Vivid KX

Vivid KX will explore the amazing worlds of cutting-edge performance and immersive theatre, cult musicals, extraordinary Australian film, avant-cabaret and multidisciplinary music-theatre mutations. Inspired by the lingering spirit of the Bohemian birthplace of Sydney’s avant-garde, Vivid KX will channel this vibe of informed chaos and ‘outsider’ culture — and then guide to the hearths of some of Sydney’s best restaurants.

These events are presented by Vivid Sydney in partnership with Vivid Precinct Contributor, Coca-Cola.

• Hidden Sydney - The Glittering Mile. An Immersive cabaret celebrating Kings Cross in the '50s, '60s and '70s, Hidden Sydney - The Glittering Mile returns for a strictly limited season. Dedicated to the heroes and villains, poets, drag queens, witches and silver spade crooners who called Kings Cross their home, Hidden Sydney sold out two hugely popular seasons last year and returns for a limited time in Vivid Sydney 2017 — accompanied by Kings Bloody Cross — a curated season of raw and riveting ‘in conversation events’ featuring the KX luminaries of that Golden Age.
  When: 26 May–17 June
  Where:  The World Bar 
   
• Kings Bloody Cross - Tales of the Criminale and Gliterrati. A curated season of raw and riveting ‘in conversation’ events with Kings Cross luminaries. Rub shoulders with artists, idealists and opportunists and hear fascinating twentieth century stories about ‘ungentrified’ Sydney — the heady days of rock 'n' roll, free love, corruption, opportunity, sex, greed and politics. A thrilling insight into the dirty half mile’s people, bohemia and place.
  When: 26 May–17 June
  Where: The World Bar 
   
• Welcome to Kings Cross. Celebrate Kings Cross’ incredible nightlife with a full-venue blowout! Dozens of DJs will cover a diverse range of dancefloor-driven genres, eras and movements, with each of our six floors programmed by our fave late-night party crews including Bad Deep, Shantan Wantan Ichiban, Keep it Disco, Uptown, and more. 
  When: 27 May
  Where: Kings Cross Hotel. 
   
• Cult Sinema Australiana. Explore the audacious, outrageous and endlessly entertaining underbelly of Australia’s cinematic history. Curated by Jay Katz and Miss Death, we’ll be exploring nine key films with one-off screenings as well as special guests, interviews and stories. 
  When: 1–17 June
  Where: Kings Cross Hotel
   
• Basement Parties. A daring program of nine unique, immersive, one-off parties in our intimate dive bar. Together with bands, DJs, dancers, singers and performers, we’ll be celebrating something different each night — from Twin Peaks, to Glam Rock, to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. 
  When: 1-17 June, Thurs-Sat nights
  Where: Kings Cross Hotel
   
• Only Heaven Knows. This beloved musical set in bohemian Kings Cross in the 1940s and 1950s, tells of a young gay man’s discovery of love and life in the heady freedom of the post-war day, rudely interrupted when the cold winds of intolerance blow through.
  When: 26 May–17 June
  Where: Hayes Theatre, Potts Point
   
• Murder On The Dancefloor. Who dunnit? Go on a murder mystery tour with this theatrical cocktail-culinary experience. There’ll be grisly projections and music curated by Australia’s first lady of house music, DJ Kate Monroe, and a menu of fabulous food and creepy cocktails designed to match the murderous action.
  When: 16 June
  Where: Crane Bar, Potts Point
   
• Eat the Streets. Eat your way through the cream of Kings Cross' great restaurants during Vivid Sydney. Participating restaurants include Macleay Street Bistro, Fratelli Paradiso, Apollo, Cho Cho San and Billy Kwong. 
  When: 26 May–17 June
  Where: Macleay Street Bistro, Fratelli Paradiso, Apollo, Cho Cho San and Billy Kwong. 
   
• Characters of the Cross. For the first time at Kings Cross, the Coca-Cola billboard will come alive to celebrate the talent, colour, creativity and diversity of Kings Cross. Shot by portrait photographer Katherine Williams, the Characters of Kings Cross series will feature moving black and white portraits of the individuals that make Kings Cross so special. The projected images will feature on the left-hand side of the sign, and will include familiar faces such as Kylie Kwong, along with other Kings Cross locals.
  When: 26 May–17 June
  Where: Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross (left side of the Coca-Cola billboard)
   
• The famous Coca-Cola LED billboard will for the first time in 40 years transform into a continuous light show of vibrant colours and special effects for the entire 23 nights of Vivid Sydney.
  When: 26 May–17 June
  Where: The famous Coca-Cola billboard, Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross