Vivid Sydney 2025: Your Guide to the Best Free Things to Do & See

Vivid Sydney 2025 is set to dazzle from May 23 to June 14, transforming the city into a luminous dreamscape. 

With over 75 per cent of the program offered for free, there’s an abundance of activities to explore without spending a dime. Here’s your guide to the best free events and installations to experience this year.

Vivid Sydney 2025: Best Free Light Shows

The Vivid Light Walk

The Iconic Vivid Sydney Light Walk is back in 2025 with 42 large-scale light projections and installations popping up over the city every night from 6pm. Spanning five zones — Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line and Inner City, and Martin Place and CBD — this nightly spectacle is a great one to do with friends or the whole family.

Our top picks for the Light Walk include Lighting of The Sails which is a colourful light show projected on the sails of the Sydney Opera House, The Lucid Dream Collective, an AI-generated tapestry from the brains behind Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard And Soft stage show, as well as Flower’s Power where giant mirrored flowers bloom across Martin Place.

There’s a lot to see so it’s worth breaking up the walk over several evenings, focusing on one section each visit. Either way, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready for a show to remember.

Friday 23rd May to Saturday 14th June 

Various locations across the city

Starscape Tunnel

Step into a 40-metre tunnel illuminated by a galaxy of more than 700 glowing stars. This immersive installation invites you to relive the awe of gazing upward, reminiscent of those glow-in-the-dark stickers from our younger years. Plus, it makes for the ultimate photo-op.

This year, get lost in the space between wakefulness and the galaxy of dreams at the Starscape Tunnel.

Friday 23rd May to Saturday 14th June 

Hay Street, Darling Harbour

Sound Walk

For one night only, Angel Place transforms into a vibrant laneway filled with light, sound, and roving entertainment. Designed by Mandylights, this free event offers a unique sensory experience for all ages.

Angel Place Laneway, Sydney

Vivid Sydney 2025: Best Free Music Events

First Light Live

Kick off Vivid Sydney with a free concert celebrating First Nations music at Campbells Cove. 

Featuring artists like RONA, Kaiit, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, this is the ultimate way to kick off your Vivid 2025 visit, blending storytelling and music, all at the foot of Sydney’s iconic skyline.

Campbells Cove, Sydney

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Vivid Sydney 2025: Best Free Activities

Firetalk 

This year at Vivid, gather around the flickering glow of the Bon(d)fire Vivid Light installation for a night of First Nations storytelling from some of Australia’s best writers, poets and songwriters.

Curated by Jazz Money in partnership with Sydney Writers’ Festival, each contributor will share their own work in an intimate celebration of voices and connection.

Every Wednesday night of Vivid Sydney from 6.30pm to 7pm

Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney

State Library Unplugged

Escape the digital world in the Mitchell Library Reading Room. Engage in screen-free activities like reading, drawing, and puzzles in this historic, calming atmosphere.

With a plethora of free events, Vivid Sydney 2025 invites you to immerse yourself in a city alight with creativity and innovation. Whether you’re drawn to luminous art, soulful music, thought-provoking ideas, or culinary spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without opening your wallet. For a comprehensive list of events and to plan your visit, explore the official Vivid Sydney website.

Loved this edit of must-attend events at Vivid Sydney 2025 and already planning your next adventure? Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Sydney on a rainy day. Or if the weather is playing ball, have a squiz at our round-up of Sydney’s best secret beaches.