Ten things to do around Sydney Harbour this Vivid Sydney 2024

Head to The Rocks this Vivid Sydney for some after-dark fun as the charming open-air markets extend their hours. Find plenty of delicious eats, toasty beverages and handcrafted goods from local artisans. Follow the lively sounds of funk, soul and R’n’B tunes across the cobblestone streets for free performances between 6 to 9:30pm. On Fridays, you can catch the multi-instrumentalist artist Justine, followed by high-energy sets from DJ Veda. Saturdays will be taken over by Sydney locals That Trio You Love and mash-ups from DJ Kings, and Sundays will feature the musical extravaganza Boogie Transit Lounge and the well-loved DJ Lambie. Before you move on, stop in at Picnic Under the Bridge – where you’ll find blankets, heaters and some of the city’s best views – for a quick pitstop to recharge. 

The markets will be open from 4 to 10pm on Fridays and 10am to 10pm on weekends, with the extended hours kicking in from May 24.

Vivid Sydney’s theme for the year, ‘Humanity’ will be interpreted with a number of Conscious Connection events that are here to help you make some new mates. Rock up solo and connect with like-minded people over a board game at the Conscious Connection Game Nights. Tickets for this wholesome activity will set you back $55 and include a free drink, which you'll be served up on arrival before tucking into tapas-style food and bonding over board games. Held at the Glenmore Hotel and Frank Mac’s, there are three game nights to choose from depending on your age group and preference. For 20- to 30-year olds, book in for May 12; 25- to 35-year-olds can head down on May 29; and 30- to 45-year-olds are welcome on June 4.

If sipping cocktails under twinkling lights while soaking up the soothing sounds of jazz sounds like your kind of night, this is a goodie. Every Thursday, The Rocks will be taken over by free jazz sessions for Vivid Sydney. The May line-up has been curated by the jazz purveyors at Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and includes Kate Wadey, Cope St Parade, Alice Terry and Chilean songstress Mira – with more to be announced soon. Track down the pop-up cart from local distillery Hickson House and grab a drink of your choice. On the menu? Spicy gin and tonics, Negronis, Camparis, pale ale tinnies, and yuzu and lime sodas.

The Rocks’ alfresco dining pop-up area is returning for its third edition opposite the Museum of Contemporary Art, and we reckon it rocks. Open from May 24 to June 15, George Street Food Gallery features four excellent spots: cult Thai joint Chat Thai; authentic Los Fridos Mexican and modern Aussie street-food masters Bird & Ewe. Head down this Vivid from 11am to late for tasty eats and drinks.

Come on down to Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line in Darling Harbour and see some of the world’s most talented chefs, pitmasters and producers come together for three weeks of flame-fuelled cooking using the best Aussie produce. Taking place from May 24 to June 15, festival-goers can grab a free spot by the fire pit to watch their favourite chefs cook over coals and sample dishes from Hoi Pinoy, Don't Tell Aunty and more. Once you’ve had your fill, continue exploring Darling Harbour for more light artworks and installations. 

As part of Vivid’s music program, Tumbalong Nights returns to light up Darling Harbour with a line-up of free live concerts across 12 sparkly nights. Groove the night away to dreamy pop from headliners Mallrat, transcendent alt-pop from Budjerah and Jem Cassar-Faley, and a punk-pop hybrid from the all-female two-piece Teenage Joans. Plus, Jessica Mauboy will be making a special appearance in First Nations rap supergroup 3%’s set. Head down to Tumbalong Park from May 24 to June 15 to catch these epic acts.

While the late-nights at Tumbalong Park are reserved for adults-only acts, kids can get in on the fun too (just at an earlier hour). Head down from 5pm and you’ll find  family-friendly fun with performances from Buuja Buuja butterfly dance group, kids music group The Beanies, musical activists Formidable Vegetable, and uplifting band The Quokkas. While you’re in the area, continue your exploration along the Darling Harbour Light Walk where the eye-catching installations will capture the imaginations of little ones.

This Vivid, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is opening its doors for longer to host a brand-new digital exhibition, ‘Life In Another Light’. Journey through an underwater world where a projection of a giant shark swims circles around you, and the glowing jelly lab is open to experiment with bioluminescent waves. As Australia’s largest indoor display Australian marine life, this is just the beginning of what you can expect to find beyond its doors. Tickets are $51 to the exhibition and include admission to the aquarium.

Rub shoulders with Aussie A-listers (well, their life-size wax figures) at an exclusive party taking over Madame Tussauds – with the likes of Nicole Kidman, Chris Hemsworth and Cate Blanchett among other stars on display. In celebration of Vivid, the wax museum is extending its hours to host three epic weeks of in-house light and sound projections set against the backdrop of Sydney’s colourful harbour. Escape the crowds outside this Vivid and get on the VIP guest list – with tickets going for $47.

Barangaroo will come alive this winter night-time as Vivid’s program of lights, eats and ideas take over the harbourside precinct. Explore the area on foot and catch some of the festival’s largest installations, including the hypnotic Horizon; the mega projection Nest; the glowing installation Portal which evokes Surrealist movement; the thought-provoking solar powered installation Stateless and Encounters Before the Trees where you will see the trees (and yourself) in a new way. Delve into current affairs at free Vivid Ideas event After the Fact at Barangaroo House, where you can sip drinks and watch on as the brightest minds debate the day’s breaking stories. To eat, more than 90 bars and restaurants make up this harbourside hub. Our top picks? Head to the rooftop drinking haven CIRQ at Crown Sydney for a drink with a view. Or grab a tasty meal from Callao, which blends Japanese and Peruvian flavours; Sax for refined cocktails and a side of jazz; Baharat for authentic Turkish plates or Rivareno Gelato for a sweet treat while you explore.