Vivid Sydney 2025: Sigur Rós, Japanese Breakfast and more

Vivid Sydney, the city’s annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and technology, is set to return from 23 May to 14 June this year, and this year’s lineup is looking STACKED. If you’re a Sydney-sider or just looking for an excuse to head into town that fortnight, we’re outlining all the events, gigs and experiences we think you should add to your itinerary this year.

Light program

As night falls, Sydney’s iconic landmarks will once again be illuminated with mesmerising art installations and 3D light projections. This year’s Light program promises awe-inspiring displays that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, encouraging visitors to dream with their eyes open. Keep your eyes peeled, as the full lineup of artists and installations will be unveiled in mid-March 2025.

Sydney’s most iconic canvas will be bathed in a spectrum of radical joy, as this year, Lighting of the Sails at Vivid Sydney turns its gaze to the late, great David McDiarmid – artist, activist, provocateur. Kiss of Light marks 30 years since McDiarmid’s passing.

Music program

Vivid Sydney 2025 has curated a diverse music program featuring both emerging and established artists across various genres. From intimate performances in cozy venues to large-scale concerts under the stars, the festival’s music offerings aim to resonate with the dreams and aspirations of its audience. So far on the announced lineup, we’re looking forward to performances from:

• ANOHNI and the Johnsons (Aus excl)
• Beth Gibbons
• Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
• Japanese Breakfast
• Marlon Williams
• Pat Metheny
• Ezra Collective
• The Sabres of Paradise (Aus excl)
• WavyLand 7th Anniversary feat. BKTHERULA, Thaiboy Digital, Babyxsosa, Wiki, Slauson Malone 1, Posseshot, Oli XL (Aus excl)
• Pale Jay
• Ravyn Lenae
• Mount Kimbie
• Jessica Pratt
• Ichiko Aoba
• Miss Kaninna
• Surprise Chef
• Phoebe Go
• SAHXL
• 3%
• G2g
• Velvet Trip
• Emily Wurramara
• Station Model Violence
• Yasmina Sadiki
• Trackwork 5th Birthday feat. Brodinski, Vv Pete, Utility

The Vivid Music program will also expand this year to include two new venues: City Recital Hall and Metro Theatre. We’ll see the return of ‘Tumbalong Nights’, hosting a series of free events at Tumbalong Park with a focus on diaspora communities and First Nations artists, featuring Heartbreak High’s Ayesha Madon, V-Pop stars Mỹ Anh & Chi Xê, Grammy-winning Dobet Gnahoré, Korea’s Stella Jang, India’s Zaeden, the Northern Beaches Winston Surfshirt and MonoNeon (the former bass player for Prince).

You should also keep an eye out for:

• City Recital Hall hosting German electronic music pioneers Tangerine Dream + dream pop darling Soccer Mommy.
• Oxford Art Factory hosting British rappers Pete & Bas and Newcastle’s Steel City Dance Discs.
• Metro Theatre hosting Briggs’ Bad Apples label, and Nina Las Vegas’ NLV Records to celebrate their 10-year anniversaries.

Ideas program

The Ideas segment of Vivid Sydney is back to host thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and panels led by some of the world’s most inspiring minds. These events will delve into the concept of dreams from multiple perspectives, exploring how they influence creativity, innovation, and our understanding of the world. Attendees can look forward to engaging dialogues that challenge conventional thinking and inspire new visions for the future. ​

Food program

Vivid Food celebrates Sydney’s rich culinary landscape, offering unique dining experiences that blend gastronomy with the festival’s creative spirit. Food markets, pop-up restaurants, and collaborations with renowned chefs will provide festival-goers with a taste of innovation, reflecting the diverse and dynamic food culture of the city. Specific events and participating chefs will be revealed with the full program announcement.

Mary’s Underground will see the return of Vivid Supper Club, this time with a new contemporary cabaret twist with themed nights.

When are tickets released?

Insiders can access the pre-sale for Vivid Sydney 2025 from Wednesday 12 March at 11am AEDT, followed by the What’s On pre-sale on Thursday 13 March at 10am AEDT. The Vivid Sydney pre-sale kicks off on Friday 14 March at 10am AEDT, before tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday 17 March at 1am AEDT.

Tickets will be available via the Vivid Sydney website.