Why rush home from work this winter when Vivid Sydney is transforming the city into a dreamscape of surreal experiences and fascinating events?  

Not only are you already in the city, but weeknights are also the perfect time to visit the festival – the crowds are lighter than the weekends, restaurants are easier to book and you can explore everything at a more relaxed pace. Whether you're after a delicious meal, an awe-inspiring experience or a late-night adventure, we've got your weeknight plans sorted. 

Each of the below itineraries takes you through a Vivid Sydney zone, pairing standout events in each location with the best spots to eat, drink and soak in the atmosphere. So, clock off, grab your partner (work or otherwise) and let the night unfold. 

Circular Quay and The Rocks  

This is the zone where Sydney’s most iconic landmarks are reimagined with breathtaking projections, immersive art and electrifying music, making it the ultimate after-work spot. 

Where to start:  

Start your night with an unforgettable meal at Dreamscapes at Aster, InterContinental Sydney’s rooftop bar. Here you can enjoy the insane floor-to-ceiling views of the Vivid Sydney lights below and enjoy one of three mystery meals with paired drinks – Sweet, Spicy or Adventurous.  

What to see and do: 

Be mesmerised by Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid, a bold and luminous tribute to the artist’s colourful legacy at the Sydney Opera House. This breathtaking projection, brought to life by creative studio VANDAL, celebrates McDiarmid’s vibrant, activist-driven work that championed self-expression and LGBTQIA+ pride. 

At Customs House, fashion and fantasy collide with House of Romance: Dreams Collide, an immersive projection by iconic Australian fashion duo Romance Was Born. Step into a world of couture, colour and whimsy as their signature surreal aesthetic transforms the façade. 

Wander up to Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the acclaimed Western Aranda artist brings his bold and playful portraiture to the heart of Sydney. This striking projection offers a satirical reimagining of Australian history, merging past and present with Namatjira’s signature wit and vivid colour. 

If you're in the mood for live music, Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House boasts an electrifying line-up of international and local acts, from groundbreaking electronic artists to indie icons. This whole-of-House music takeover brings the Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Theatre and intimate Studio spaces to life with unmissable performances. 

Prefer a more intimate, late-night escape? Head to Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary’s Underground every Thursday and Friday post-work to be tickled by a rotating line-up of hosts – including Angela Bishop, Luke Carroll, Amber Lawrence and Mark Humphries – who curate themed nights of Eurovision hits, Broadway belters and Aussie anthems in a speakeasy-style setting. 

Where to kick on: 

Still around before Lights Out at 11pm? Take a seat at Opera Bar for a dazzling view of the Vivid Sydney lights around the harbour circle and a delicious take on a classic cocktail. After that, grab a drink at Maybe Sammy, the internationally acclaimed cocktail bar that oozes old-school charm. Sip on a signature spritz or a perfectly crafted negroni until 1am (note: they’re not open Mondays and Tuesdays).  

Martin Place and CBD  

It may be one of the main arteries of the CBD, but after dark Martin Place is transformed into a hub of interactive art, live performance and stimulating events. The perfect place to enjoy the brilliance of the festival, a stone’s throw from the office.  

Where to start: 

Why not start your evening at AALIA, the fine-dining Middle Eastern hotspot from Paul Farag? Located right in Martin Place, it’s perfect, flavour-packed spot to start your night out in this zone. In case you missed it, Paul’s also serving up sustainable feast for Our Shared Dream (28 May) – another adventure for another night?  

What to see and do: 

Immerse yourself in The Lucid Dream Collective by world-renowned multimedia studio Moment Factory. This AI-powered interactive light installation blends your face with an ever-evolving dream.  

Then, wander through Chasing Dreams Tunnel, a luminous passageway of swirling colours and shapes that brings First Nations artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft’s powerful work to life. Let your imagination run wild at Flowers' Power, transforming Martin Place with larger-than-life mirror-encrusted flowers. This immersive light installation casts a kaleidoscope of colour across this section of the CBD, a surreal sight! 

At the Sydney Film Festival’s giant outdoor screen in Martin Place, catch SFFTV for an eclectic mix of acclaimed shorts and previews of festival favourites, running from 4-15 June. Perfect for cinephiles looking to experience Sydney’s biggest celebration of cinema for free, just make sure you check ahead for what’s on.  

For live music, City Recital Hall is hosting a stellar line-up. Experience Tangerine Dream (11 June), the legendary German electronic pioneers who have influenced everything from synthwave to sci-fi scores. The following night, Soccer Mommy (12 June) brings her melancholic indie rock and shimmering guitar hooks for an intimate and immersive performance.  

Where to kick on:  

Post-festival wonder and wandering, it’s time for a Centro 86 nightcap. This extraordinary underground bar has over 100 hand-selected tequilas, five variations of margaritas and not one but two popcorn machines. The perfect way to top-off your Vivid Sydney fiesta.  

The Goods Line & Inner City  

A fusion of fire, film and cutting-edge performances collide in this vibrant zone of the city. 

