Sydney is set to come alive tonight as Vivid Sydney officially returns with its biggest and most ambitious program to date, transforming the Harbour City into a vibrant celebration of light, music, food and creativity. The 2026 edition promises an expanded experience with more free events, larger installations and new daytime activations across the city.
The Minns Labor Government says more than 80 per cent of this year’s Vivid Sydney program will be completely free, giving families, visitors and locals greater access to one of Australia’s most iconic cultural festivals. Running from 22 May to 13 June, the event is expected to attract millions of visitors to Sydney over the next three weeks.
One of the biggest highlights of the festival is the return of the largest drone show program in Vivid Sydney history. A record 22 drone performances will light up Cockle Bay across 11 nights, adding another spectacular visual experience to this year’s celebrations.
The famous 6.5-kilometre Vivid Light Walk will once again stretch from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, featuring more than 40 immersive light installations and projections throughout the city. Organisers say this year’s event has been designed to encourage visitors to explore new locations and spend more time experiencing the festival both during the day and after dark.
A major attraction for 2026 will be “Lighting of the Sails: Opera Mundi” by renowned French artist Yann Nguema at the Sydney Opera House. The large-scale projection artwork draws inspiration from nature and the visionary designs of Opera House architect Jørn Utzon.
Food lovers will also experience an expanded Vivid Food program featuring world-class culinary events and collaborations. Highlights include the inaugural Regional Dinner Series showcasing top chefs and regional NSW produce, alongside the popular Vivid Fire Kitchen, which moves to Barangaroo this year with live-fire cooking experiences and entertainment.
The Vivid Minds program will feature global creative voices and cultural conversations, including appearances from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, music commentator Zane Lowe and acclaimed author Roxane Gay.
Meanwhile, Vivid Music will once again energise Sydney’s nightlife with free performances at Tumbalong Nights and major shows across the city. Artists appearing this year include Matt Corby, Seun Kuti, Mitski and Jeff Mills among many others.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the 2026 festival represents a bold new creative direction for Vivid Sydney while continuing to support local businesses, tourism and Sydney’s night-time economy. Festival Director Brett Sheehy described this year’s program as a more immersive and interactive evolution of the globally recognised event.
