5 Spectacular Vivid Sydney 2023 Events

A spectacular event that has already wowed audiences across the US and UK, Lightscape is coming to Sydney for the very first time. This awe-inspiring display will see the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, a quick five-minute walk from InterContinental Sydney, transformed into a 2.1km sensory exploration that merges light, colour and the natural world.

Witness the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere during Vivid Sydney’s Written in the Stars. Taking place on designated nights throughout the festival, Written in the Stars takes viewers into the depths of the Solar System and the galaxies beyond. Visible above Circular Quay and The Rocks, this spectacular free show also includes a guided audio journey that viewers can tune into via their smartphones. Those joining us at InterContinental Sydney in Bridge and Opera House facing accommodations can even enjoy the show from the comfort of their rooms or suites.

As an inaugural partner of Vivid Food, join us in Aster as we journey into the night skies with an other-worldly culinary experience. From the 32^nd floor of InterContinental Sydney, marvel at Vivid Sydney’s spectacular harbour light displays while enjoying an artfully curated three-course meal with matched cocktails. Designed to emulate the mysterious of the planets above, each course represents a planet in our Solar System, while an additional augmented reality component, accessible via smartphone, adds an unforgettable immersive dimension.

As in most years, this year Vivid Sydney welcomes a lineup of world-class artists to grace the iconic Sydney Opera House stages. Singer-songwriter José González will perform a 20^th anniversary edition of a breakthrough record, rock icon Cat Power will pay tribute to Bob Dylan with a performance of his 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert set list, Grammy-nominated Melbourne soul-funk group Hiatus Kaiyote will perform alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The list, truly, goes on. Regardless of your musical cup of tea, at this year’s Vivid Sydney, there is an Opera House performance for everyone. Even better, the Opera House is just 10 minutes by foot from our front door.

A perennial Vivid Sydney favourite, Wild Lights at the Taronga Zoo is an immersive experience that makes for an unforgettable family night out.  The after-dark event transforms the zoo into an awe-inspiring wonderland of lanterns and lights inspired by Australian species and the lands that they call home. Enormous native animals, recreated in kaleidoscopic hues will lead the way along a trail of interactive lightscapes that celebrate Australia’s diverse array of flora and fauna and honour the First Nations connection to Country. Taronga Zoo is accessible via a brief ferry-ride from Circular Quay, located just minutes InterContinental Sydney.

InterContinental Sydney is located in the heart of Circular Quay, providing easy accessibility to all Vivid Sydney events. Join us for a luxury hotel stay with spectacular Sydney Harbour views while you enjoy the wonders of Vivid Sydney 2023.