When the sun sets on the 27th of May, it will be to welcome the annual festival of creativity and culture, Vivid Sydney 2022. For 23 days through June 17th, this massive spectacle of lights, music and ideas will paint the city in vivid hues, showcasing the very theme of the festival “The Soul of Our City”. The lineup for the many events, 200 to be precise, has been released and it looks to be the biggest Vivid festival ever. As a foremost Sydney expert in local knowledge, we have curated ways for you to make the most of the festival. Read along to find out.

Best Views on  Vivid Cruises

Like every other Vivid, Sydney Harbour becomes the epitome of entertainment, housing numerous festival-themed restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and world-class cruises. It will be a bustling hub of revellers from far and near, so for you to soak in the best views of the festivities, the ideal option will be the popular Vivid Cruises. From modern catamarans, classic paddlewheeler and luxury glass boats, your options are plenty when it comes to the vessels. And the best part is that you can enjoy all the harbour vistas while feasting on a freshly prepared array of dishes and fizzy drinks. When it comes to views, the cruises are second to none, offering unique perspectives of the Lighting of the Sails, the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, some parts of Circular Quay, Baranagaroo, The Rocks and many more! Don’t forget to purchase drinks from the fully licensed bar as you capture ’gram worthy shots of the vivid lights! Check out the best Vivid Cruise Deals.

Feed your Soul at Vivid Sydney Dinner 

Vivid Sydney 2022 is bringing together two heavyweights of the food scene in what will be the first ever food event in the festival history. This festival first promises a memorable dining experience with light, colour and some of the most exotic dishes ever. The Ivy Ballroom will be transformed into a multi-sensory space with live music from prominent artists like Ngaiire, Virginia Gay, Kate Monroe and an exclsuive event featuring vivid light installations. The masterful chefs will devise an exquisite menu which will spotlight the theme of the festival ‘The Soul of Our City’ through the freshest products, served with elegant wines and other drinks.

Vivid Tours

Following the longest Light Walk will take you through a series of exceptional light installations and food stalls. But what about in the other parts of the city? The best way for you to enjoy as many installations as possible is to hop on a guided walking tour. A Walking Tour with an accompanied expert gives you an opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of Sydney’s streets, along with live commentary. Other tours include Photography Tour which lets you discover every alley, streets and laneways and gives you photography tips to help you get those ‘gram worthy shots! You can also take it to even further ‘heights’ by opting for a Heli Tour above Sydney’s vast coastline, letting you enjoy everything from the best viewpoint ever, the sky.

When to GO?

Although Vivid spans across 23 days, it is best advised to explore the festival in the first few weeks as the last weeks are usually the busiest, especially on the weekends. You can enjoy the festivities after Lights On at 6pm everyday and you can enjoy them from different vantage points across the harbour, though the views offered on a Vivid Cruise is second to none. It is also important to note that although much of the festival is free, there are certain ticketed events and shows, so check the official website for dates, prices and more info.