Mercure Sydney - Vivid Sydney 2026

Vivid Sydney 2026

Vivid Sydney is back! From 22 May to 13 June 2026, Sydney will transform into a vibrant canvas of light, music, and ideas.

This year’s festival invites you to explore the boundless realms of imagination, with awe-inspiring art installations, 3D light projections, and live performances that transcend boundaries.

Here are a list of a few stand out events you shouldn’t miss:

Lighting of the Sails: Opera Mundi

Renowned French artist Yann Nguema transforms the sails of the Sydney Opera House with Opera Mundi, a large-scale projection produced by Anima Lux and scored by Mischa Blanos. Inspired by architect Jørn Utzon, the work uses evolving light and organic visuals to reveal patterns in nature and living systems across the building’s iconic sails.

Star-Bound: Vivid Sydney Drone Show

The Vivid Sydney Drone Show Star-Bound takes place at Darling Harbour on Sundays to Wednesdays at 7.30pm and 9.30pm (excluding 7 June). Featuring 1000 drones moving in sync above Cockle Bay, the show forms shifting patterns inspired by nature and the cosmos, from murmurations to spirals and wave-like structures, set to a score by Antony Partos.

Vaiola

At the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sāmoan-Australian artist Angela Tiatia presents Vaiola, a large-scale projection exploring migration, memory and belonging. Inspired by Sāmoan landscapes and meaning “water of life,” it blends imagery of water, fire and nature with a score by Corin Ileto.

Laser Lightfall

The Vivid Sydney Laser Lightfall transforms the sky above Cockle Bay into a free nightly spectacle across 23 nights. Created by ER Productions with music by Sonar Music, the seven-minute show evolves from simple beams into complex, layered light formations that merge into a unified, immersive finale.

The Prism

At the Vivid Light Walk, The Prism by Theory Art Studios is an immersive reflective space of shifting coloured light and geometry, offering a calm, sensory pause within the festival.

Molecule of Light

Above Barangaroo Reserve, Molecule of Light by Chris Levine is a 23-metre celestial sculpture combining UV-reactive visuals, laser sequences and a 528Hz tone to create a meditative, cosmic experience.

There’s so much more waiting for you at Vivid Sydney 2026. To view the full events page, click here.

Looking to be in the heart of the Vivid Sydney action? Mercure Sydney offers a prime location with easy access to all Vivid Sydney attractions, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the festivities.

Book your stay with Mercure Sydney today.