Vivid Sydney 2026 has closed out another record-breaking festival, with 217 events across 89 locations over 23 nights from May 22 to June 13, cementing its place as the world’s largest comprehensive arts festival.
Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, said the festival had once again transformed winter in Sydney.
“More than just a light festival, Vivid creates unforgettable experiences that celebrate our city’s vibrant culture and innovative creative industries. I cannot wait to do it all again in 2027,” Mr Kamper said.
Brett Sheehy, Vivid Sydney Festival Director, said the depth of engagement across the program had been particularly striking.
“On average visitors attended 4.5 locations and spent around three hours immersed in the festival per visit. Especially thrilling has been the response to our 2026 initiatives, from spectacular aerial performances to the relocated and hugely expanded Fire Kitchen,” Mr Sheehy said.
The numbers tell the story. More than 80 per cent of the program was free, including the entire 6.5-kilometre Light Walk featuring 43 installations and projections by more than 90 artists from 14 countries. Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House sold nearly 40,000 tickets, its strongest box office result since COVID-19 and second-largest on record. The Carriageworks program generated a 38 per cent increase in revenue compared with 2025.
The Vivid Fire Kitchen, relocated to Barangaroo Reserve, became the unofficial heart of the festival, with more than 250,000 dishes and drinks purchased across 23 nights. Vivid Minds hosted Academy Award-winning directors Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jerry Saltz and Grammy nominee Zane Lowe. Tumbalong Nights showcased more than 40 artists from 12 countries across free concerts.
Dates for Vivid Sydney 2027 will be announced in the coming weeks.
