Just as winter begins to rear its head in the Emerald City, the annual festival of lights, music, ideas and more rolls around: lighting up the city with a multidisciplinary program that gets bigger and brighter every season. Vivid Sydney 2025 is no exception, with a glittering program of lights, music, food and ideas that’s not only sparkly, but surprisingly subversive.
Inspired by the theme of Dream, Vivid Sydney 2025 will use art and experience to interrogate and expand our understanding of what it means to dream: literally and figuratively. From Friday, May 23 until Saturday, June 14 2025, expect the city to be transformed into a glittering wonderland of art, inspiration and ideas – with Vivid’s signature light displays acting as a vehicle to usher in a boundary-pushing series of events. This year’s program features thought-provoking discussions, insightful film screenings, immersive street kitchens, interactive artworks and so much more. This year, Vivid-goers can expect a redesigned festival footprint, with the (totally free) light walk being presented across five distinctive zones including eight buildings and landmarks that have never been illuminated before (as well as the return of some old favourites, like Martin Place). For Vivid Sydney 2025, there’s also an expanded Vivid Music program (with Vivid Live returning to the Opera House with big names including Sigur Ros, Marlon Williams and Ezra Collective. We can also expect an interactive Stranger Things...
When it comes to pondering the important questions in life, Sydney isn’t one to back down. The city is never short of enthralling talks, panel discussions and Q&As on every topic and experience under the sun.
Sydneysiders looking to lap up specialised knowledge can check out big headline festivals like All About Women and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, or nab tickets to hear from international speakers on the subjects they know best. Plus, there are many venues that host talks throughout the year from local speakers, such as the Ethics Centre and the School of Life.
Once you’ve fed your mind, fill your belly at Sydney’s best restaurants and nourish your soul at the best spas in the city.
