Where to eat and drink at Vivid Sydney

For one night only this Vivid, Foster Street – voted Sydney’s coolest street in 2024 – is shutting down for one big ol’ laneway party. Think food from some of the best restaurants in Surry Hills – Firedoor, Nomad, Gildas, Nel, Kiln, Poly and Brooklyn Boy Bagels – plus drinks from The Rover, Golden Age Bar, Butter, Alberto's Lounge and Tio's Cerveceria. There’ll also be live entertainment to keep the good vibes flowing. A Taste of HQ is going down on Saturday, May 31, kicking off from 5pm to 11pm. Entry is free, snacks will cost $15-$20, and drinks $12-$18. Message your group chat now.

This Vivid, London-based chef James Lowe – who has previously worked at acclaimed restaurants St. John Bread & Wine, The Fat Duck and The River Café – is teaming up with Sydney’s Mat Lindsay for three delicious wood-fired dinners at Ester. The two chefs are joining forces to create a one-off menu celebrating NSW’s best produce. When? May 27-29. Dinner costs $250 per person, with optional wine pairing available. It’s going to be banging.

Vivid Fire Kitchen is heading back to The Goods Line in Ultimo, serving up fire-fuelled eats to hungry light-admirers. Expect a strong line-up of stalls featuring dishes cooked by red-hot pitmasters, chefs and barbecue experts. Come here for dinner before or after checking out Vivid – and we recommend trying a bunch of things to make the most of it.

What do you get when you combine plant-based queen Shannon Martinez, a rollerskating rink and a 1950s 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 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.

Hell yeah: Michelin-starred French chef Claude Bosi is teaming up with Brent Savage for two epic dinners at the swish new Eleven Barrack this Vivid. The Eleven Barrack x Claude Bosi Vivid Chef Series is going down on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, and it starts at $185 per person. While the menu is under wraps, we do know you can expect multiple courses cooked by some of the best chefs in the biz. Come hungry, obvs.

One of our favourite chefs, Danielle Alvarez, is hosting two special, dream-inspired dinners under the white sails this Vivid, set against the beautiful backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Alvarez, the founding chef of Fred’s, will serve a beautiful three-course meal paired with drops from top wine producers: Clonakilla, Tyrrell’s, and Bloodwood. Throughout the evening, there will be live contemporary dance, ethereal music and visual storytelling. Dance of Dreams with Danielle Alvarez will be held on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, and tickets cost $329.

Global superstar Martha Stewart is coming to Sydney this winter. The American lifestyle guru, home cook, author of 101 books and business mogul – who also served time in prison – will be hosting a super special, one-off in conversation event as part of Vivid. Stewart, 83, will be bringing with her a lifetime of stories and wisdom as she joins Nigella Lawson in this year’s epic Vivid line-up. Mark your calendars: In Conversation with Martha Stewart will be happening at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Wednesday, May 28. Get your tickets now.