Vivid Sydney 2024 launched spectacularly last Friday (we were there!) with an impressive fireworks display, signaling the start of its vibrant festivities. Here’s our top 10 Vivid Sydney 2024 for an unforgettable adventure with kids. But first the facts.

Event Dates: May 24 – June 15, 2024
Locations: Barangaroo, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Carriageworks, The Rocks, Darling Square, Darling Quarter, Central, the CBD. Plus, brand new this year at UTS and The Goods Line.
Highlights: The festival will feature its renowned blend of light, music, ideas, and the return of Vivid Food.

In alphabetical order:

1. DARK SPECTRUM: A NEW JOURNEY
Location: Wynyard Tunnels
Paid event
Dive into a subterranean world of vivid lights and sounds in this dynamic and immersive light and sound experience, featuring a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and interactive elements perfect for adventurous families.

2. GLOBAL RAINBOW
Location: Sydney Tower
A symbol of hope and unity, beams of rainbow light extend from Sydney Tower across the city, creating a mesmerising spectacle visible for up to 40 kilometers. This installation is a testament to Sydney’s vibrant spirit.

3. GLOW AT SYDNEY ZOO
Location: Eastern Creek
While not officially part of Vivid Sydney, Glow at Sydney Zoo offers a magical nighttime light walk with new installations and returning favorites, extending the Vivid experience to the western suburbs. The kids will also love the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel, Glowy Golf and mind-blowing Vortex Tunnel, as well as the Aquarium after-dark and hundreds of critters in the largest Reptile and Nocturnal house in the world.

4. GUMSCAPE WITH ROAD AND CREATURES
Location: Customs House
Experience a fantastical Aussie road trip with national icon Reg Mombassa. This installation transforms the familiar into a surreal landscape populated by quirky robotic and creature designs.

5. LIGHTING OF THE SAILS: ECHO BY GUTMAN (as pictured above)
Location: Sydney Opera House
This artistic transformation of the Opera House showcases the fusion of  Julia Gutman’s textural work with modern digital technology, creating a narrative that’s as visually captivating as it is thought-provoking.

6. LIGHTSCAPE
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens
Paid event
Rediscover these harbourside gardens through a new trail of stunning light installations that promise an enchanting nighttime journey filled with colors and sounds, perfect for family exploration, especially little kids.

7. LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Location: Circular Quay
Celebrate love and human connection with a dazzling drone show, featuring over 700 drones, forming symbols of love across the sky. New this year – you can avoid the crowds by watching it live stream on the big screen in Tumbalong Park.

NB, it’s only showing on the 8th, 9th and 15th of June. It will start at 9.10pm, subject to weather conditions.

8. MESSINA MILK BAR
Location: The Goods Line, Ultimo
Step back in time with a modern twist at the Messina Milk Bar, where classic Australian treats are reinvented as delicious gelato creations. Every scoop offers a taste of nostalgia and innovation, bound to delight all ages. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on these cold winter nights. 

9. VIVID KIDS
Location: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Round up the kids and start your Light Walk journey at 5pm each Saturday, as the new stage at Tumbalong Park lights up with free family-friendly performances and activities. Where light and music meet, Tumbalong Park is your festival go-to for free, contemporary music. Experience an explosion of humanity as the best international voices and local talent take to our stage under the stars.

Saturday 25 May: Buuja Buuja Dance
Saturday 1 June: The Beanies
Saturday 8 June: Formidable Vegetable
Saturday 15 June: The Quokkas

10. VIVID LIGHT
Location: Sydney Harbour
Join the vibrant, floating parade of brightly lit boats syncing rhythmically with the city’s illuminated skyline, a spectacular family-friendly event that showcases Sydney’s favourite maritime tradition. There are cruises, catering to all ages and budgets. We enjoyed an hour-long cruise with our 6-year-old last Friday and it’s a great way to escape the crowds.