Vivid Sydney is back for 2026, transforming the city over 23 days in a celebration of creativity and ideas. And this year for the first time, the festival will extend its reach into the daytime, offering installations, performances, talks, and food experiences alongside its iconic nighttime Light Walk.
With this year's official program now here, we're bringing you all the important details, below.
What actually is Vivid Sydney?
What started as a somewhat niche festival of lights has evolved over the years into a major international arts festival.
At the heart of the festival is still the 6.5-kilometre Vivid Light Walk, featuring 43 installations stretching across Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour.
But Vivid Sydney 2026 isn’t just about lights. This year's program encourages audiences to engage with the city in new ways, from aerial performances and interactive public art to talks and workshops under the Vivid Minds banner.
The best things to see at Vivid 2026
Star-Bound drone show
Vivid's iconic drone show is returning in 2026 with a new show called Star-Bound, which will see thousands of drones light up Darling Harbour in spectacular synchronised aerial choreography that tells the story of the cosmos. The show will be accompanied by an orchestral score by acclaimed Australian composer Antony Partos.
Vivid Light Walk
Vivid's Light Walk is a 6.5 kilometre walk stretching from The Rocks to Darling Harbour, taking people through multiple light and sound installations along the way. You can do the whole work or just select a couple of the installations to explore.
Molecule of Light
This year's highlights include Molecule of Light, a 23-metre-tall laser and sound installation by British artist Chris Levine. The laser installation is supposed to induce a meditative state by emitting a 528hz tone.
Obstacle
The 45-metre LED corridor is one of Vivid Sydney's longest installations so far. Created by Melbourne collective Reelize, the installation creates a glowing corridor with a playful soundtrack.
Vaiola
Visitors can experience projection mapping by Sāmoan-Australian artist Angela Tiatia at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Opera Mundi
Opera Mundi is a spectacular original commission illuminating the sails of the Sydney Opera House by French artist Yann Nguema.
Conversations
There's also plenty of stimulating conversation to engage with. Keynote conversations will feature Academy Award-winning filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, music commentator Zane Lowe, and Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz, among others, unpacking creativity across disciplines.
A Shared Table with Yotam Ottolenghi
And for food, we're in very good hands, with Vivid Food returning once again, anchored by a new regional dinner series with Yotam Ottolenghi.
The iconic chef will bring together ingredients and flavours from across NSW, saying, "It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding produce and beverages of New South Wales and to share the kind of food that I love and that also tells the story of the region's creativity and generosity."
Vivid Fire Kitchen
You can expect live cooking demonstrations via Vivid Fire Kitchen, which finds its new home in Barangaroo Reserve this year. Expect appearances from Australian chefs including Mark Best, Luke Mangan, Sharon Salloum, and Annita Potter who will gather for open-fire cooking, demonstrations, and great conversation.
Tumbalong Nights
In the realm of music, Tumbalong Nights returns with free nightly live music, featuring global and local acts from afrobeat musicians Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 to rising Australian stars Mallrat and Coterie.
Key live performances
Meanwhile, the Sydney Opera House, Carriageworks, and other venues host performances from international icons like Mitski, Mogwai, Jeff Mills, Chanel Beads, and UK RnB sensation Ella Mai.
You can browse the program in full and plan your visit on Vivid's Website.
How can I get tickets?
The majority of the festival is free, however select events are ticketed.
Visit the official Vivid Sydney website to sign up for the newsletter, ensuring you are notified when ticket sales go live.
When is Vivid Sydney in 2026?
This year's festival will run from 22 May - 13 June.
