Vivid in Sydney returns for another year, the popular outdoor art and light show that attracts millions of visitors to the port city and will take place from May 24 to June 15.
Sydney Harbor will be illuminated for 23 nights with digital artwork and 3D light projections emblazoned on public buildings, including the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.
While the much-anticipated event will take place for the 14th consecutive year around Circular Quay, several other landmarks and venues around the city will feature art exhibits for visitors to explore.
Returning for another year is Vivid in Sydney, the popular outdoor art and light show that attracts thousands of visitors to the port city and will be held from May 24 to June 15.
The Rocks, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanic Gardens and Carriageworks at Redfern will be transformed into light displays.
The Opera House Vivid Live will feature a lineup packed with music superstars, including Swedish electronic artist Fever Ray and soulful singer Snoh ​​Aalegra.
Some office buildings will also be illuminated as part of the elaborate showcase along with more than 300 pop-up installations.
WhatsNew2Day looks at everything visitors need to know ahead of opening night.
Is Vivid free?
Most light shows will be free, including the famous Vivid Sydney Light Walk.
The installation features pop-up art displays on an 8km stretch between Circular Quay and The Goods Line in Ultimo.
Other free light shows include Light of the Sails, which transforms the Opera House arches into a display featuring fabric designs by Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutman.
Sea, Sands and the Stars by Guan Wei, Horizon and Nest are other highly promoted works of art that will also be free.
Other free light shows at Vivid 2024 include Light of the Sails, which transforms the arches of the Opera House into an exhibition featuring fabric designs by Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutman.
Tickets will be sold for other light shows, such as the Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Vivid sparked outrage last year after families were charged $128 to visit a light show.
When will the lights go on and where are the best places to see the exhibits?
The lights will turn on at 6 pm each night and go off at 11 pm
Visitors can access the best vantage points to view artwork at Darling Harbour, The Rocks and the Opera House.
Other strategic points include Barangaroo, Luna Park and Lavender Bay on Sydney’s lower north shore.
Light displays (pictured) will be installed at various locations around the city and visitors will be able to access better vantage points in areas such as Barangaroo.
How do I get there?
Visitors have been urged to use public transport to get to and from the city as roads in most of the CBD will be closed.
Parking will be limited and motorists will not be able to enter some parts of the city that are only accessible to pedestrians.
More than 3 million people visited Vivid in Sydney in 2023.
Visitors have been urged to travel into the city to attend the event using public transport (pictured) as most CBD roads will be closed.
Who will perform at Vivid Live?
Several global artists will perform at Vivid Live, which will take place in the Opera House concert hall.
Swedish superstars Fever Ray and Snoh ​​Aalegra will make their Australian debut at the June event.
Fever Ray will perform two shows on June 5 and 6 with their signature electronic music.
Swedish superstar Fever Ray (pictured) will make his Australian debut on Vivid Live in June.
Soulful hip-hop and R&B artist Snoh ​​Aalegra will take the stage on June 2.
Arca will make their Australian debut when they take to the stage on May 24 with the electronic music artist and producer set to perform hit solo tracks.
French pop duo Air will also be in action on May 24 and 25 with the iconic group performing two exclusive shows to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their hit album ‘Moon Safari’.
Tickets for the events will start at $99.
Soulful singer Snoh ​​Aalegra (pictured) will also make her Australian debut when she takes to the Opera Concert Hall stage on June 2.
What other music options are there?
Visitors will also be able to attend free live music events at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, featuring local and international singers and bands.
Australian pop star Mallrat and independent singer-songwriter Tiffi will perform, while musical theater nightclub Club Broadway will also be in action.
The live music festival will take place Thursday to Saturday nights with a one-off event on Sunday, June 9.
Several DJs will also be spinning songs Sunday through Wednesday nights to entertain the crowd.
Australian pop star Mallrat (pictured) will perform at Tumbalong Park, as part of several live music events taking place at Vivid.
There will be food?
Vivid Food is also returning this year with the Vivid Fire Kitchen serving fire-cooked meals such as tandoor, teppanyaki and First Nations tucker.
Some of Australia’s top chefs and restaurateurs will also serve special Vivid-inspired meals along parts of George and Pitt Streets, which will be transformed into food markets.
The Vivid Food Trail does not require tickets and visitors do not need to make reservations.
Vivid Fire Kitchen (pictured) will return this year to serve fire-cooked meals.
Are there other events to pay attention to?
Visitors can go beyond the lights and music and explore Vivid Ideas, a weeknight event featuring discussions and debates about ideas by analysts and experts.
Anyone interested in delving into the big issues affecting the world today can attend After the Fact, a debate on current affairs.
Businesswoman Lucy Turnbull, arts executive Rhoda Roberts and ABC chair Kim Williams will be among the panellists taking part in the event which takes place from 6-7pm every weekday at Barangaroo House.
The discussion will be one of several talks hosted at Vivid Ideas that will explore this year’s theme: “Humanity.”
The concept was selected to recognize people’s shared sense of belonging at a time when the world is plagued by ongoing conflict.
Visitors can also attend film screenings at the Golden Age Cinema and Bar (pictured) in Surry Hills, which will be screening films reflecting this year’s theme.
As part of Vivid Ideas, visitors can also explore ‘Sex Work: A Legal and Social History’, a walking tour that will take people on a journey through the history and challenges of sex work in Kings Cross and Darlinghurst .
There will also be film screenings at the Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills, featuring films reflecting this year’s theme.
The films have been selected by several acclaimed Australians, including human rights activist Craig Foster and renowned chef Kylie Kwong.
Tickets for events at Vivid are now on sale.