Vivid Sydney 2026, Australia's largest festival of light, music, ideas, and food, runs from May 22 to June 13. It's expanded significantly this year with daytime experiences for the first time, alongside its traditional nighttime spectacles.[1][2][3]
The 23-day event transforms Sydney's harbor areas, starting evenings at 6pm and now including daytime art from 9am. Over 80% of the program, including the full 6.5km Light Walk from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, is free.[5][7][1]
Announced in March 2026, the festival is touted as bigger and bolder under new director Brett Sheehy AO, boosting tourism with millions expected. Public light design submissions are open for the first time.[4][9][5]
The Minns Labor Government is unveiling the biggest Vivid Sydney festival yet. The refreshed 23-day program signals the next step in the festival’s evolution, as Sydney continues to cement its reputation as a global destination for immersive cultural experiences.
www.nsw.gov.auDiscover Vivid Sydney, the annual festival of creativity, innovation and technology which transforms Sydney for 23 days and nights every year. Learn more.
www.vividsydney.comThe Official Website of Vivid Sydney. Vivid Sydney returns on 22 May until 13 June 2026. Your dream night awaits at Vivid Sydney. Explore the program now.
www.vividsydney.comVivid Sydney 2026 unveils a 23-day spectacle of light, music, and food, transforming the city into a global hub of creativity and culture.
www.travelandtourworld.comMore than 50 international and Australian artists are set to take over the Sydney Opera House when Vivid LIVE returns in 2026.
au.variety.comVivid Sydney returns for 2025 with even better technicolour light projections, installations and performances. Our guide covers all you need to know, including this year’s dates, programme highlights and main events.
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