The best things to do at Vivid this weekend

Attention all Sydneysiders: clear skies are forecast this weekend, with no rain in sight! Time to fully embrace Vivid this weekend and head to some of the exciting events that are happening across Sydney.

Despite Vivid Sydney having more free events than ever, as well as plenty of installations, projections, food hubs, and concerts, last week’s opening weekend energy was dampened by strong winds and heavy rains. However, with perfect winter weather forecast this weekend and a huge variety of Vivid things to do, now is the time to start planning the perfect weekend at Sydney’s biggest multi-arts festival.

READ MORE: Absolute nonsense! Why this misguided attack on Vivid should be pulled down

1. Belt out some high notes at Vivid Sings!

Hilarious Aussie icon Bob Downe will be hosting Vivid Sings! Tumbalong Nights, a choral spectacular that encourages audience participation. Celebrated choirmaster and composer Jonathon Welch AM is bringing some of Sydney’s best choirs, including SoulFood and Sydney Street Choir, to one stage. There will also be special guest performances from Sydney music legend Shauna Jensen, Hi-5’s Nathan Foley and Home and Away’s Angelina Thomson. 

There will be free kids’ music at 5 with children’s performer Emily Who, but if that’s not your scene, grab a drink and a snack to clear your pipes at the nearby food popup at Tumbalong Park. The night culminates in mass choral participation – so it’s good to be prepared!

Where: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: May 31, 5pm–10pm.
Price: Free.

2. Head to the alfresco food festival at Hollywood Quarter

Foster Street in Surry Hills will close to traffic for one night only, transforming into a foodie’s dream with Hollywood Dreaming, A Taste of HQ. Some of the city’s favourite bars and restaurants are playing their part, including Tio’s Cerveceria, who will be shaking up bespoke cocktails, as well as Butter, Chin Chin, Nomad and Brooklyn Boy Bagels – all renowned in Sydney for their delicious dishes.

The chef line-up is also looking stellar, with the chance to try exclusive dishes from Lennox Hastie, Nelly Robinson, Mat Lindsay, Andy Bowdy and Julian Cincotta. Despite this exceptional guest list, Hollywood Dreaming isn’t just about the food – expect live music, roving performers and a vibrant festival atmosphere to match.

Where: Hollywood Quarter, 2 Foster St, Surry Hills.
When: May 31, 5pm–10pm.
Price: Free entry.

READ MORE: Where to Eat During Vivid Sydney 2025

3. Tuck into a fancy dinner with views at Infinity restaurant

Grab last-minute tickets to an unforgettable culinary event at Sydney’s highest fine dining restaurant. Infinity at Sydney Tower, will rotate to give you panoramic views of the Vivid lights below while you enjoy a First Nations dining experience. Curated by Trippas White Group’s Indigenous Ambassador, Dwayne Bannon Harrison, each dish will reflect the land, sea and sky, inspired by the ancient wisdom of First Nations people.

The evening will also feature performances from local traditional dance groups, which you can enjoy as you dine above the city in this spectacular setting.

Where: Infinity at Sydney Tower, 108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: May 30, 6:30pm–9:30pm.
Price: From $299 per person.

Buy tickets here.

4. Go roller-skating at Neon Dreams

Pier Street underpass in Darling Harbour is having a late-70s makeover, transforming into a retro-futuristic roller disco diner for the festival. Genius veggie and vegan chef Shannon Martinez will serve up plant-based takes on classic American diner staples. Think burgers, donuts, French fries and mac and cheese.

The diner will be dressed up as a grounded mail plane, with a DJ booth, roller rink and a bar provided by Trolley’d, who focus on low-waste, foraged cocktails. There will be American diner-style milkshakes too. This isn’t just a plant-based dining experience, it’s a roller-blading, funk-infused extravaganza.

Where: Tumbalong Boulevard, Under Pier St Overpass, on Tumbalong Boulevard.
When: May 23–June 14, 6pm–11pm.
Price: Entry to the Shannon Martinez diner is free, but tickets are essential to access the roller rink. Tickets start from $18.

5. Listen to the smooth tunes of Pat Metheny

Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny will be serenading a lucky audience at the Sydney Opera House this Sunday. Widely regarded as one of the best guitarists in the world, the Kansas City-born musician has been performing for more than 50 years, wowing fans with his cutting-edge playing. He is also the only artist in history to win 20 Grammy Awards across 10 different categories.

For the first time in over a decade, the guitar-playing genius will return to the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE, performing music from his whole discography, as well as his most recent album Dream Box – the perfect musical pairing to Vivid’s 2025 theme.

Where: The Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point.
When: June 1, 8pm–9:30pm.
Price: From $99.90.

6. Watch avant-garde cinema in Surry Hills

The Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills is presenting the best of avant-garde cinema this Sunday, showcasing four feature films from Genius Greek filmmaker, Antoinetta Angelidi. These feature films, known for their hypnotic narratives and surreal imagery, will be shown in Australia for the first time ever.

Idées Fixes / Dies Irae, which is “a meditation on the female form, language, and aesthetic theory, where sound and image play in constant inversion”, will be shown at the cosy Surry Hills cinema. If you’re a lover of foreign films, or just feeling extra sophisticated, head on down to the Inner City and take in Angelidi’s masterpiece.

Where: Golden Age Cinema & Bar, 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: Sunday, June 1, 8pm-10:15pm.
Price: From $24.

7. See some free installations (while it’s not raining!)

75% of Vivid Sydney is free this year, meaning you can get a lot out of the Festival without having to spend a cent. Some of the best installations include King Dingo at the MCA, the annual favourite Lighting of the Sails (which this year will feature David McDiarmid), Sweet Dreams on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons, and the Chasing Dreams Tunnel at Martin Place.

Where: Citywide.
When: May 23–June 14.
Price: Free.

READ MORE: 66 Free Things to Do at Vivid Sydney in 2025

Read more of our Vivid Sydney guides

• The 45+ Best Light Installations to see at Vivid Sydney 2025
• Don’t miss these Vivid Sydney dance parties
• 22 Best Kid-Friendly Events at this year’s festival
• You can take a kayak tour of Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney
• Vivid Sydney 2025 Ultimate Guide: Dates, theme and top events 
• The Vivid Music lineup is packed with diversity
• Vivid Sydney is shutting down Surry Hills for a bunch of block parties

Go to our Vivid Sydney 2025 Hub for everything you need to know.