In this new series, we’ll explore projection mapping projects around the globe! From shows on Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House to Romania’s massive parliament building, we’ll be displaying some of the hottest monthly global projects.

Vivid Sydney 2025 is a spectacular celebration of creativity, innovation, and technology, taking place from May 23 to June 14. This year marks the 15th edition of the festival, embracing the theme “Dream” to explore the question: “What’s in a dream?”

Vivid Sydney is owned and managed by Destination NSW, the state's tourism and events agency. For years, it has continued to celebrate the intersection of art, technology, and culture, with highlights including the iconic Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House, immersive light installations, live music performances, and thought-provoking discussions during the Vivid Ideas program.

Let’s take a closer look at this stunning event in 2025!

What to Expect at Vivid Sydney 2025

At Vivid Sydney 2025, you can expect to see plenty of art installations and projections exploring this year’s theme of dreams. Over 75% of the festival's programming is free to the public too!

Additionally, the Vivid Light Walk is returning, featuring dazzling projections and installations across five major zones: Circular Quay & The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place & CBD, Darling Harbour, and The Goods Line & Inner City. Highlights include:

• “Kiss of Light” at the Sydney Opera House, honoring the late artist, David McDiarmid.
• “King Dingo” by Vincent Namatjira at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• “House of Romance” by fashion label Romance Was Born at Customs House.

Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light

One of the most highly anticipated events of Vivid Sydney is a dazzling projection mapping on the Sydney Opera House—Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid.

A defining voice of late 20th century radical counterculture, McDiarmid fused art, fashion, and nightlife with bold activism and unapologetic self-expression. Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light transforms his life’s work into a new animation projected onto the Sydney Opera House for Vivid Sydney. Kiss of Light is a rallying cry for equality, inclusion and freedom, reminding us that joy, curiosity and creative rebellion build a better world.

Watch Now

For a look at the vibrant projection mappings on the Sydney Opera House during Vivid Sydney 2025, check out the video below.

FAQ

How did Vivid Sydney Start?

Vivid Sydney began in 2009 as a modest initiative called Smart Light Sydney, conceived by MaryAnne Kyriakou, Anthony Bastic, Carolyn Grant, Joe Snell, and Davina Jackson. Inspired by the Glow Light Festival in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the event aimed to showcase the creative potential of low-energy lighting. The inaugural festival featured light installations and projections across Circular Quay and The Rocks, with the Sydney Opera House serving as a canvas for a projection by renowned artist Brian Eno. Following its success, the festival expanded in scope and ambition. In 2010, it was rebranded as Vivid Sydney, reflecting its broader focus on light, music, and ideas. The event quickly grew into one of the world's largest festivals of its kind, attracting millions of visitors annually and transforming Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation.

What Dates Can You View Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light?

You can catch Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light in person any night from May 23 – June 14, 2025.

Are Festival Cruises Available During Vivid Sydney 2025?

Yes, there are several festival cruises available during Vivid Sydney 2025, offering unique perspectives of the city's iconic light displays from the water. These include the Captain Cook Cruises, Legend Cruises, Sydney Showboats, and more.

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Photo Credit: Sydney Opera House