Vivid Sydney 2026 Unveiled
We do our best to keep everything up to date, but cancellations can occur. It's always a good idea to double-check the latest information on the official event pages before heading out. Born from the streets and amplified through worldwide influence, Banksy’s work has become a symbol of resistance, creativity and fearless social critique. Banksy Limitless positions the artist not simply as a creator of artworks, but as a global cultural movement whose messages continue to resonate across generations and borders. A glass-walled subway carriage surrounded by flowers and ambient lighting. 3D holographic tunnel lined with LED screens and vivid visuals, blending time and space illusions.
One of Australia’s most exciting young Indigenous artists of today, Tony Albert’s new exhibition at the MCA brings together his work across sculpture, photography, installation, painting, and assemblage alongside major new commissions. “Today’s program immersive theater launch confirms we’re creating a more dynamic experience for visitors while reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a creative, forward-looking and globally connected city. World Cup fever is about to hit Sydney, and this time the kids can get in on the action, too. From this weekend, free live sites across the city will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to giant screens, with families able to grab a spot on the grass, pick up something tasty from a food truck, and cheer on the Socceroos with a crowd.
Vivid Sydney 2026 marks Brett Sheehy AO’s first year as Festival Director; a creative homecoming after two decades leading major festivals and arts companies across Australia. Mr Sheehy said this year’s program represents a bold new horizon for the event. Vivid is more than just an enjoyable event for visitors, it is now recognised as a key economic boost for the city of Sydney. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper says this year, Vivid Sydney will be a major boost for local businesses, delivering real economic and social benefits across the state. Aussie homegrown favourites include Beddy Rays, Jem Cassar-Daley, Party Dozen, party collectives DUNJ and Mad Racket, and tastemakers Astral People.
The 45-minute show ends, and the next session will play in 15 minutes ready for the next set of eager audiences. Covid-19 restrictions have affected many galleries and art exhibitions. Even Van Gogh Alive had to change from Melbourne to Sydney at last minute due to enforced lockdowns. The spaciousness and contactless nature of this exhibition is a great way to appreciate art and stay safe. The requirement for everyone to remain socially distanced means this exhibit is super comfortable.
Margo’s impact on the arts sector is evident in her tenure as Co-Director and Manager of Hill Smith Art Advisory for over 20 years where she has restructured and rebranded the business, emphasising a personalised art advisory service. Her dedication to nurturing relationships with artists, clients, and organisations has significantly shaped the local arts landscape, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the enrichment of community through the arts. At the Sydney Opera House, Vivid LIVE will welcome more than 50 international and Australian artists, including singer-songwriter Mitski, Scottish post-rock pioneers Mogwai and Detroit techno icon Jeff Mills revisiting his legendary Liquid Room set. Vivid Music will once again energise the city after dark, with Tumbalong Nights returning for free live performances celebrating the diverse musical cultures that shape Sydney. Creativity and conversation will come together through a reimagined Vivid Minds program, designed to place bold ideas and world-leading cultural voices at the centre of the festival. This year’s line-up includes Academy Award-winning filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, influential music commentator Zane Lowe, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and bestselling author Roxane Gay.
This carefully curated market brings together emerging and established designers, artists, and makers in a unique heritage setting. In addition, an ongoing curated program ensures visitors to The Star can experience the works of local and international artists in this extraordinary and compelling environment. Using light as the harmonising feature, Ramus designed an impressive 25m, 8k resolution, crescent-shaped digital canvas to showcase the light and movement of Sydney as well as the digital works of local and international artists, animators and cinematographers. The blockbuster experience is one of the first large-scale arts events to open with COVIDaware considerations that exceed government public health guidelines. Controlled visitor capacities (that allow for more than the recommended four-square metres per person) and managed visitor flow mean visitors can easily respect social-distancing advice. After the biggest party of the year, Field Day offers grassy knolls and a variety of sounds on the first day of the new year at the Domain.
Winner of the 2025 National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition, his work connects ancestry and perception. If you're looking to buy art, there is no better place to start your search than with us. Talk to our friendly, knowledgeable and passionate consultants, or have one come to your home to give you some advice about the sort of pieces that would suit you, your home and your life.
