An oyster and wine festival, cheap harbour cruises and a stacked music program – remind me why we’re still obsessing over the drones?
Vivid Sydney’s decision to replace its 2026 drone shows with fireworks has left some visitors frustrated. But before you write off this year’s festival, consider this: the drones were never the best part of Vivid.
The multi-arts festival normally gets reduced to pretty lights and the aerial spectacle, but with the cancellation of this year’s drone show, the unavoidable annual pile-on to Vivid is back.
Far from diminishing the festival, the drone show’s absence has simply shifted the spotlight elsewhere. This weekend’s Vivid program is brimming with live music, exciting dining experiences and after-dark events. With several completely free and most surprisingly affordable, these are the standout Vivid Sydney events worth adding to your long weekend plans.
Book a Vivid Cruise for just $35
Many people are under the impression that a Vivid Cruise around Sydney Harbour will be very expensive. Obviously, it depends on the package you choose, but if you’re after a unique perspective of the illuminated harbour, Captain Cook is offering cruises for $35 per person, which includes a 1.5-hour cruise and one free house drink (beer, wine or a soft drink).
If you’re after a fun night out with friends, Sea Sydney Harbour’s BYO Vivid Harbour Cruise is one of the best-value ways ($59 per person) to experience the festival with a bottle of your own bubbly. Capped at just 25 guests, the cruise offers a more intimate alternative to the packed foreshore, letting you enjoy the harbour lights from the water without battling the crowds.
Make the most of Vivid Music’s program
One of the best things about the Vivid Music program is that it spotlights some of the best and coolest music venues in Sydney that don’t normally get all the attention.
Lil’ Kim opened Vivid Music at Carriageworks last week, a venue perfect for hosting buzzing crowds, thanks to its cavernous, warehouse-style bays.
This Friday, Grammy-winning RnB powerhouse Ella Mai will perform there, off the back of a sold-out global tour.
Then on Saturday, Sydney-born electronic music heavyweight Alison Wonderland returns home for what promises to be one of Vivid’s biggest nights. If warehouse raves, late-night dance floors and electronic music are your thing, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Saint Levant is also taking to the stage this weekend at City Recital Hall, but both shows have sold out. Considering he performed to huge crowds at Coachella, this is no surprise. Anyone desperate to get tickets should keep an eye on Tixel.
Cristal Palace
With three shows scheduled over the June long weekend, Cristal Palace will feature an open-air extravaganza of aerial acrobatics, dance and belief-defying circus feats. A talented ensemble of 29 performers will dazzle crowds with hoop acts, clowning, aerial trapeze and silk artists.
The Foreshore will be reimagined as a baroque ballroom, complete with a gigantic chandelier overhanging the stage and an airborne wind orchestra. The show is completely free to watch, simply rock up on June 5, 6 or 7 at 7:30pm and prepare to be amazed.
Oysters in the House
This Vivid Sydney food and wine festival will take over Shell House for one day only this Sunday, celebrating two of NSW’s most iconic culinary staples: Sydney Rock Oysters and NSW Semillon. Oyster farmers from across NSW (including Shoalhaven, Port Stephens and the Clyde River) will come together to offer samples from across the state, all under one roof.
Tickets include festival entry, unlimited wine tasting, six oyster tokens and the Oyster 101 Compendium. There will also be a pop-up martini bar from Archie Rose inside the Clocktower Bar, as well as a one-day-only special snack menu featuring a Fried Oyster Po Boy with Jalapeño salsa and coriander.
The event will run from 12pm-7pm and set you back $50 plus a booking fee, making it one of the more affordable Vivid food events.
See Vivid from the new BridgeMuseum
If you’re after incredible views of Vivid Sydney, head to the brand-new BridgeMuseum, located in the south-east pylon, 87 metres above sea level. Even better, buy a ticket to their end-of-day experience called SkyHouse After Hours, which includes access to the museum outside of standard opening hours, plus complimentary beverages and gourmet canapés in the space. The experience starts at $79.95, with session times starting at 5:35pm.
Although this isn’t part of Vivid Sydney and will run all year round, there are only two weeks left during which you can experience this stunning view during Vivid Sydney, so now is the perfect time to book.
