Vivid Sydney Trading Hours Extended: NSW Government Boosts Nightlife for May & June

• Vivid Sydney trading hours have been extended with businesses in the relevant precincts allowed to trade until midnight on Sundays.
• The measure was announced by the NSW Government in the week leading up to Vivid Sydney 2025.
• Vivid Sydney expects over 2.5 million visitors this year.
• READ MORE: The ultimate guide to Vivid Sydney

The NSW Government have today announced extended trading hours for businesses around the major precincts of Vivid Sydney. From Sunday, May 25 to June 8, eligible hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, breweries and performing arts venues in around the event’s five major zones will be able to operate to longer trading hours across three Sunday nights.

The Minns Labor Government has said it has built a partnership of more than 400 businesses as part of the newly conceived Vivid Sydney Local Business Program, attempting to capture more of those precious tourism dollars as Vivid Sydney is expected to attract over 2.5 million visitors and making Sydney feel more alive on a night that’s traditionally felt rather anaemic.

“Between the lights, the music, the ideas and the food, Vivid Sydney is more than just a visual experience – it’s an opportunity to celebrate our city,” said Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper.

“Whether it’s kayaking across Sydney harbour under the lights or joining a neon-lit running tour through the streets, these experiences encourage visitors to stay out longer, explore more and support our vibrant night-time economy.”

Participating businesses will now be able to open until midnight on Sundays, extending trading by around three hours from what they usually are. This will mean more visitors will be able to experience our best venues late on a school night. The step follows the success of a similar measure for Mardi Gras earlier this year, which allowed businesses in relevant areas to trade well past midnight on Sundays.

A full list of eligibility criteria for participating venues can be found at the Liquor & Gaming website.

Vivid Sydney prep ramps up for Friday

We’re expecting a last-round of announcements for Vivid Sydney this year before the yearly event kicks off on Friday, May 23.

To help you make your own plans ahead of your visit check out our current Vivid Sydney content:

• The ultimate guide to Vivid Sydney
• The Vivid Music lineup is packed with diversity
• Here is everything you need to know about Vivid Sydney this year
• Are these the hottest tickets for Vivid Sydney this year?
• Vivid Sydney is shutting down Surry Hills for a bunch of block parties
• These are some great Vivid Sydney events to book
• You can take a kayak tour of Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney
• These the Vivid Sydney dance parties you won’t want to miss