The best gigs and parties at Vivid Sydney

The bullseye at the centre of Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park is your go-to for free and eclectic contemporary music in the very heart of the Vivid Light Walk. Catch 12 nights of live music with artists from Africa to Arnhem Land, as well as Sydney's finest acts – free for all, with an open invitation to dance. Plus, DJs keep the vibes high from Sunday to Wednesday nights and beloved Australian children's acts kick things off before the lights turn on, every Saturday from 5pm.

Thump along to ‘Treaty’ when the monumentally influential Yolngu supergroup Yothu Yindi kicks off celebrations on Saturday May 27, supported by Ziggy Ramo. On Friday June 2, to celebrate 15 years of Triple J’s Unearthed High, the station is bringing together previous winners and finalists for a one-off live and free concert with some very special guests for a giant celebration. On other nights you can catch legendary musicians like Emma Donovan and Dan Sultan. Check out the full Tumbalong Nights program here.

Sydney’s highest silent disco also comes with an unbeatable birds-eye view of the Vivid lights. From 250-metres above the city, you can groove away to the party beats pumpin’ through your light-up headphones (you get to choose between three music channels) while sipping on tasty drinks and lapping up epic views of the illuminations that engulf the city. It’s happening over three Fridays on June 2, 9 and 16 from 8-11pm. Tickets are $70 per person and you must book ahead over here to avoid missing out. Strictly 18+.

Every weekend during Vivid, Circular Quay’s elegant underground whisky bar below the Four Seasons Hotel becomes a neon-soaked disco cave. The bar will be shining bright and pumping beats by a neon DJ, and visitors can partake in glowing face paint and sip on delicious Vivid themed cocktails and luminating bottles of Champagne from Moet Hennessy and Dom Perignon. Walk-ins are always welcome, so you might as well stop in before or after walking through the lights of Vivid Sydney. Follow @GrainBarSyd for more details.

This after-hours event at the Powerhouse pn Thursday, June 15, is all about discovery, disruption and wicked delight – think 'Alisi in Pacific Wonderland' where nothing is quite what it seems. Flip the script with artist Yuki Kihara, in a night celebrating her stunning, bold exhibition Paradise Camp in partnership with Vivid Ideas. This wholesome party includes a pop-up bar, garland making, a Pacific dance showcase talks, workshops and more. Entry is free and you can register for tickets over here.