The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo are ready to welcome visitors for Vivid Sydney this year from 26 May to 17 June. From food and music to arts and culture, these three precincts got it all. Come check out some of the must see installations and activities below for all three precincts.
DARLING HARBOUR GLOWS UP
Darling Harbour, an iconic destination of Vivid Sydney, is back and brighter than ever with a lineup of exciting and amazing events.
For those looking to feed their stomach and their mind, Pearls of Wisdom happening in the Powerhouse Museum is the place to be. Alex Herbert, the chef behind former Surry Hills Institution Bird Cow Fish, is dedicating a night on Thursday 1 June to unpack what food tells us about ourselves. The event will feature a mixture of interviews, demonstrations, installations and tastings from chefs, gardeners, authors, scientists, artists and more. There will be a strong focus on how First Nations and migrant communities shaped Australia’s culinary landscape so register now for a free ticket and secure your spot!
For a night out, head to Tumbalong Nights, a free-to-attend, 12-night live music program featuring artists from Africa to Arnhem Land, as well as Sydney’s finest acts. Dance the night away to eclectic contemporary music under the stars and be part of the vibrant and inclusive community.
Stop by one of the many fine Cockle Bay bars for cocktails with a glow up. There’ll be an illuminating line-up of specially curated Vivid Sydney-inspired cocktails and mocktails from all your favourite venues. All cocktails are $15 and perfectly mixed in a free glowing glass for you to take home! While you’re there, check out In The Green Room installation, which draws inspiration from surfing and glistening waters.
Who said only adults can have fun? Start your Light Walk journey in Tumbalong Park at 5pm each Saturday during Vivid Sydney with the little ones and watch as the stage lights up with children’s acts and live music for Vivid Kids @ Tumbalong Park! Stop by WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo & SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to surround yourself with glowing sea and wildlife animals.
Finish your night off with the fantastic Elemental water and fire show every night, lighting up continuously from 6pm to 11pm at Cockle Bay. This free spectacle combines 80 metre water shooters, flames, projections and pyrotechnics, a truly special way to end your night out in Darling Harbour.
For more information about what’s going on at Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney, head to the website here and please find images here.
VIVID ROCKS!
The Rocks is coming to life during Vivid Sydney this year with food and drink creations as well as eye-catching entertainment to spark visitors’ curiosity and imagination.
If you’re looking for an exciting dining experience in the area, there’ll be no shortage of uniquely Vivid Sydney creations wherever you look. As part of the brand-new festival pillar, Vivid Food, 6HEAD will deliver an ultimate sensory experience through theatrical gastronomy, where patrons will have all five senses stimulated as they embark on a culinary journey designed to fascinate. Head to the website now to book your spot and enjoy the a la carte menu.
There are plenty of food options in The Rocks as well and what better way to enjoy the magical lights of Vivid Sydney than to head to a rooftop bar! The Glenmore Hotel is a popular spot with awesome food, vibes, drinks and a stunning 180 degree view of the harbour. The Rydges Sydney Harbour Hotel is hosting a Dine & Drone Show which allows patrons to enjoy a delicious two-course meal whilst witnessing the unforgettable Vivid Sydney 2023 drone show, Written in the Stars. If you’re looking for indoor vantage points, check out Shangri La Hotel for some epic birds eye views of the city.
For those seeking for fun and unique experiences, head to Hickson House Distilling Co, where they are turning their exclusive mezzanine bar into an immersive dark cocktail lab, every Friday and Saturday during Vivid Sydney. Mode Kitchen & Bar are also hosting a 3 course Vivid Feast so get ready to unbuckle your belts and indulge. Unwind at the end of the night and make your way down to the Glow Bar at The Tea Cosy. Indulge in delicious drinks, including heavenly hot mulled wine and creamy Baileys hot chocolate, while immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of the festival.
For those looking for a dumpling fix, book your spot at Luna Lu’s Vivid Dynasty Dumplings offering. To celebrate Vivid Sydney this year, Luna Lu is offering a selection of five signature dumplings, all meticulously crafted in-house with a commitment to sustainability and the use of natural colorings and flavours. With a focus on freshness, each dumpling is made fresh daily, ensuring an unrivalled culinary experience.
The Rocks Markets Vivid Edition will be hosting evenings of tasty, winter warming treats throughout Vivid Sydney to keep visitors fuelled up, enjoy African-inspired BBQ to banh mi to gozleme and more from the likes of Firepop, Pharaoh BBQ and Vietbahnmese, then round it off with something sweet from Mapo Gelato. Throughout the lit-up stalls, visitors can also explore handmade jewellery, skincare, candles and gifts. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 4pm – 10pm, the Rocks Markets will host some of Sydney’s coolest DJ’s and favourite bands including A-Shuffle, Mowgli May, Kid Kenobi, and more across 4 stages throughout the precinct – all free to attend.
Dance the night away at Nights at Nurses Walk, where The Rocks’ iconic Nurses Walk will be transformed into a concert featuring live music, delicious eats and fine wine. Check out talented up-and-coming artists from the Australian Institute of Music alumnus grace the stage under the twinkling stars.
While you’re there, make sure to take in the stunning Vivid Sydney Light artworks displayed on the walls of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pylons (Between You and Me) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Barerarerungar).
BARANGAROO’S VIVID HUES
Barangaroo will transform into a magical wonderland with multiple large scale installations, Vivid House, Vivid Fire Kitchen and more.
Transport into a psychedelic trip at Vivid House, an immersive 360° experience that will leave you in awe. There will be 4 main artworks on display Ama, Australian Oceans, Infinity and Invincible Corals and each one of them will take you on a hyper real journey across Australia’s finest natural landscapes.
For the foodies, discover the hottest selection of Sydney’s best rated dining, drinks and culinary entertainment at Vivid Fire Kitchen. Watch Sydney’s favourite chefs collaborate with the world’s best pitmasters to create a mouth-watering feast. Grab a spot by the fire pit to watch the magic happen – tasting exclusive dishes all whilst enjoying a live fire demo and listening to tips and tricks to show off at your next summer BBQ.
Embrace your inner artist and check out Lilies, a giant inflatable installation, floating gracefully in the water. During the day, these flowers glisten white in the sun and as night falls, they start to light up, providing a beautiful glow to the streets of Barangaroo and the surrounding Barangaroo Reserve.
