S
ydney’s streets, harbour and cultural venues will light up tonight as Vivid Sydney returns with its largest program to date, combining light installations, live music, food events and public talks across a 23-night festival.
More than 80 per cent of this year’s program will be free, with organisers placing a stronger focus on accessibility and all-day activity as the festival expands beyond its traditional night-time format.
Running until 13 June, the festival’s centrepiece remains the 6.5-kilometre Light Walk stretching from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, featuring more than 40 installations and projections. The Sydney Opera House sails will again become a focal point, this year featuring Opera Mundi by French artist Yann Nguema, inspired by natural transformations and the ideas of architect Jørn Utzon.
The NSW Government says millions of visitors are expected over the next three weeks, providing a winter lift for hotels, restaurants, bars and retailers across the city.
This year will also feature the largest drone show program in Vivid Sydney’s history, with 22 performances scheduled across 11 nights at Cockle Bay.
The festival is extending further into daytime programming, with family-friendly activities and cultural events planned throughout the city from morning onwards. Organisers say the move is designed to encourage visitors to spend more time across different precincts rather than concentrating crowds into a few evening hotspots.
Tourism and Jobs Minister Steve Kamper said the expanded format aimed to offer a broader experience for both locals and tourists.
“Tonight, Sydney becomes the canvas for one of the world’s greatest arts festivals, as Vivid Sydney once again transforms our city through Light, Music, Minds and Food,” he said.
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to deliver a bold new creative direction in 2026, an immersive, accessible program spanning 23 unforgettable nights, with more than 80 per cent of events free to attend.”
Food remains a major feature of the program, with the new Regional Dinner Series bringing chefs together with producers from across New South Wales. Internationally known chef Yotam Ottolenghi is among those taking part, alongside collaborations involving Mindy Woods, Danielle Alvarez, Lennox Hastie and Christine Manfield.
Barangaroo will host the relocated Vivid Fire Kitchen, combining open-fire cooking demonstrations with live music and street-style dining experiences.
The Vivid Minds program has also been expanded, with appearances from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, music broadcaster Zane Lowe, writer Roxane Gay and art critic Jerry Saltz.
Music events will again spread across the city, including free performances at Tumbalong Nights and concerts at the Sydney Opera House under the Vivid LIVE banner. Artists appearing this year include Mitski, Mogwai, Jeff Mills, Matt Corby and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80.
Festival director Brett Sheehy said this year’s event was intended to encourage exploration and experimentation across the city.
“We’ve expanded the program across all pillars and have opened up the brief for artists,” he said.
“Visitors can expect a more immersive and interactive experience that will encourage them to explore new locations, unexpected installations, and spend more time enjoying the festival.”
While Vivid Sydney continues to attract strong visitor numbers and international attention, large-scale events also bring pressure on transport, accommodation pricing and crowd management across the CBD. Authorities say additional public transport services and event management measures will be in place throughout the festival period.
For many businesses, however, the festival remains one of Sydney’s most valuable winter tourism drawcards, helping sustain trade during quieter months while reinforcing the city’s standing as a major cultural destination.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
