A Vibrant May Awaits

Each winter, Vivid Sydney transforms the city into something truly extraordinary. From 22 May to 13 June 2026, Sydney comes alive with an awe-inspiring program of light, music, ideas, and food that has made it the world's largest festival of its kind.

The centrepiece is the Vivid Light Walk, an unbroken 6.5-kilometre journey along the Sydney Harbour foreshore, where immersive installations, 3D projections, and interactive artworks by acclaimed local and international artists reimagine the city after dark. This year's program reaches new heights with the debut of Vivid Minds, bringing together a remarkable constellation of global visionaries, including filmmaker Chloé Zhao, culinary icon Yotam Ottolenghi, and music tastemaker Zane Lowe.

For over two decades, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has proudly partnered with the Art Gallery of New South Wales as its Official Luxury Hotel Partner, supporting Australia’s most iconic cultural exhibitions including the most anticpiated Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes.

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes bring together leading works in portraiture, landscape and contemporary Australian art. From recognisable faces to powerful interpretations of place and form, the exhibitions offer a considered reflection of Australia’s creative landscape.

The Sydney Writers' Festival returns from 17 to 24 May 2026, bringing together celebrated authors, journalists and cultural voices from around the world for a week of engaging conversations and live events across the city.

Hosted at venues including Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall, the festival offers a diverse program spanning literature, politics, storytelling, culture and current affairs. It has become one of Australia’s leading literary events and a must-visit experience for those looking to immerse themselves in Sydney’s creative scene this season.