Vivid Sydney 2023 - 23 Mammoth Nights of Fun

Australia’s most anticipated cultural extravaganza is less than a month away now and Sydneysiders can’t keep calm about it. Vivid Sydney 2023 is set to be the biggest and most culturally relevant festival to date, and apart from its usual pillars of Light, Music, and Ideas, a new element was added to the core - Food. Let’s not also forget the many world-firsts and festival firsts, and the very theme of 2023 – Vivid Sydney, Naturally.

Here is a brief insight on some of the most boundary-pushing experiences and events to watch out for Vivid Sydney 2023.

A drone show for the ages

Along with the biggest Vivid Sydney, the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere will also be coming your way. A breathtaking display of cutting-edge technology and aerial artistry – witness a surreal synchronised dance, light shows and feats that will make your heart race! ‘Written in the stars’ is all about synthesising all the possibilities of the natural word above us into one single experience! Watch it from the roof of your friend’s apartment, at the many vantage points in Circular Quay, or aboard one of the Vivid cruises.

Talks from a super duo

The light shows and music gigs are only a part of the cross-disciplinary program. There are intimate talks with world-class creatives as well as enlightening panels who will transform your voice and thoughts. In a recent announcement via social media, we got to know that the award-winning duo of HBO’s The White Lotus, Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, is heading to Sydney. The two will reveal the stories that moulded their respective career paths, and various aspects of satirical storytelling, as well as their personal friendship!

Always time for a groove

Under Vivid Music comes the Vivid Live series which is centred around the Sydney Opera House. Catch the very best of live music from popular singer-songwriter, musicians including Kimbra, Thundercat, Yaeji, Maina Doe, Marth Marlow, Squarepusher, and many more. When the beats drop in Sydney Opera House, the rhythm will pulsate in the whole city. We have no favourites in this one – all of them are versatile artists who put their heart and soul into making uplifting and inspiring music. But if you're really looking to get your groove on later into the night, then head to Vivid Sydney Supper Club, where drag phenomenon Trevor Ashely will be gearing up to put on a show like no other!

The drawcard on the edge of the harbour

The very essence of this year’s theme will be splashed into the iconic sails of Sydney Opera House. The late Aussie legend John Olsen’s exquisite works portraying his undying love towards nature and life will headline Vivid Sydney, with ‘Lighting of The Sails: Life Enlivened’. A tribute to John himself – his 60-year career spotlighting the enduring interest and captivation with the country’s landscapes and nature, will be distilled into the Sydney Opera House.

Like every year, the best way to get a good look, or catch an insta-worthy shot of this spectacle is to book tickets to one of the Vivid Sydney cruises.

A flotilla of boats

Along with a unique, on-water perspective of the ‘Lighting of The Sails’ and other harbour light installations, a cruise will let you glide along Sydney Harbour, while indulging in lip-smacking food and drinks! Some of these cruises are also part of a synchronised light show on the water – where they’ll light up in unison with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the towering skyscrapers of the city. In this way, these commercial cruises will also get into the spirit of Vivid Sydney, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the festival in a new light!