bit overwhelming. Take solace at the Sydney Opera House with Aurorae at Bennelong Bar, where you can eat like a king against an illuminated city backdrop. A blend of art and architecture, this event is all about the experience.

You’ll be in the safe hands of Peter Gilmore, executive chef of not one, but two of Sydney’s most celebrated restaurants (Bennelong and Quay Restaurant). Sample bespoke bar snacks and cocktails crafted to match Vivid’s brilliance, all to the soundtrack of live music (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights).

20. Get poetic at the Poem Booth

Where: Hay Street, Darling Harbour

In this blend of bygone romanticism and futuristic technology, computers and humans interact to create art on another level. Standing solitary on Hay Street during Vivid will be a Poem Booth; an AI machine that writes tailor-made poetry.

Hailing from The Netherlands, the machine will observe you (and anyone you’re with) and create a poem based on what it sees. Dabble with the future of creativity and you may just find out something new about yourself.

21. Dine with a view at The Pylon

Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay

Head up to the south-east Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the best seat in the house with chef Luke Mangan. Peer out over Vivid from the Pylon Lookout and learn about the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s history via the Pylon Museum.

All that knowledge is sure to make you hungry, which is why guests are then guided upstairs for an amazing three-course dining experience. Pair your meal with a tipple from Penfolds and you’ve surely secured the best spot in Sydney.

22. Have a laugh at Vivid Sydney Supper Club

Where: Mary’s Underground, Sydney

A guest favourite from 2023, the Vivid Sydney Supper Club is back for another year of comedy, cabaret, music and storytelling. The 2024 line-up is already proving popular, with the likes of Rhys Nicholson, Georgia Mooney, Montaigne, MO’JU and so many more.

There will be stand-up, storytelling, live music performances, parties, fashion and fun – all for the taking. Don’t miss out – tickets are on sale now.

23. Reflect with Shifting Perspectives

Where: Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Sydney

Having already wowed audiences at Illuminate Adelaide in South Australia, Matthew Adey and Restless Dance Theatre are bringing this interactive art installation to Sydney. Shifting Perspectives unites the observer with the art in a new way through a mind-boggling mirror maze.

Upon entering, guests are invited to wander through the collection of mirrors, as once-stationary dancers scattered throughout begin to move. Reality seems to bend and stretch around you as moving people seem still and objects appear to move. It’s one to surely shift your perspective.

24. Embark on a Vivid Light Cruise

Where: Circular Quay, Sydney

One of the best ways to admire the canvas of the city during Vivid is on a family-friendly Vivid Light on Sydney Harbour cruise. Check out the key Vivid precincts of Barangaroo, The Rocks, Luna Park and Circular Quay from the water with one of many participating operators.

There is plenty on offer this year, like the three-hour Sydney Clearview Glass Boat Dinner Cruise With Drinks (priced at $200) and the Vivid Lights Glass Boat Cruise (priced at $85). From affordable options for the whole family to special offers that include dinner and drinks, there’s something for everyone.

25. Go on a Secret Bar Crawl

Where: The CBD and Darling Harbour on Tuesdays; Circular Quay and the Rocks on Thursdays

What better way to check out some of Vivid’s best installations than on a Vivid Lights Secret Bar Crawl? Turn your night into a party as an expert host takes you to three of the city’s best-kept secret bars, all while weaving in insider knowledge on Sydney’s nightlife.

Over three hours, you’ll experience some of the best Vivid has on offer, with tipples along the way. What’s more, your first drink is on the house and snacks are included to keep your fuelled. Grab some mates or go it alone; either way, it’s the perfect start to a night out in the city. Tickets are on sale now.

26. Become a fly on the wall of Window Dressing

Where: University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo

Cryptoscopophilia is the desire to look through the windows of homes as you pass. Sydney-based artist Liesel Badorrek brings this concept to life with Window Dressing, a series of works that unfold across eight windows into different people’s lives.

Sans dialogue, each performer carries out a unique imagined life set to a carefully curated score for your people-watching pleasure. Hoping to spark curiosity of connection, this installation will run from Tuesday to Sunday each week.

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