For Vivid Sydney festival director Gill Minervini, that invitation is personal. 

“Everything starts with a dream,” she says. “A wish, a spark, an idea. Dreams are borderless, ageless, and endless – and this year’s program is full of experiences that tap into that universal magic.” 

Now in her fourth year leading Vivid Sydney, Gill has curated the most diverse and dynamic program the festival has seen. “Vivid Sydney is about dreaming with your eyes open,” says Gill. “It’s Light, Music, Ideas and Food that will take you somewhere new. And this year, more than ever, we’re inviting you to be part of that journey.” 

We asked Gill to share her top picks for this year – across Light, Music, Ideas and Food.  

Vivid Light 

Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid 

“This year’s Lighting of the Sails is especially meaningful,” says Gill. “A creative collaborator, McDiarmid’s bold, unapologetic work is brought to life by Sydney studio VANDAL. It’s a radiant tribute to self-expression, pride and community splashed across the iconic Sydney Opera House.” 

King Dingo by Vincent Namatjira 

A reimagining of colonial history through First Nations artist Vincent Namatjira’s lens. “Satirical, striking, powerful” Gill says this Museum of Contemporary Art projection as a must-see. 

Romance Was Born: Dreams Collide 

Customs House becomes a dreamlike explosion of couture and colour in this debut fashion collaboration with the maximalist Australian fashion house, Romance is Born. “It’s our first-ever foray into fashion on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk – I couldn’t think of a better partner than the iconic Sydney label.”  

Colour the City 

“This is a work of the people and an invitation for anyone to be directly involved in the magic of Vivid Sydney.” Submit your own drawing and see it projected onto the ASN Clocktower, part of a giant community-made artwork with 150 new works selected for display each week. 

An Act of Being by Bangarra Dance Theatre & Reconciliation Australia 

A deeply moving projection in Barangaroo Reserve that marks the 25th anniversary of the 2000 People’s Walk for Reconciliation. “This is an important and evocative work that I’m proud to see come to life. A fusion of dance, technology and physical theatre that communicates the weight of history and resilience of First Nations people. Breathtaking. Please take the time to take it all in.”  

The Lucid Dream Collective by Moment Factory 

A state-of-the-art projection brings a collective subconscious to life. It’s the Vivid Sydney debut of Moment Factory, an acclaimed, international multimedia entertainment studio, and the first time Vivid Sydney has activated Martin Place since 2018. “Moment Factory have redefined immersive experiences and human connection worldwide and we’re so excited to welcome them to their first Vivid Sydney.” 

First Light 

First Light is Vivid Sydney’s ceremonial opening and countdown to Lights On, curated by Vivid Sydney's First Nations Advisor Rhoda Roberts AO. This powerful, joyful celebration of First Nations culture and Calling Country sets the tone for the festival. “It’s our welcome to Country, our grounding moment, our beginning. Please join us: it’s a special moment to behold down at Campbells Cove as we prepare to switch on the magic of Vivid Sydney for the first night in 2025.”  

Vivid Music 

First Light Live 

“This is our brand-new, completely free opening night concert, showcasing the best First Nations music talent from around the world. Directly following our First Light ceremony, it sets the tone for what’s to come for Vivid Sydney 2025.”  

With an exciting lineup of artists including DJ Rona, Kaiit and Canada’s Snotty Nose Rez Kids it’s all about big voices and big energy. 

Tumbalong Nights 

“Our most international lineup ever at the beating heart of the festival in Tumbalong Park. Free, diverse and an invitation to dance under the stars, Tumbalong Nights is all about coming together to enjoy the best local and international artists in this vibrant setting.” With seven nights of artists performing in different languages – from Stella Jang (South Korea) to Dobet Gnahoré (Ivory Coast) – and the festival’s first mass choir event, Vivid Sings!, this is your place to gather, dance and feel the rhythm of the festival.  

An Evening with Warren Ellis 

Known for his work with Nick Cave and film soundtracks, Warren Ellis takes to the stage for an intimate conversation about his life, music and his deep commitment to animal conservation. This special Vivid Sydney talk and performance is presented in partnership with Sydney Film Festival.  