If you are looking for something unique to do with the kids in Sydney, and introduce them to some spectacular art, then ArVo is the perfect place to spend the morning or afternoon. Don’t just admire Van Gogh’s paintings – immerse yourself in them in the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world. Travel through Sydney past and present with this colourful, interactive sculptural playground in the heart of Circular Quay.Standing 7-metres-tall, THERE... Step into a world where light, form and motion collide with Kia, a proud Major Partner of Vivid Sydney.By day, Kia Refraction appears as a bold, sculptural... Make waves (or just a gentle ripple) with REFLECT, an interactive water and light installation where your splashes and taps are mirrored in real time via...
It seeks to bring to life the iconic works of Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters through a guided encounter with the story and symbolism behind the art. You can now walk inside the Sistine Chapel — without leaving Australia. An exhibition using immersive, large-scale projection is bringing one of the world’s most iconic artworks to life through immersive technology — and it's heading global. The exhibition also meets the highest hygiene standards with no touch points, hand sanitisers, masks and daily deep cleaning. Importantly for Sydneysiders, Van Gogh Alive brings the much-loved Royal Hall of Industries back into cultural life.
Lose yourself to the music at Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, and explore the building’s iconic architecture with Saltbush & Starlight, a guided tour followed with a show-stopping dinner from Mark Olive at TIDE, an exclusive dining venue. And indulge in world-class dining experiences paired with picture-perfect surrounds with From Saigon to Sydney with Luke Nguyen at Botanic House. Join the history trail at Vaucluse House, a gothic homestead that housed a family of 12 in the early 1800s. Surrounded by 10 hectares of formal gardens with multi-million-dollar views, this living museum offers education, exploration and space to run. Head over to Milk Beach to dip your toes in the water at one of the prettiest little sandy beaches in the harbour.
Explore exhibitions, markets, classes, concerts, workshops and festivals across the city. Amazing weather, gorgeous beaches, friendly locals and a thriving global culture make Sydney pure laid-back magic. If you appreciate good food alongside good experiences, this is a new must‑try that blends fine-dining with immersive theatre. The Magic Table is a theatrical dinner experience where each course is part of a larger story and real magic unfolds right before your eyes. The show combines a five‑course gourmet menu with mesmerising illusions, 3D storytelling and performances by world-renowned magicians Thommy Ten & Amélie van Tass (from America’s Got Talent).
Home to a melting pot of cultures, Parramatta enjoys a vibrant arts and culture offering, which includes world-class performances and annual festivals such as the popular Parramasala and Parramatta Lanes. For cultural enthusiasts, the first stop is Riverside Theatre, a performance arts centre that hosts over 1,000 events a year. Next, scope out an exhibition at Pari, an artist-run initiative dedicated to telling hyper-local stories through contemporary art. Vivid Music features a specially curated program of artists from around the globe, alongside interactive experiences and exclusive performances.
Now in its 15th year, the world’s leading multi-artform festival promises to reimagine Sydney through Light, Music, Ideas and Food, united by the theme ‘Vivid Sydney, Dream’. Queensland is one of Australia’s most diverse Aboriginal landscapes, shaped by tens of thousands of years of knowledge, culture, and connection to Country, where “Murri” remains a widely used collective identity today. Whether it’s sitting in a yarning circle in Melbourne, listening to stories shared through generations, or learning the meaning behind symbols in an Aboriginal art workshop and connection to Country. Understanding the difference between Aboriginal cultural incursions and immersions can help schools, workplaces, management teams and boards choose the right experience for meaningful Aboriginal-led cultural learning. Explore Aboriginal Cultural Immersions for Schools to secure Indigenous activities and cultural learning experiences. Our school incursions can be delivered across entire schools, individual year levels, or single classrooms, with flexible formats from one-hour sessions to full-day immersive workshops.
Part casual bistro, part fine dining destination, Modedelivers a culinary journey that’s all about balance—think simple ingredientsprepared with finesse and plated with style. Located within the Four Seasons Hotel, Grain Bar is wherecocktail culture gets a glow-up. This sleek CBD hideaway combines moodylighting, embossed walls and a glowing aqua-lit bar to deliver a venue asalluring as it is sophisticated. During Vivid, the venue morphs into "The DreamLab”—a sensory playground with DJ sets, theatrical cocktails and a late-nightbuzz that rivals the city lights outside. It’s the kind of place whereconversations flow, glasses clink and the night stretches luxuriously long. The Harbour View Hotel is where history meets hedonism,perched just beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and mere steps from theglowing heart of Vivid at The Rocks. With a rooftop terrace made for watchinglight shows and private rooms for more intimate gatherings, this venue deliversa classic Sydney pub feel—reimagined with upscale flair.
