Our city will light up once again this Friday May 27 – Saturday June 18 as Vivid Sydney’s festival of lights, music and ideas returns for its longest stretch yet.
Since its inauguration seven years ago, Vivid has become one of our city’s most popular times of the year – and certainly one of its brightest. Every night out at Vivid deserves to be special, so we’ve asked some of the venues around Sydney and the Circular Quay precinct what they’re doing to celebrate. Beat the crowds, enjoy the view and grab a drink at some of our Vivid Hotspots for 2016.
18 Argyle St, The Rocks
What to see and do:Delight in futuristic, state-of-the-art lighting productions and illuminated performances. Enjoy electrifying live music entertainment every night of the week during Vivid. There’ll also be enigmatic roaming performances, Vivid-inspired cocktails and a whole spectrum of surprises awaiting you.
For our ears:DJ lineups include Brooklyn, Andy Murphy, Glover, Jesabel, Moto and Kin, and live music from Mike Champion, Rob Edwards and Alyse Marie.
The fuel:The Parallel Universes – our intergalactic cocktail comprising of Belvedere pink grapefruit, Aperol, raspberry and passion fruit – will be offered throughout the Vivid celebrations.
The cost:$20+ on Friday and Saturday nights, free entry all night Sunday – Thursday.
89 George St, The Rocks
What to see and do:Live music seven nights a week along with fun entertainment including karaoke and trivia, and all on the doorstep of the Vivid action on Circular Quay.
For our ears:A huge program of live music for the duration of Vivid to give you a soundtrack for your evening’s adventures. Highlights include Jonathan Jones, The Chosen Few, Mark Travers, Wildcatz Band, Reckless and many more. For the full program, visit the BRAG gig guide at thebrag.com/gig-guide.
The fuel:The Orient Hotel has launched an all-new comfort food offering with a diverse variety of flavours from across the globe. Enjoy a range of steaks, pastas, salads and shared options. Either indulge in the dining room or relax in the atrium.
The cost:A $5 cover charge applies from 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights, otherwise entry is free.
1 Loftus St, Sydney
What to see and do:A focus on quality food offerings and tantalising cocktails, just around the corner from Customs House – one of the most popular destinations for the Vivid lights.
For our ears:Pub staples and resident DJs on rotation.
The fuel:The Paragon Hotel’s bistro offers succulent burgers and share plates, steaks and more moreish plates. Enjoy our И la carte bistro menu and open air courtyard while taking in the Vivid light displays around the hotel’s 360-degree views. The Paragon will also be host to a Moet & Chandon Ice activation throughout Vivid – drop in and treat yourself to our extensive beverage list.
The cost:Free entry.
264-278 George St, Sydney
What to see and do:As part of the Vivid Trail hosted by Ryan’s Hotels this year, Ryan’s Bar will showcase DJs every Friday and Saturday night for the duration of the festival, as well as being a great place to escape the crowds or prime yourself for a journey into the heart of the action.
For our ears:Resident DJs every Friday and special music events every Saturday night. Come experience the best in R&B/party tunes to set the scene of fun and adventure at one of the hottest bars in the CBD.
The fuel:Ryan’s Bar has a focus on pub food classics, offering a variety of steaks, burgers, pizzas and salads to fuel up for Vivid.
The cost:Ryan’s Bar is free entry during the Vivid period.
1 Pitt St, Sydney
What to see and do:Come and try out our luscious Belvedere cocktail menu and enjoy our lighting display, just a stone’s throw from the central Vivid trail’s main attractions.
For our ears:DJs on rotation on Friday and Saturday from 6pm until late, including Katie Nix, Coopa, Steph Lusk and Charles Oliver.
The fuel:The Ship Inn has a dedicated pizza menu with 22 different styles to choose from, along with gourmet salads and wraps.
The cost:Free entry.
Taylor’s Social & The Republic Hotel
69-73 Pitt St, Sydney
What to see and do:Enjoy the Vivid views of Sydney’s eye-catching landmarks, coupled with local and international acts. Situated nicely atop the heritage-listed Republic Hotel, Taylor’s rooftop bar on the corner of Pitt and Bridge Streets brings together a piece of Sydney’s rich history and a piece of modern-day lifestyle to create the perfect marriage.
For our ears:Australian electronic music label will take over the rooftop of Taylor’s Social every Saturday night during Vivid for DANCE Etc. Saturday May 28 will feature Go Freek, Acaddamy and more; Yolanda Be Cool headline on Saturday June 4; and Father Dude and Stace Cadet play on Saturday June 11. Taylor’s will also host DJs every Friday night.
The fuel:Taylor’s is launching a new gourmet sandwich menu with plenty of yummy sides to complement creations like fried chicken, sriracha mayo and coleslaw, and roasted pork belly, roasted onions, fennel and apple sauce.
The cost: Entry for the Vivid series each Saturday night is $20.
[Main Image: The Argyle]
