Vivid Sydney 2025: 7 Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Each year, the Lighting of the Sails turns the Opera House into a living canvas, and in 2025, it’s Kiss of Light by the late David McDiarmid that will take centre stage. Celebrated for his vibrant, defiant work exploring identity and pride, McDiarmid’s art will transform the sails into a kaleidoscope of colour and movement.

A powerful, joyful expression of self, this is one of Vivid Sydney’s most iconic moments, and one that’s not to be missed.

As part of the reimagined Vivid Light Walk, SomniUS invites you into a surreal, dreamlike world where your presence becomes part of the art. This interactive installation uses motion tracking and projection mapping to transform your movements into luminous patterns, creating a personalized, immersive experience that blurs the line between dream and reality.

Located in the vibrant Barangaroo precinct, SomniUS is a must-see for those seeking a unique and contemplative journey through light and technology.

Experience a fusion of fashion and light art at House of Romance: Dreams Collide, where the historic Customs House becomes a canvas for a couture-inspired dreamscape. In a first for Vivid Sydney, iconic Australian fashion label Romance Was Born collaborates with creative studio Super Giant Live to transform the building’s façade into a dazzling projection of surreal, high-fashion fantasy. This breathtaking installation invites viewers into a world where dreams and design intertwine, making it a must-see highlight of the festival.

Take your Vivid Sydney experience to new heights at Aster, the rooftop bar at InterContinental Sydney, as it joins Vivid Food with Dreamscapes, an immersive dining experience inspired by the world of dreams.

Begin with your choice of three imaginative cocktails—Sweet Dreams, Spicy Dreams or Dark Dreams—each served with a matching canapé. Then settle in for a two-course dinner featuring entrée and main, accompanied by two glasses of premium wine. All enjoyed 32 floors above the city, with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, illuminated by light.

$169 per person | Spaces are limited

Step into a 40-metre tunnel illuminated by over 700 glowing stars in the Starscape Tunnel, a mesmerizing installation that pays homage to both the night sky and the nostalgic glow-in-the-dark decorations of childhood. As you walk through, brilliant flashes of color dance along the length of the tunnel, creating a vibrant display that captivates visitors from both inside and out. This immersive experience invites you to relive the awe of gazing upward, lost in the space between wakefulness and a galaxy of dreams.

For three exclusive nights, culinary icon Nigella Lawson invites guests to an extraordinary dining experience beneath Sydney’s streets. Set in the newly unveiled Muru Giligu Tunnel at Martin Place Metro, this event marks the first-ever occasion the tunnel hosts such an affair. Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous three-course feast curated by Nigella herself, showcasing the finest NSW produce and wines. This immersive experience combines delectable cuisine with the unique ambiance of a subterranean setting, making it a must-attend for food enthusiasts. 

Experience the vibrant sounds of Tumbalong Nights, a free concert series at Darling Harbour celebrating global music and cultural diversity. This year’s lineup features a rich tapestry of artists, including Grammy-winning Ivorian vocalist Dobet Gnahoré, Vietnamese V-pop stars Mỹ Anh & Chi Xê, and Indian pop sensation Zaeden. These performances highlight diaspora communities and First Nations voices, offering audiences a unique musical journey under the stars

Located in the heart of Circular Quay, InterContinental Sydney places you just moments from the city’s most iconic Vivid Sydney experiences. Enjoy a luxury stay with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour as the city comes to life in light, sound and colour for Vivid Sydney 2025.