Get ready guys ’cause Vivid Sydney is back for 2026 and it is bringing a punch! From new artists, bigger installations and crowd favourites back in the mix, the city’s going to be bursting with energy and colour for three weeks this winter.
While there are multiple things going on in every corner and too many installations to see, here are the top 5 Vivid Sydney experiences that you should 100% visit.
Vivid Sydney Cruises
Now what is Vivid Sydney without the Vivid cruises on Sydney Harbour. This is arguably the best way to see the vast scale of Vivid Lights that take over the night sky and pattern the Opera House sails and Harbour Bridge pylons.
You can choose from simple sightseeing cruises to fancy dinner cruises – all offering prime views of the festival. You get to relax, sip on your favourite drink and just take it all in. If you don’t like big crowds, this is probably one of the easiest ways to enjoy Vivid Sydney.
Drone Show In Cockle Bay
Guess who’s back! After being cancelled last year due to safety reasons, the iconic drone show is returning for Vivid Sydney 2026 – ‘Starbound’ is this year’s installation. It will be held at Cockle Bay with 22 shows over 11 nights.
Picture a thousand drones creating massive aerial patterns inspired by nature, cosmos and Australia floating above the water. The performance is said to be accompanied by a powerful musical score by Australian artist Antony Partos – making for a spectacular event. The show can be seen from both Darling Harbour and the restaurants/bars in and around Cockle Bay Wharf. (P.S. the event is completely free!)
Vivid Fire Kitchen
The Vivid Fire Kitchen was introduced in 2023 and has become a must-visit every year since. This open-air culinary event is a fan-favourite with its fire cooking from top chefs and pitmasters!
You’ll get everything from tandoori to Aussie BBQ including brisket, seafood and international delicacies. See the chefs make your food in front of you, manipulating the fire and creating something delicious. There’s a strong focus on the cooking method, which makes it more immersive and hands-on. It’s a good option if you don’t want to commit to a formal restaurant.
Tumbalong Park Installations
For families, Tumbalong Park is the go to! It’s one of the easiest places to explore during Vivid with many interactive installations that children enjoy along with live music for the adults.
This year, you’ll have installations like the ‘Piano Walk’— a huge S-shaped structure with piano keys, which sing out in song and change colour as you walk (what’s not to love?). ‘Wonderverse’ transforms the Australian National Maritime Museum into an immersive and interactive adventure that lets kids explore and use their imagination. You don’t just look at the art here; you become a part of it.
Dungeons & Damper Interactive Experience
Now this experience is a little different from the usual Vivid events. The Dungeons & Damper Interactive experience takes the famous ‘D&D’ game and puts an Aussie twist to it!
Picture walking into a fantasy world where you are the main character and not just an NPC! You’ll be guided by a ‘master guide’ and go through different storylines and challenges to get to the end. The entire installation is run and operated by a First Nations Team and uses 360° visuals and sounds. So, if you’ve ever wanted to be part of a video game, this is your chance!
No matter how you play it, Vivid Sydney has something for everyone. While some might enjoy the bigger displays, others might prefer the smaller interactive experiences. If you’re still confused, choose these and experience Vivid, vividly!
