Vivid Sydney’s 2026 food program is expected to be its largest to date, with a stronger focus on events centred on local produce and the growers and makers behind it. At the heart of the line-up is a one-night dinner inside the historic Strand Arcade, where chefs, producers and diners will gather after hours for a long table feast celebrating New South Wales ingredients.
Titled NSW Icons of Land & Sea, the event will take place on 30 May 2026, transforming the 19th-century arcade into an intimate dining space beneath its heritage balconies and ornate detailing. Guests will sit down inside one of the city’s best-known buildings after the doors have closed to the public, in what organisers describe as a first for the festival.
Running from 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will again spread across the city for 23 nights, with the full program due to be unveiled on 11 March. The food offering is set to place particular emphasis on provenance and craftsmanship, drawing attention to regional producers across the state.
The dinner will be curated and hosted by chef Nino Zoccali of The Restaurant Pendolino, who is known for his focus on premium Australian ingredients. Working alongside select winners and nominees of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW President’s Medal, he will present a bespoke multi-course menu highlighting produce from land and sea.
Broadcaster Simon Marnie will guide the evening’s storytelling, linking dishes to the regions and people behind them. Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said the concept draws on the ties between food and place.
“This year’s Vivid Food program explores the connection between food and memory, how every dish holds a story and every flavour carries the spirit of where it came from.
“With the unbeatable ingredients of the winning produce from the Royal Agricultural Society, legendary chef Nino Zoccali, stories of NSW’s culinary culture, and one of the most gorgeous arcades in the world, this event promises to be an unforgettable highlight of Vivid Sydney 2026. Please join us!”
Chef Nino Zoccali from The Restaurant Pendolino said: “The Restaurant Pendolino is thrilled to be part of Vivid Sydney, showcasing the exceptional food and wine of NSW within one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, the Strand Arcade. In collaboration with the Royal Agricultural Society’s Fine Food Show, the event will spotlight the very best world class produce and wines the state has to offer.”
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has worked closely on the event, linking its award-winning producers with the dinner’s menu. President John Bennett said: “The Royal Agriculture Society of NSW is honoured to collaborate with The Restaurant Pendolino for this year’s Vivid Sydney festival, offering guests an unforgettable food and wine experience that celebrates Sydney Royal’s award-winning producers and one of the city’s most accomplished chefs.”
The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, owns and manages the festival. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Culinary tourism is central to the NSW visitor experience, and Vivid Sydney once again celebrates the best our state has to offer.
“This year’s Vivid Food program is anticipated to be the largest yet. Celebrating NSW’s most iconic food and wine producers, with a long-table dining experience in a Vivid Sydney first in the historic Strand Arcade will be truly unforgettable.
“NSW Icons of Land and Sea will showcase the strength of this sector and the important role it plays in powering our state’s visitor economy.”
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said the decision to open landmark sites during winter created fresh reasons for people to come into the city. “Vivid Sydney is a powerful celebration of the creativity, culture and community that make Sydney so special.
“By opening our city’s iconic buildings for unique winter experiences – including this year’s NSW Icons: Land of Land & Sea at the historic Strand Arcade – the festival brings a renewed vibrancy to the Harbour City, invites everyone to connect with these treasured places in inspiring new ways, and reinforces Sydney’s position as a global destination for arts, innovation and immersive storytelling.”
While Vivid Sydney is best known for its light installations and music program, its food events have grown steadily in recent years, drawing interstate and international visitors during what is traditionally a quieter season. The Strand Arcade dinner will test demand for high-end, produce-driven experiences staged in heritage spaces, as organisers look to deepen the festival’s appeal beyond its illuminated facades.
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