The Vivid 2025 events you don't want to miss

New and improved, Vivid Sydney is just around the corner.

It’s that time of year again – Sydney’s favourite light show is back. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, Vivid Sydney is stepping things up with five new connecting zones stretching across Sydney Harbour and the CBD. Returning from 23 May to 14 June, the annual festival promises dazzling displays, epic music performances, thought-provoking ideas, mouth-watering food events and more.

Expect eight iconic Sydney landmarks to light up for the first time, too. Joining the Sydney Opera House, MCA and Customs House will be Challis House and the CTA building in Martin Place, the Museum of Sydney, The Bond in Barangaroo and Argyle Cut in The Rocks. From captivating installations to immersive experiences that will spark your imagination, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and explore.

1. Embark on a Vivid Light Cruise

Where: Sydney Harbour, Sydney

Vivid Light Cruise for Vivid Sydney 2024 — See Vivid in all its glory for the water. (Image: Destination NSW)

One special way to admire the canvas of the city during Vivid is on a Sydney Harbour cruise with Captain Cook . Departing from Darling Harbour, your vessel will coast by key precincts like Barangaroo, The Rocks, Luna Park and Circular Quay. On select nights, guests can even catch dazzling firework displays from the water.

Take it to the next level by booking an onboard dining experience, from a six-course degustation on superyacht The Jackson to a family-friendly two-course seating as the lights turn on. With nightly offerings at a variety of price points, nobody has to miss out on a cruise during Vivid.

2. Laugh with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally

Where: International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally for Vivid 2025 — Don’t miss Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally in conversation. (Image: Emily Shur)

Comedy’s favourite power couple will be attending Vivid this year with one sole purpose: to make you laugh as much as possible. For one night only (14 June), Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally will offer guests a never-before-seen insight into the actors’ careers, collaborations, activism projects and more.

It will be the first time Nick and Megan – best known for their roles in Parks & Recreation and Will & Grace, respectively – will appear in a live, onstage in-conversation together, despite spending over a quarter of a century as a couple. Tickets are on sale now, but selling out fast!

3. Witness the Opera House light up

Where: Bennelong Point, Sydney

Vivid 2025 — The installation honours the late David McDiarmid and his works.

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 landmark will be transformed by the late David McDiarmid’s Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light , to honour the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Textures and colour collide to create a patchwork canvas across the facade, touching on themes of truth, fear and memory through four key bodies of work. Over seven minutes, the animation will project ideas of equality, inclusion and freedom, as well as joy, curiosity and creative rebellion.

4. Visit Hawkins with Stranger Things: The Experience

Where: Luna Park, North Sydney

Stranger Things The Experience Vivid Sydney 2025 — Transport yourself into an episode of Stranger Things. (Image: Vivid Sydney)

Adding a splash of pop-culture nostalgia, Netflix’s global sensation Stranger Things will come to life at Luna Park this year. The theme park will transform into the town of Hawkins a la 1986, with the immersive and exciting Stranger Things: The Experience , guaranteed to thrill fans of all ages.

Designed exclusively by the show’s creators, the immersive experience features near-exact replicas of the show’s most iconic locations, as well as live actors, special effects and supernatural challenges. After saving Hawkins from the Upside Down, reward yourself with a cocktail at Mix-Tape, the attraction’s 80s-themed pop-up bar.

5. Have a boogie at Tumbalong Nights

Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

Tumbalong Nights for Vivid Sydney — Tumbalong Nights is perfect for the whole family. (Image: Destination NSW)

Hosted in Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park, the aptly named Tumbalong Nights is the place to be for free and eclectic contemporary music. Artists from Australia and around the world, from global icons to emerging Aussie talents, will take to the stage to get your hips swaying from Thursday to Saturday. DJs keep the excitement high from Sunday to Wednesday, with children’s shows each Saturday afternoon.

The line-up is brimming with talent this year – Winston Surfshirt and Jerome Blazé will bring the funky jazz vibes, while soulful R&B is delivered in droves by Adrian Eagle and Jada Weazel – just to name a few. There will also be a series of powerful First Nations storytelling sessions, as well as a diverse array of languages and cultures.

6. Take a moment with Martha

Where: International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour

Martha Stewart for Vivid 2025 — Spend an evening with Martha Stewart at Vivid. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another global icon coming to Vivid this year is American sweetheart, Martha Stewart. The Emmy Award-winning television host and best-selling author will sit down with Benjamin Law for an Australian exclusive, discussing everything from her expansive career to her home life.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the master of modern living herself, as she takes to the stage just once (28 May) at the International Convention Centre. It doesn’t matter if you’ve come for her magazines and books or TV shows and retail brands, you’ll hear about it all at In Conversation with Martha Stewart .

7. Wander the Light Walk

Where: Throughout Sydney

Vivid Sydney 2025 — Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo lights up the MCA. (Image: Destination NSW/Vivid Sydney)

If you’ve attended in recent years, you’ll know that the festival introduced ticketed events, much to the dismay of many visitors. But in 2025, over 75 per cent of the festival’s program will return to being totally free – including Vivid’s iconic Light Walk!

