Vivid Sydney will illuminate Darling Harbour into a vibrant destination filled with light, music and immersive experiences from Friday 22 May - Saturday 13 June 2026.
Discover spectacular light installations, glowing projections, laser shows and live entertainment across Darling Harbour. The popular Vivid Sydney drone shows return in a new home in Darling Harbour, lighting up the night sky over Cockle Bay with an incredible display of 1,000 drones.
Tumbalong Nights returns as part of Vivid Music, featuring free nightly performances every evening. Enjoy a diverse line-up including pop, K-POP, R&B, family-friendly entertainment, and more.
Take a break from the Light Walk and recharge at Darling Square. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite, casual dinner or grabbing a late-night drink, Darling Square is your go-to spot to keep you fuelled throughout the night.
WHAT'S ON
Star-Bound returns to Vivid Sydney in spectacular form, lighting up Darling Harbour with its biggest season yet. Each night, 1000 drones rise above Cockle Bay, moving as one to create mesmerising patterns inspired by nature and the cosmos – from flowing murmuration to spiralling shells and vast, luminous galaxies. *Drone shows will be held every Sunday to Wednesday night during Vivid Sydney, except on Sunday 7 June.
The Daydream Machine is an immersive, interactive experience that transforms you into a living work of art. Powered by an AI “dreamer,” it reads your movements, posture, and presence to generate a unique, ever-evolving portrait in real time, displayed across large-scale screens. Every interaction shapes the outcome. A bold gesture might spark something chaotic and surreal, while stillness can bring moments of calm and clarity.
📍Pier St Underpass
In the lead-up to Vivid Sydney, Australian street artist Sofles creates a striking 12-metre mural, spray-painted live across stacked shipping containers—a nod to Cincinnati’s iconic graffiti scene. Watch the work unfold on 19–20 May, as the piece comes to life in real time. Once complete, US artist Chaske Haverkos transforms the mural through projection mapping, animating Sofles’ lines, textures and details with light and movement.
Voxelevated invites you to step inside a luminous archway where light, sound and AI converge. Suspended LED cubes move in sync with a glitch-inspired soundtrack, creating a shifting landscape that explores both the dystopian and hopeful possibilities of artificial intelligence. Experience the immersive, ever-evolving experience that blends technology, imagination and atmosphere.
Laser Lightfall transforms Sydney Harbour into a sweeping spectacle of light, sound and atmosphere. Spanning sea and sky above Cockle Bay, this outdoor laser show unfolds in a seven-minute sequence, where beams of colour rise, connect and evolve into intricate, ever-changing patterns. Laser Lightfall runs four sequences each hour from 6-11pm every evening. This activation contains bright lights, lasers, colour changes and occasional flashing effects. These may be triggering for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, sensory sensitivities, or conditions affected by intense visual stimuli.
Tumbalong Park comes alive with 12 nights of free music at the heart of Vivid Sydney. Discover a dynamic line-up of global acts, local favourites and emerging talent from pop and indie to powerful First Nations voices. With DJs, live performances and family-friendly shows, there’s something for everyone, day and night.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Crispy, golden and perfectly seasoned, Ume Burger's Tornado Potato is a spiral cut, crunchy and coated in rich umami seasoning for a bold savoury flavour in every bite. Grab one for $8 or 2 for $15 as a quick grab and go snack during Vivid Sydney.
Head over to Batch Brewing for Happy Hour on Monday to Friday from 4pm - 6pm. Choose from their wide range of core range beers and house wine.