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The VIVID Sydney 2025 Program Has Just Dropped and It’s DREAMY
VIVID Sydney's 2025 program asks us a very important question — what's in a dream?
‘Tis nearly the most wonderful time of the year in Sydney! The 2025 VIVID program has just dropped and as tends to be the trend, it’s bigger and better than ever. This year, 75% of the program will be free to encourage one and all to head down and soak up the scene. As for the theme, the festival will be posing the age-old question, ‘What’s in a Dream?’
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini notes, “Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life-changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying. These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.”
As per usual, there will be food, ideas, music and, of course, plenty of lights. Global talent will descend on the city for the festival’s 15th iteration with Nigella Lawson’s dinner series and performances by Sigur Rós and Japanese Breakfast, just a few highlights we’re looking forward to.
VIVID Light
Bigger and better than ever and 100% free, the Vivid Light Walk will expand in 2025 with eight new buildings and landmarks to be illuminated for the first time. Guests will be invited to explore the entire city from Circular Quay and The Rocks to Barangaroo, Martin Place and the CBD. There will be plenty of interactive installations, a favourite for festivalgoers, ranging from voice-activated animations to suspended swings and tennis matches with lights.
Highlights include David McDiarmid’s Kiss of Light as part of the Lighting of the Sails, Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo on the facade of the MCA and Romance Was Born’s takeover of Customs House.
VIVID Food
In great news for foodies, Nigella Lawson will be curating three Vivid Sydney dinner events that will take place in the pedestrian tunnel Muru Giligu in Martin Place. Lucky attendees can look forward to an immersive dining experience. Other food-focused highlights include the return of Vivid Fire Kitchen which will see talented chefs descend on The Good Line to celebrate fire and spice.
VIVID Music
A true feast for the senses, this year’s VIVID music program is equally thrilling. The popular free concert series Tumbalong Nights will be championing diaspora communities and First Nations artists with songs sung in their own languages, including Winston Surfshirt, Ayesha Madon, Mỹ Anh, Chi Xê, Dobet Gnahoré and more.
Oxford Art Factory, Metro Theatre and City Recital Hall will be playing host to a number of international and Australian artists including UK favourite Pete & Bas. Carriageworks festivalgoers will be celebrating with lo-fi house extraordinaire Mall Grab, Papua New Guniean artist Ngaiire and Byron Bay Duo Skegss.
As for Sydney Opera House, the program is huge with over 50 acts taking place across the three-week festival. Anohni and The Johnsons, Beth Gibbons, Sigur Rós, Japanese Breakfast and Marlon Williams are just a few of the iconic acts you can snag tickets to.
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VIVID Ideas
For those looking to delve even further into VIVID’s ‘What’s In a Dream’ theme, the ideas pillar of the festival is set to deliver. The free weekly Firetalk series at Barangaroo Reserve will see First Nations storytellers take to the stage whilst, Endling, a new physical theatre piece will be performed nightly.
As for ticketed events, highlights include Director of TIME Magazine, D.W. Pine’s keynote talk on ‘Where Do Ideas Come From?’, Professor Matthew Walker on ‘Why We Sleep’ and an immersive adventure debut at Luna Park, Stranger Things: The Experience. We recommend starting to plan out your festival now to get the most of it. More to come!
Vivid runs from Friday 23rd May to Saturday 14th June. Ticketed events are available to book now via vividsydney.com
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