Wander over, under and through a curated collection of stunning works, from Circular Quay and the Rocks, over to Barangaroo and through Darling Harbour. Don’t miss the premiere of Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo , which will illuminate the Museum of Contemporary Art accompanied by an original score from Jeremy Whiskey.

8. Get spooked by Haus of Horror

Where: Town Hall, Sydney

Edward Scissorhands still for Vivid 2025 — Catch Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands in the former burial ground at Town Hall.

This year, the jump-scare experts at Haus of Horror are transforming the former burial ground at Sydney’s Town Hall into an eerie outdoor cinema . Fans of Tim Burton can look forward to viewing his 1990s cult classic, Edward Scissorhands, on 8 June. Or settle in for a super spooky screening of Poltergeist later in the night.

Feeling brave? The immersive experience goes beyond spooky screenings, mixing in a variety of immersive installations and live performers for good measure. You’ll have an hour and a half to thoroughly creep yourself out before settling in for your film of choice, if you make it that far…

9. Get a bird’s-eye view on a Bridge Climb

Where: BridgeClimb Sydney, The Rocks

The Sydney Harbour Bridge during Vivid — The Sydney Harbour Bridge offers unbelievable views of Vivid. (Image: Destination NSW)

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, Darling Harbour and beyond.

Your package includes a guided three-hour climb, a printed photo, certificate, cap and complimentary post-climb G&T (on weekends). Handy hint: the first climb that departs each afternoon is the best, timed to reach the summit as Vivid’s lights and installations are switched on for the evening.

10. Skate and snack at Neon Dreams

Where: Pier Street Underpass, Darling Harbour

Neon Dreams at Vivid 2025 — Roller-skate into the night at Neon Dreams. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step from the streets of Sydney into a mail plane from 1979, which will mysteriously appear beneath the Pier Street Underpass just for Vivid. Food and fun combine to create Neon Dreams , a roller-disco diner that is somehow retro and futuristic all at once – complete with plant-based burgers cooked up by vegan masterchef, Shannon Martinez.

After smashing a delicious feed, grab your skates – the roller rink awaits. Skate and boogie to your heart’s content as DJ Bob Gherkin mixes vinyl-only beats throughout the night, followed by a milkshake or cocktail whipped up by Trolly’d bar. Just be sure to grab a ticket before hitting the rink!

11. Go gig-hopping at Vivid LIVE

Where: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay

Live music lovers are in for a month of rhythmic bliss, as more than 50 local and international artists perform at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE 2025 . The line-up is practically bursting with talent, dipping into genres, moods and sounds that cater to all kinds of auditory tastes.

If you’re a fan of classical music, don’t miss Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (23–25 May). Boogie into the night with indie-pop’s latest breakout star, Ravyn Lenae (25 May). Easygoing groovers will enjoy the soulful croon of folk master Marlon Williams (29 May). Plus so much more.

12. Spice it up at the Vivid Fire Kitchen

Where: The Goods Line, Ultimo

Vivid Fire Kitchen for Vivid Sydney — Vivid Fire Kitchen is a feast for the senses. (Image: Destination NSW)

Treat yourself to a meal (or two) of full-on flavour at the Vivid Fire Kitchen , where the open-flame grills won’t be the only thing that’s hot. This year’s featured chefs are bringing the heat under the theme of Fire & Spice, which celebrates the world’s most spice-driven cuisines.

Indulge in street food from around the world, from slow-cooked barbecue and sustainable seafood to native ingredients and locally sourced produce. Don’t miss the free live cooking demonstrations either, where leading chefs may reveal a secret or two.

13. Spend a night at the Supper Club

Where: Mary’s Underground, Sydney

Vivid Sydney Supper Club for Vivid Sydney — Head to Mary’s Underground for the Vivid Sydney Supper Club. (Image: Destination NSW)

A recurring program favourite, the Vivid Sydney Supper Club is back for another year of world-class comedy, cabaret and more. The speakeasy-style bar will transform into a hidden haven of music, mischief and midnight snacks – with an incredible line-up to match.

If you’re a fan of Angela Bishop, Luke Carrol, Amber Lawrence or Mark Humphries (plus so many more), I’d be booking tickets now. Whether you pull on your country boots for Tamworth to Tennessee or dance the night away with Celebrating Eurovision, you’re in for an absolute treat.

14. Soak it all in from Bennelong Bar

Where: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay

Vivid Sydney 2024 — Bennelong Bar provides front-row seats to Vivid.

With so many incredible events, it can all get a bit overwhelming. Sneak an hour or two of solace at the Sydney Opera House’s Bennelong Bar , where you can eat like a king against an illuminated city backdrop. A blend of art and architecture, it’s all about the experience here.

You’ll be in the safe hands of executive chef Peter Gilmore, who is whipping up four delicious snack offerings as part of a festival-specific package ($65 per person). You’ll also be treated to a bespoke cocktail named Dream Theatre, crafted with Full Circle Summer Berry gin, smoked white rum, purified guava and Vivid pearls.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

The 14 vivid events you don’t want to miss this year