What’s On at Vivid Sydney 2023

May 16, 2023

Sydney, brace yourselves for the ultimate dazzling extravaganza as VIVID Sydney makes its triumphant return in 2023! Get ready to witness three weeks of electrifying lights, from May 26th to June 17th, that will turn the city into a mesmerising playground. But hey, it's not just about the lights—it's about the food, the drinks, and the good times that come with it. So, grab your appetite and join us as we explore some key Vivid displays and venues where you can indulge in mouthwatering nibbles and thirst-quenching drinks while soaking in the luminous show.

The Rocks & Circular Quay
With the biggest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere to date, the Sydney skies in Circular Quay will light up for an awe-inspiring journey through the natural world above us – exploring our solar system, from the Sun to Jupiter, with plenty of surprising stops and visitors along the way.
See here for more details and which dates the Vivid Sydney Drone Show ‘Written in the Stars’ will put on an unmissable show, What will you find written in the stars? 

Want to enjoy the extravagant light show while sitting down with some delicious food and a cocktail? Then Opera Bar is the place to be! 
This year Opera Bar will be celebrating Sydney's natural beauty with dishes that are inspired by the sparkling Harbour and the lush Royal Botanic Garden. Executive Chef Fernando Sanchez has created a menu driven by the freshest produce and designed to look like the sea and gardens. 
 
And that's not all! Opera Bar's got live music every night, featuring emerging artists like Barley Passable, Charley, Latifa Tee and Djanaba. So why not stop by for a quick pit-stop or make a night of it? Opera Bar is ready to serve up some good eats and good times! See here for details and book in your spot! 

Barangaroo
They say that most adventures are about the journey, not the destination. However, The Tunnel is a trip of itself, steered by fellow Vivid Sydney spectators.
Travel through an open hallway made of 16 otherworldly, space-age structures, controlled by 'Pilots' - those watching from a nearby console. Each journey is unique, as each Pilot has complete control over The Tunnel’s soundscape and 8,000+ LEDs, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. See here for more details. 

If you’re feeling a little parched or even peckish after your life changing stroll through The Tunnel, head on over to Barangaroo House for their ‘House of Naturalia’ special where the natural world reclaims our urban environment.

In partnership with Bombay Sapphire and taking over all floors of Barangaroo House, the House of Naturalia takes on a zero-waste and sustainability approach throughout our cocktails, dishes and light installations. At Rekodo, you’ll find a menu curated just for VIVID Sydney, while renowned DJs Frank Booker (NZ), DJ Jnett and Queen Bee DJs will hold down the decks every Thursday night throughout the festival. Upstairs at Smoke Rooftop Bar, a custom cocktail menu will see would-be discarded ingredients transform into the stars of delicious drinks, perfect for sipping while taking in the sights of the Barangaroo VIVID Lightwalk. See here to book in your spot! 

Darling Harbour
Dive into the history of Australia's harbours with this stunning projection on the HMAS Vampire. Swim alongside 200-year-old sea turtles; join Eora people as they fish with a spear and burra (fishing hook), while keeping the ecosystem in balance; witness the desolation of oceans as colonial settlers arrive and industrial fishing takes hold; see how conservationists are saving our sea life from pollution and stray nets with ocean-based drones and recycling efforts with local artists.

A celebration of Australia's harbour beauty and the importance of utilising First Nations knowledge and maritime management practices alongside new technology in conservation efforts, Harbour Life is a moving story of the underwater world's resilience. See here for more details. 

View the colours of the harbour from Cargo Bar, with live music and DJ’s every Friday and Saturday. Renowned for its vibe and atmosphere. Get stuck into Cargo's street-food style menu, designed to chow down with a drink in hand while looking over the VIVID lights as you start your weekend party. See here for details and bookings.

Lots of bars will need staff to help them out throughout the Vivid festival in Sydney, so make sure you have your profile ready and looking its best! Sign up for Rockstar job alerts here to be the first to know about one-off shifts!