Sydney kicked off its winter festivities in grand style with an unforgettable King’s Birthday long weekend, delivering world-class experiences as part of Vivid Sydney 2025. From Friday, June 6th, to Sunday, June 8th, visitors flocked to the city, immersing themselves in the festival’s signature blend of Light, Music, Ideas, and Food. Highlights included exclusive dinners with culinary icon Nigella Lawson, captivating musical performances at Tumbalong Nights and Sound Escape, and the always popular Vivid Fire Kitchen.
This year’s festival footprint spans five vibrant zones: Circular Quay & The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line & Inner City, and Martin Place & the CBD, each offering a unique facet of the Vivid Sydney experience.
An Evening with Nigella Lawson
Global food sensation Nigella Lawson hosted a series of sold-out, exclusive dining experiences in the new Muru Giligu Tunnel beneath Martin Place Metro Station. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal featuring locally sourced NSW produce, curated in Lawson’s distinctive style. The evenings also included live entertainment and an audience Q&A, making her appearance one of the most anticipated events of the festival.
Global Rhythms at Tumbalong Nights
The free Tumbalong Nights stage in Darling Harbour became a hub for global music. South Korea’s Stella Jang inaugurated the weekend’s performances, followed by the groundbreaking Indian pop artist Zaeden on Saturday, and concluding with a powerful performance from Grammy Award winner and Afrobeat artist Dobet Gnahore on Sunday evening.
Vivid Fire Kitchen: A Fiery Culinary Journey
Returning to The Goods Line, Vivid Fire Kitchen celebrated “Fire & Spice” this year, showcasing bold, spice-driven cuisines from around the globe. Crowds gathered to enjoy flame-seared dishes, watch live cooking demonstrations from top pitmasters and chefs, and groove to the energetic sounds of Lolo Lovina’s Gypsy Caravan Stage. This high-energy, open-air event was a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and culinary delight.
With less than a week remaining until the festival concludes on Saturday, June 14th, there’s still time to explore Vivid Sydney’s dazzling Light Walk and dynamic live events.
Plan your visit and discover the full program at vividsydney.com.
Vivid Sydney’s Long Weekend Extravaganza Illuminates the City
Sydney’s winter season has officially begun with a spectacular King’s Birthday long weekend, showcasing unforgettable experiences as part of Vivid Sydney 2025. From June 6th to 8th, the city buzzed with visitors eager to immerse themselves in the festival’s core elements: Light, Music, Ideas, and Food. Standout attractions included exclusive dinners with Nigella Lawson, the diverse musical offerings of Tumbalong Nights and Sound Escape, and the always-popular Vivid Fire Kitchen.
This year, the festival extends across five dynamic zones: Circular Quay & The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line & Inner City, and Martin Place & the CBD, each providing a distinct flavor of the Vivid Sydney magic.
An Intimate Culinary Experience with Nigella Lawson
Held over three sold-out nights, the new Muru Giligu Tunnel beneath Martin Place Metro Station hosted a series of highly anticipated dinners with renowned food personality Nigella Lawson. Guests indulged in a lavish three-course menu crafted with local NSW produce, all presented in Lawson’s signature style. The evenings were further enhanced by live entertainment and opportunities for audience interaction.
Tumbalong Nights: A Global Musical Showcase
The free Tumbalong Nights stage in Darling Harbour captivated audiences with a diverse range of international music. The weekend kicked off with South Korea’s Stella Jang, followed by the innovative Indian pop star Zaeden on Saturday, and culminated with a performance by Grammy Award-winning Afrobeat artist Dobet Gnahore on Sunday.
Fire & Spice at Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen made its return to The Goods Line, this year embracing the theme of “Fire & Spice” to highlight bold, flavorful cuisines from around the world. Attendees relished flame-cooked delights, witnessed live cooking demonstrations by expert pitmasters and chefs, and enjoyed the lively sounds from Lolo Lovina’s Gypsy Caravan Stage. This energetic, outdoor experience offered a rich sensory journey of culture, community, and culinary excellence.
With the festival wrapping up on Saturday, June 14th, there’s still a brief window to experience Vivid Sydney’s stunning Light Walk and vibrant live events.
For planning your visit and exploring the complete program, head to vividsydney.com.