Where to start: 

Kick off your night by refuelling post-work at Vivid Fire Kitchen, where flames and flavour take centre stage. Watch top chefs and pitmasters cook over open fire, and sample dishes infused with smoky spices – perfect for warming you up before heading out for more Vivid Sydney adventures. 

Or, for a dining experience with purpose, Our Shared Dream at Refettorio OzHarvest offers a different kind of feast. Each evening, a leading Australian chef takes over the kitchen, crafting a four-course vegetarian menu made entirely from rescued produce. Not only will you enjoy an inventive, sustainable meal, but every bite helps support Sydney’s vulnerable communities. 

What to see and do:  

Near the Fire Kitchen action, the surreal and mesmerising Eye of the Beholder looks down on the crowd below as the Frank Gehry building’s windows light up with larger-than-life human eyes. 

Then, step into Starscape Tunnel, a dazzling 40-metre corridor of over 700 glowing stars. This immersive installation transforms Hay Street into a celestial dreamscape of shifting colour and light. While in the area, don’t miss Fireplaces, a dazzling display of fire-based artistry featuring giant fire pits, fire sculptures, flame throwers and fire barrels. 

Carriageworks comes alive with an electrifying line-up of live music for Vivid Sydney, with a couple of great mid-week highlights to catch post-work. Echoes of the Block (5 June) brings together First Nations hip-hop artists in a powerful fusion of music, storytelling and culture. Then hip-hop legends Black Star – Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli (10 June) take the stage for a one-night-only show. 

Head over to Hollywood Dreaming, a precinct-wide takeover of Hollywood Quarter, Surry Hills celebrating cinema’s golden age. Here you can grab a Vivid Sydney-exclusive snack or cocktail, or catch one of the many shows on the Gig Trail. Or just tick off each installation scattered around the precinct for the Neon Trail.  

Where to kick on: 

End the night at The Hollywood Hotel, a beloved Sydney institution where old-school charm meets Surry Hills cool. An FYI if you fancy coming back on the weekend, every Saturday night of the festival, the Hollywood Hotel transforms into the Late Night Vivid Lounge, where live bands and DJ collectives turn up the volume until the wee hours.  

Barangaroo  

A waterfront wonderland of storytelling, dance and immersive light installations, offering a dreamlike escape with a side of world-class dining. 

Where to start: 

Begin your night at a’Mare, where you can sip an elegant negroni or a spritz while soaking in Barangaroo’s waterfront glow. If you’re after something more casual, Tequila Daisy serves up fresh margaritas and delicious tacos – perfect for a quick bite before you dive into the festival. 

What to see and do: 

Experience the breathtaking An Act of Being, a collaboration between Bangarra Dance Theatre and Reconciliation Australia, where dance and digital art intertwine to tell a powerful First Nations story. 

Step into SomniUs, an immersive canopy of light rods that react to your movement, creating an ever-changing dreamscape above you. Over at Sydney Theatre Company (STC), each Thursday of the festival catch Inside the Dream Factory: Stagecraft Workshop & Tour, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how theatrical magic is made possible. While down at STC, catch I Don’t Dream, I Float, an immersive audio-visual experience that weaves dreams and water together.  

Every Wednesday evening of the festival between 6.30pm and 7pm catch Firetalk, an intimate storytelling event curated by Jazz Money. Here, First Nations poets, writers and songwriters share powerful stories against the glow the fire. 

For those seeking a theatrical thrill, catch Endling, a striking physical theatre piece exploring humanity’s resilience and our possible fate as a race. 

Where to kick on: 

Finish your evening at Barangaroo Wine Bar, a cosy yet stylish spot with an excellent selection of wines and cocktails, ideal for unwinding after exploring Vivid Sydney’s offerings. 

Darling Harbour  

The famous Sydney spot is transformed into a water-side spectacle of light, music and interactivity, where surreal installations and free live performances keep the night buzzing. 

Where to start: 

Grab an early drink and bar snack at Helm Bar, an easy-going waterfront spot that sets the stage for a dreamy night ahead. 

What to see and do: 

Step into the surreal at Samsung’s Space to Dream, a breathtaking water and light spectacle that invites you to incorporate yourself into the artwork and “walk on water”.  

Then climb on the giant glowing seesaws of Curiosity, which respond to movement with blinking eyes and playful light sequences. 

For free music on a brilliant open-air stage, Tumbalong Nights has something for everyone. Expect a rotating line-up of incredible acts, including DJs Sunday to Wednesday and live acts the rest of the week. Thursdays acts include Adrian Eagle + Jada Waezel (29 May), Body Type + Ripple Effect Band (5 June) and Pania + Devaura (12 June).   

Where to kick on: 

For a late-night drink, head to PS40, a creative cocktail bar known for its house-made sodas and experimental drinks that play with flavours in unexpected ways. 

Don’t let your weeknights go to waste this winter – explore the best of Vivid Sydney after work.