“An insightful conversation and a special solo set, this will be a brilliant night spent with one of the most visionary musicians of our time.”  

Sound Escape at City Recital Hall 

A multi-stage day-to-night party that spills from Angel Place into the streets. Expect an electrifying lineup of the hottest bands and musicians, immersive visuals and unexpected moments that challenge you to reframe your reality.  

“Music, food, light and revelry – this one-night-only dreamscape is a mini festival-within-a-festival and promises to be a fantastic night of pure escapism.” 

Vivid Sydney’s Sound Escape is a part of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. 

Vivid Sydney Supper Club 

Vivid Sydney Supper Club is the festival’s late-night cabaret-style series at Mary’s Underground, featuring themed nights hosted by a rotating roster of names including Angela Bishop, Luke Carrol, Amber Lawrence, Mark Humphries, Tom Cardy, Alex Lee, CJ Johnson, Chloé Zuel and Ryan Gonzalez. “Think sing-along hits, jokes and glitter. From a night of country classics, a celebration of Hollywood bangers to an all-out Open Mic night, there’s something for all walks of life waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs.” 

Vivid Ideas 

Where Do Ideas Come From? Creativity Inside TIME’s Cover 

TIME magazine Creative Director D.W. Pine is the man behind over 1,000 covers of what is undoubtedly the world’s most recognisable media brand. He is responsible for platforming some of the most important stories and controversial characters of our time, and this is a rare opportunity to hear about his creative process.  

“This talk is a masterclass in visual storytelling and D.W. Pine’s first keynote talk in the Southern Hemisphere. A fascinating opportunity to hear from one of the world’s most influential storytellers of our time” says Gill. 

Firetalk 

“This is storytelling by firelight – a tradition deeply rooted in First Nations culture. This series of free nights is an opportunity to be warmed by First Nations stories of strength, power and the future.”  

Curated by award-winning Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money, Firetalk will bring together a dynamic group of First Nations writers, poets and songwriters every Wednesday night of the festival for brilliant storytelling under the stars. This event is presented in partnership with Sydney Writers’ Festival.  

Dreams for the Future: Powerful Stories for Change 

In partnership with Sydney Writers’ Festival, this live reading brings together some of our most powerful, courageous and brilliant changemakers, including Sisonke Msimang, Ziggy Ramo, Craig Foster and Anjali Sharma.  

“One of the most inspiring events on the program, this night of visionary ideas is the stuff of dreams. After all, dreams lead to doing. They fuel visions of a different, better world, they’re the spark of inspiration we need to imagine a different tomorrow” Gill adds. 

Vivid Food 

Vivid Fire Kitchen 

“Always a festival favourite – this year we turn up the heat with a ‘fire and spice’ theme.” Expect bold, fiery flavours from top pitmasters, international BBQ legends and local favourites in this smokin’ celebration of fire cooking at The Goods Line. 

Hollywood Dreaming 

A precinct-wide takeover of the Hollywood Quarter, Surry Hills with live music, neon light art, late-night parties and delicious food, all paying homage to Hollywood’s golden age.  

“It’s Vivid Sydney’s first full precinct takeover – and we’re going big. We’ve got street parties hosted by the likes of Ace Hotel for Foy Lane Lights Up and an al fresco food festival with Taste of HQ. Plus, a trail of neon art, a gig trail and so much more.”  

Vivid Sydney Dinners with Nigella Lawson 

“A dream dinner in a dream location, we are so delighted to be welcoming the legendary Nigella Lawson to Vivid Sydney for these intimate, immersive dinners.”  

Nigella Lawson is curating and presenting a series of three exclusive dinners, set in the Muru Giligu tunnel beneath Martin Place.  

Native Food Experience at Parliament House 

This one-of-a-kind dining event invites guests into the heart of Parliament during the buzz of a sitting night, with Parliament of NSW Executive Chef Vanessa Harcourt and pioneering First Nations chef Dwayne Bannon-Harrison transforming it into a space for connection, reflection and flavour, for one night only.  

“This rare experience will showcase native ingredients and First Nations culinary traditions in an iconic setting.”  

Explore the full program, sign-up to the Vivid Sydney newsletter for updates and get ready to dream beyond the everyday.