One of Australia’s most exciting young Indigenous artists of today, Tony Albert’s new exhibition at the MCA brings together his work across sculpture, photography, installation, painting, and assemblage alongside major new commissions. “Today’s program immersive theater launch confirms we’re creating a more dynamic experience for visitors while reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a creative, forward-looking and globally connected city. World Cup fever is about to hit Sydney, and this time the kids can get in on the action, too. From this weekend, free live sites across the city will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to giant screens, with families able to grab a spot on the grass, pick up something tasty from a food truck, and cheer on the Socceroos with a crowd.
Vivid Sydney 2026 marks Brett Sheehy AO’s first year as Festival Director; a creative homecoming after two decades leading major festivals and arts companies across Australia. Mr Sheehy said this year’s program represents a bold new horizon for the event. Vivid is more than just an enjoyable event for visitors, it is now recognised as a key economic boost for the city of Sydney. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper says this year, Vivid Sydney will be a major boost for local businesses, delivering real economic and social benefits across the state. Aussie homegrown favourites include Beddy Rays, Jem Cassar-Daley, Party Dozen, party collectives DUNJ and Mad Racket, and tastemakers Astral People.
The 45-minute show ends, and the next session will play in 15 minutes ready for the next set of eager audiences. Covid-19 restrictions have affected many galleries and art exhibitions. Even Van Gogh Alive had to change from Melbourne to Sydney at last minute due to enforced lockdowns. The spaciousness and contactless nature of this exhibition is a great way to appreciate art and stay safe. The requirement for everyone to remain socially distanced means this exhibit is super comfortable.
Margo’s impact on the arts sector is evident in her tenure as Co-Director and Manager of Hill Smith Art Advisory for over 20 years where she has restructured and rebranded the business, emphasising a personalised art advisory service. Her dedication to nurturing relationships with artists, clients, and organisations has significantly shaped the local arts landscape, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the enrichment of community through the arts. At the Sydney Opera House, Vivid LIVE will welcome more than 50 international and Australian artists, including singer-songwriter Mitski, Scottish post-rock pioneers Mogwai and Detroit techno icon Jeff Mills revisiting his legendary Liquid Room set. Vivid Music will once again energise the city after dark, with Tumbalong Nights returning for free live performances celebrating the diverse musical cultures that shape Sydney. Creativity and conversation will come together through a reimagined Vivid Minds program, designed to place bold ideas and world-leading cultural voices at the centre of the festival. This year’s line-up includes Academy Award-winning filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, influential music commentator Zane Lowe, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and bestselling author Roxane Gay.
This carefully curated market brings together emerging and established designers, artists, and makers in a unique heritage setting. In addition, an ongoing curated program ensures visitors to The Star can experience the works of local and international artists in this extraordinary and compelling environment. Using light as the harmonising feature, Ramus designed an impressive 25m, 8k resolution, crescent-shaped digital canvas to showcase the light and movement of Sydney as well as the digital works of local and international artists, animators and cinematographers. The blockbuster experience is one of the first large-scale arts events to open with COVIDaware considerations that exceed government public health guidelines. Controlled visitor capacities (that allow for more than the recommended four-square metres per person) and managed visitor flow mean visitors can easily respect social-distancing advice. After the biggest party of the year, Field Day offers grassy knolls and a variety of sounds on the first day of the new year at the Domain.
Winner of the 2025 National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition, his work connects ancestry and perception. If you're looking to buy art, there is no better place to start your search than with us. Talk to our friendly, knowledgeable and passionate consultants, or have one come to your home to give you some advice about the sort of pieces that would suit you, your home and your life.
If you are looking for something unique to do with the kids in Sydney, and introduce them to some spectacular art, then ArVo is the perfect place to spend the morning or afternoon. Don’t just admire Van Gogh’s paintings – immerse yourself in them in the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world. Travel through Sydney past and present with this colourful, interactive sculptural playground in the heart of Circular Quay.Standing 7-metres-tall, THERE... Step into a world where light, form and motion collide with Kia, a proud Major Partner of Vivid Sydney.By day, Kia Refraction appears as a bold, sculptural... Make waves (or just a gentle ripple) with REFLECT, an interactive water and light installation where your splashes and taps are mirrored in real time via...
