As the lights fade, Vivid Sydney 2026 makes the city shine | News
After 23 nights of spectacular sights, events and experiences, Vivid Sydney turns out the lights, capping off another incredible festival as the world’s largest comprehensive arts festival. The festival returned to its heritage of curating and collaborating with critically acclaimed and emerging Australian talent, alongside exceptional global makers, artists and culinary heavyweights.
The festival hosted more than 200 events across five interconnected zones: Circular Quay & The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbor and the inner city. More than 80% of events were free to attend, with the entire Vivid Light Walk open to everyone.
Vivid Sydney showcased an extraordinary caliber of international talent, strengthening the festival’s global creative influence. Audiences enjoyed a dynamic line-up ranging from 41 international acts making their Australian debut, including standout performances from Saint Levant, to a thought-provoking conversation with Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao.
The program also featured Academy Award-winning director Sean Baker and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jerry Saltz, New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay and Grammy nominee Zane Lowe. Yotam Ottolenghi led the Regional Dinner Series and internationally renowned artists transformed Sydney’s iconic landmarks, from Yann Nguema’s Opera Mundi which illuminated the Opera House to Chris Levine’s Molecule of Light which created a beacon of light near the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said: “This year’s Vivid Sydney was an extraordinary success and exceeded our expectations, not only in terms of sold-out shows across the programme, but also in the level of enthusiasm, connection and joy we saw across the city.
“What is particularly striking this year is the great involvement in the entire program, with visitors exploring more than ever. On average they visited 4.5 locations and spent around three hours in the festival per visit.
“Particularly exciting is the response to our 2026 initiatives – the inclusion of spectacular aerial performances, of sculpture and visual arts elements, of the relocated and vastly expanded Fire Kitchen, of our blockbuster laser and pyrotechnic shows, and of the scaling up of all four pillars: light, music, spirit and food.”
Vibrant Sydney Partners
Kia, Samsung Electronics Australia and IREN returned as key partners before 2026. Marking its fifth consecutive year as a major partner, Kia presented Kia Refraction at Bligh & Barney Reserve.
Samsung is active as a partner with Sky Portal Studio for the fifth year; an immersive, interactive sculptural installation in First Fleet Park.
Lilly Australia joined as an official partner in 2026, celebrating its 150th anniversary and presenting a Vivid Minds panel, A New Horizon of Health.
Uber came on board as an official partner, with dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones throughout the festival site. Dine Out with Uber Eats was the presentation partner of the Food for Thought Stage within Vivid Fire Kitchen.
The festival’s 2026 charity partner was Foodbank NSW & ACT, which appeared in Tumbalong Park with its interactive Foodbank Truck Packer installation.
