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Vivid Sydney 2019: The 10 top events you’d be embarrassed to miss
Free up the next couple of weeks because there's a lot of Vivid coming your way.
Since its inception in 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become so much more than just a light installation exhibition. Now played out over 23 days, this festival of light features music events and industry talks on top of its ever-growing list of light sculptures.
Nearby restaurants and establishments also get in on the act, with many of those along the exhibition route hosting Vivid parties between 24 May and 15 June 2019. But with so many events trying to catch your eye, you can easily find yourself lost in the dark over which ones to attend. That's where we come in.
We're here to shine a light and guide you through the Vivid maze, bringing you the best Vivid events to attend while you’re out seeing the lights at this year’s Vivid festival.
Planning to see Vivid?
Top 10 unmissable Vivid events that you need to get among – pronto!
1. Amex Lounge
Hold an Amex card? This year the exclusive Amex Lounge returns to bless its cardholders with panoramic views of the harbour.
And when we say cardholders, we mean cardholders and their guests as all cardholders can bring a +1 to enjoy the light show with them. If you hold an Amex Platinum or Centurion card then you're in an even better position as you can bring two guests with you.
Fancy. But not as fancy as the views which feature the Sydney Opera House and its famous sails installation in all its glory.
When: 24 May - 15 June 2019
Where: Cruise Rooftop Bar
Cost: Free
2. Camelot Lounge
A breeding ground for new talent, Camelot Lounge is where musicians and artists of all genres from Australia and the world take the main stage.
Over Vivid, it's invited large name acts such as Katie Noonan, Tex Perkins and Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates into their intimate rooms and smaller stages for a truly special event.
You're welcome.
When: 7-11pm, 24 May - 15 June 2019
Where: Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
Cost: Prices vary per act from $25-$50
3. Vogue Codes Live
The future of female innovation is looking bright and if you're excited about it too, you can tuck in for an evening with Vogue Australia.
The talks are aimed to promote female empowerment and innovation in business.
Guests include the founder and CEO of Sunfed Shama Sukul Lee, co-founder and chief brand officer of Spell & The Gypsy Collective and co-founder and COO of Glamcorner Audrey Khaing-Jones.
When: 15 June 2019
Where: Carriageworks
Cost: $125
4. Vivid Ideas: Game Changers – Spike Lee
A man that needs no introduction, Spike Lee is renowned throughout the Hollywood circuit for his contribution to the movie industry.
He makes his Vivid debut in 2019 to chat about his 40-year career and discuss his personal views on movie making.
When: 1 June 2019
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Cost: Sold out
5. Rūfüs Du Sol
There are so many big names playing Vivid this year but the locally grown wunderkids we're excited about is Rūfüs Du Sol. The Aussie trio is practically a household name. Their infectiously dancy tunes will get feet pumping at Carriageworks.
When: 13 and 14 June 2019
Where: Carriageworks
Cost: Tickets are now sold out
6. The Cure
The line-up of music at this year's Vivid is immense and if you're ready for a nostalgia trip, the gig to hit up is The Cure's.
The band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its groundbreaking record Disintegration with a world exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime show. It will feature the record's tracks as well as B-sides and deep catalogue cuts.
When: 24 May 2019
Where: Bennelong Point
Cost: Sold out
7. Sydney Film Festival
Each and every year the Sydney Film Festival lands smack-bang in the midst of Vivid, providing punters with the ultimate winter out.
For 12 days, lauded films from around the world will play at various venues around Sydney, including the iconic State Theatre. Buy a flexi-pass to hop in and out of them as you wander the Vivid lights. It's the thing to do.
When: 5-16 June 2019
Where: Various
Cost: Varies
8. Art After Hours
After the sun goes down and the Vivid lights go on, treat your inner self to an evening of discovery at Art After Hours.
It's a conversation and discussion that veers on the spiritual side of things as presenter Meshel Laurie discusses her failings with Buddhism but her path toward enlightenment.
Bringing things back to art, the night also includes a meditation session on artworks and a musical tribute to Spike Lee.
When: 29 May 2019
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
Cost: Free
9. Curve Ball
A massive warehouse, a Vivid festival theme and artists such as Hayden James, Mallrat and Young Franco. Put them together and you get one of the most sought-after musical and visual experiences in Sydney.
Welcome to Curve Ball. It's Vivid's most heart-pumping dance party and if you haven't danced until your shoes are worn to the sole, you haven't done it right.
When: 8 June 2019
Where: Carriageworks
Cost: $87
10. Vivid Cruises
Water is one of the most unique ways to experience the Vivid lights. A variety of cruises are available throughout the festival, which means you can see the highlights on fully licensed boats with indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Cruises tend to last for one to two hours and many have food and beverage menus or include a complimentary drink on arrival.
When: 24 May - 15 June
Where: Various
Cost: Varies
Vivid cruises you can book right now
Vivid cruise with Proclaim or Royale
Groupon
Vivid Blacklight party cruise
Groupon
Vivid festival cruise with Go Whale Watching
Groupon
Vivid festival cruise with Sydney Pearl Cruises
Groupon
Vivid festival cruise with champagne cocktail
Scoopon
Vivid lights Sydney Harbour cruise
Viator
Vivid festival cruise with buffet dinner
Groupon
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