Padstow 
If you’re looking for a reason to head into the city, this month, then this is it.
Sydney will light up the Sydney Opera House sails on Friday night for the 10th annual Vivid festival.
From May 25 to June 16, there are light displays, music shows and “ideas events” running at venues across the city, including Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross, The Rocks and Walsh Bay.
With more than 300 events across the 23 nights and 2.3 million people expected to turn out for it, here’s a guide to the festival highlights and tips for surviving the crowds:
Customs House will light up with a tribute to May Gibbs’ 100-year-old characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, while Australian artist Jonathan Zawada has created a custom work for the Opera House sails.
Taronga Zoo is also lighting up for the festival, with a wildlife-themed light display.
However Vivid is not just about the lights, and there are some seriously great music and idea events on offer.
On the 20th anniversary of its release, Cat Power is performing her breakthrough album Moon Pix in full at the Sydney Opera House. Also performing at the Opera House will be Daniel Johns and Luke Steele, fresh from Coachella in their new collaboration Dreams.
Another 20th-anniversary treat is the 90s-themed masquerade ball Young Hearts Run Free, a full soundtrack performance of the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet at the Enmore Theatre.
And the Grammy award-winning St Vincent is performing one show only at the Carriageworks.
In the idea category of events, the after-hours Jurassic Lounge party at the Australian Museum is returning for one night only, and those keen on debate might like the inaugural Mark Colvin Conversation at City Recital Hall.
Surviving Vivid
Let’s not mince words, Vivid event spaces like Circular Quay, The Rocks and Darling Harbour will be packed during the festival, with opening and closing weekends the busiest times.
The festival is open from 6pm to 11pm every night, so if crowds aren’t your thing, early in the evening on weeknights are the best time to go.
Getting there
With major road closures in the CBD for the duration of the festival, it’s best to avoid driving.
NSW Transport have put on 6,000 extra public transport services, so check out the Transport NSW website for more details and for trip planning – they even have walking routes mapped out to help you plan your night.
For a full list of events, visit the vivid website here
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