26 May 2025

Top 5 Things To Do in The Rocks During Vivid Sydney

Experience the dazzling transformation of The Rocks during Vivid Sydney 2025, running from May 23 to June 14. Plan your visit to witness the best of the light displays and immersive experiences this iconic Sydney location has to offer.

1. The Rocks Markets

Step into a world of wonder at The Rocks Night Markets. As the historic laneways glow with vibrant lights, you'll discover a treasure trove of local artisan wares and mouth-watering eats. From handcrafted jewellery and locally made skincare to unique textiles and aromatic candles, every stall is a new adventure. Satisfy your cravings with crispy gozleme, creamy gelato, and African-inspired BBQ from beloved vendors like Pharaoh BBQ and That's Amore Street Pizza.

2. Light Walk

Embark on a mesmerising journey through The Rocks with the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. From 6pm each night, the area transforms into a spectacular display of light installations and projections celebrating the theme of 'Dream.'

Begin your experience at First Fleet Park with 'Emergence,' a captivating light show that creates a meditative space accompanied by an ethereal soundscape. Continue your stroll to the Sydney Opera House to witness the dazzling 'Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid.' Next, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) where the facade is powerfully brought to life with 'King Dingo,' a projection by First Nations artist Vincent Namatjira. Your journey then leads to Cadman's Cottage for 'Stem,' an interactive installation where your voice blossoms into light when you speak, whisper, or sing into a flower microphone.

Don't forget to glance at the ASN Clock Tower, alive with community-made projections, before reaching the star of the show: 'Bloom' at The Argyle Cut, a truly dreamlike celebration of nature's beauty, from seed to towering tree.

3. Illuminating Flavours

Indulge in special Vivid-themed food and drink offers at The Rocks that embrace the 2025 theme of 'Dream.' Embark on a multi-sensory journey at Hickson House's Dream Lab, discover limited-edition cocktail and signature dumplings at Luna Lu or 'Glow & Go' with a fun takeaway menu at El Camino and more. 

4. Have a night picnic

As night falls, grab some goodies from The Rocks Markets - from mouthwatering pizzas and aromatic paellas to soul warming mulled wine - and head to Dawes Point Park for a Night Picnic Under the Bridge. Sit back on fun glow chairs and snuggle up by a heater. This idyllic spot offers a front-row seat to the Vivid Sydney Harbour lights. 

5. Free Live Music

Experience the electrifying sounds of Vivid Sydney at The Rocks, your ultimate destination for free live music! Every week, Thursday through Sunday, you'll find an eclectic mix of R&B, funk, and jazz setting The Rocks Square and 1 Hickson Road alight. Come feel the beat and let the music move you at Vivid Sydney in The Rocks. 
For more details, visit Vivid Sydney in The Rocks.