Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House is back, transforming the iconic venue into a hotbed of sonic brilliance, artistic rebellion, and euphoric dancefloor moments. From legendary trailblazers to the underground’s finest, this year’s lineup is stacked with exclusive shows, dream collaborations, and rare appearances.
Here are some highlights:
ANOHNI, Beth Gibbons & Sigur Rós Lead the Charge in the Concert Hall
ANOHNI returns after nearly a decade, fusing her haunting compositions with cinematic visuals of the Great Barrier Reef. Portishead’s Beth Gibbons makes her Australian solo debut, while Sigur Rós go orchestral with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for an ethereal, once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Japanese Breakfast, Marlon Williams & Pat Metheny Deliver Global Excellence
Indie dream-pop royalty Japanese Breakfast bring their first Sydney show in eight years, while New Zealand’s Marlon Williams debuts his groundbreaking Māori-language album. Jazz icon Pat Metheny rounds out the trio with a masterclass in guitar wizardry spanning 50 years.
Ezra Collective & The Sabres of Paradise Bring the Party Vibes
Britain’s brightest jazz export, Ezra Collective, return with their genre-bending, dancefloor-driven grooves. Meanwhile, The Sabres of Paradise reunite after 30 years, reviving their legendary warehouse rave energy for an exclusive Australian show.
Ravyn Lenae, Mount Kimbie & Jessica Pratt Elevate the Joan Sutherland Theatre
Ravyn Lenae’s honeyed neo-soul, Mount Kimbie’s evolution into post-punk indie, and Jessica Pratt’s ethereal folk make for a genre-blurring trifecta. Each act brings a distinct sonic landscape, proving why Vivid LIVE is a melting pot of innovation.
Ichiko Aoba, Miss Kaninna & Surprise Chef Bring Fire to the Drama Theatre
From the dreamlike folk of Japan’s Ichiko Aoba to the raw power of Indigenous rap force Miss Kaninna, the Drama Theatre is set to host some of the festival’s most spellbinding acts. Melbourne’s groove kings Surprise Chef add their slinky soul to the mix, ensuring no one stays still.
SAHXL, 3% & Velvet Trip Take Over the Utzon Room
Western Sydney’s rising star SAHXL blends R&B and trapsoul, while First Nations hip-hop supergroup 3% deliver powerful, politically charged bars. Psych-pop outfit Velvet Trip round out the lineup with their euphoric, festival-ready sound.
Studio Takeovers: Trackwork, Dstreet & House of Mince Run the Underground
Sydney’s finest collectives reclaim the Studio for a series of all-night raves, with Trackwork celebrating their fifth birthday, dstreet bringing deep techno, and House of Mince curating one of the wildest queer dance parties of the festival.
Mad Racket, DUNJ & Barney Kato Throw Down in the Studio
Mad Racket, Sydney’s longest-running underground dance party, returns with an all-star DJ lineup. Meanwhile, DUNJ’s bass-heavy rhythms and Barney Kato’s unpredictable sonic chaos promise nights of unfiltered electronic euphoria.
Lighting of the Sails: David McDiarmid’s “Kiss of Light” Ignites the Skyline
Celebrating 30 years since David McDiarmid’s passing, Vivid LIVE 2025 projects his bold, queer aesthetic onto the Sydney Opera House sails. A technicolour tribute to artistic rebellion, it’s a glowing centrepiece for the festival’s most ambitious edition yet.
Vivid runs from Friday 23 May – Saturday 14 June 2025 at the Sydney Opera House and other venues
Insiders pre-sale commences: Wednesday 12 March, 11am AEDT
What’s On pre-sale: Thursday 13 March, 10am AEDT
Vivid Sydney pre-sale: Friday 14 March, 10am AEDT
Tickets on sale to the general public: Monday 17 March, 10am AEDT
Head HERE for ticketing information.