It seeks to bring to life the iconic works of Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters through a guided encounter with the story and symbolism behind the art. You can now walk inside the Sistine Chapel — without leaving Australia. An exhibition using immersive, large-scale projection is bringing one of the world’s most iconic artworks to life through immersive technology — and it's heading global. The exhibition also meets the highest hygiene standards with no touch points, hand sanitisers, masks and daily deep cleaning. Importantly for Sydneysiders, Van Gogh Alive brings the much-loved Royal Hall of Industries back into cultural life.
Lose yourself to the music at Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, and explore the building’s iconic architecture with Saltbush & Starlight, a guided tour followed with a show-stopping dinner from Mark Olive at TIDE, an exclusive dining venue. And indulge in world-class dining experiences paired with picture-perfect surrounds with From Saigon to Sydney with Luke Nguyen at Botanic House. Join the history trail at Vaucluse House, a gothic homestead that housed a family of 12 in the early 1800s. Surrounded by 10 hectares of formal gardens with multi-million-dollar views, this living museum offers education, exploration and space to run. Head over to Milk Beach to dip your toes in the water at one of the prettiest little sandy beaches in the harbour.
Explore exhibitions, markets, classes, concerts, workshops and festivals across the city. Amazing weather, gorgeous beaches, friendly locals and a thriving global culture make Sydney pure laid-back magic. If you appreciate good food alongside good experiences, this is a new must‑try that blends fine-dining with immersive theatre. The Magic Table is a theatrical dinner experience where each course is part of a larger story and real magic unfolds right before your eyes. The show combines a five‑course gourmet menu with mesmerising illusions, 3D storytelling and performances by world-renowned magicians Thommy Ten & Amélie van Tass (from America’s Got Talent).
Home to a melting pot of cultures, Parramatta enjoys a vibrant arts and culture offering, which includes world-class performances and annual festivals such as the popular Parramasala and Parramatta Lanes. For cultural enthusiasts, the first stop is Riverside Theatre, a performance arts centre that hosts over 1,000 events a year. Next, scope out an exhibition at Pari, an artist-run initiative dedicated to telling hyper-local stories through contemporary art. Vivid Music features a specially curated program of artists from around the globe, alongside interactive experiences and exclusive performances.
Now in its 15th year, the world’s leading multi-artform festival promises to reimagine Sydney through Light, Music, Ideas and Food, united by the theme ‘Vivid Sydney, Dream’. Queensland is one of Australia’s most diverse Aboriginal landscapes, shaped by tens of thousands of years of knowledge, culture, and connection to Country, where “Murri” remains a widely used collective identity today. Whether it’s sitting in a yarning circle in Melbourne, listening to stories shared through generations, or learning the meaning behind symbols in an Aboriginal art workshop and connection to Country. Understanding the difference between Aboriginal cultural incursions and immersions can help schools, workplaces, management teams and boards choose the right experience for meaningful Aboriginal-led cultural learning. Explore Aboriginal Cultural Immersions for Schools to secure Indigenous activities and cultural learning experiences. Our school incursions can be delivered across entire schools, individual year levels, or single classrooms, with flexible formats from one-hour sessions to full-day immersive workshops.
Part casual bistro, part fine dining destination, Modedelivers a culinary journey that’s all about balance—think simple ingredientsprepared with finesse and plated with style. Located within the Four Seasons Hotel, Grain Bar is wherecocktail culture gets a glow-up. This sleek CBD hideaway combines moodylighting, embossed walls and a glowing aqua-lit bar to deliver a venue asalluring as it is sophisticated. During Vivid, the venue morphs into "The DreamLab”—a sensory playground with DJ sets, theatrical cocktails and a late-nightbuzz that rivals the city lights outside. It’s the kind of place whereconversations flow, glasses clink and the night stretches luxuriously long. The Harbour View Hotel is where history meets hedonism,perched just beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and mere steps from theglowing heart of Vivid at The Rocks. With a rooftop terrace made for watchinglight shows and private rooms for more intimate gatherings, this venue deliversa classic Sydney pub feel—reimagined with upscale flair.
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