The largest festival of light in the Southern Hemisphere is back. Bigger, better and brighter than ever. 

If you haven’t had the chance to catch Vivid in the last decade, never fear, the 11th anniversary is set to be the best one yet. We’ll see the Harbour City transform into a tantalising colourful creative canvas from May 24 up until 15 June. From innovative installations, world-class events, light shows and an array of delectable eats and drinks, there are a variety of reasons to visit this year. Plus, with an expected 2.25 million attendees, you simply wouldn’t want to have any FOMO.

To convince you further, we’ve popped together our top 10 reasons to experience Vivid Sydney 2019.

1. See some tiger cubs.

In case you don’t catch the real ones, you’ll be able to experience the magic of Taronga Zoo at night; with the new lanterns, Sumatran Tiger Cubs, marking the birth of three new tiger cubs and highlighting the zoo’s commitment to conservation. Plus, Taronga Zoo + Epicure will be hosting a unique dining experience throughout Vivid at The View restaurant for sophisticated palates and wine lovers alike. There will also be vivid-themed market-style food for those who want a more casual experience throughout the zoo.

Taronga Zoo, Tiger Cubs. Vivid Sydney 2019. Image via DestinationNSW

2. Get an invite to a warehouse party. 

Experience over 10 electronic and indie music acts in one day at Curve Ball, Carriageworks. It just might be the warehouse party of the year!

3. Become a coding genius.

Well, at least start your coding career by learning the basics of coding, or get the inside scoop on how to drive business through game-changing technology. Whether you’re an adult or a child, head over to Vogue Codes at Carriageworks to up your tech game.

4. Feel like a kid again.

Lie back under the Argyle Cut in The Rocks and be transported back to your childhood. Enjoy an exclusive look at 30 years of animation through the eyes of PIXAR Animation Studios including some of their most loved characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear (just in time for Toy Story 4!)

Pixar/Disney, Vivid Sydney 2019. Image via DestinationNSW

5. Check out a free masterpiece.

Stroll over Sydney Harbour Bridge to experience City Sparkle, an unforgettable view of Sydney Harbour lit up by thousands of LEDs and projections.

6. Get a thrill.

Fly through the night sky on Volaré, Luna Park’s newest ride, described as a “magical wave swinger”. Sit back, enjoy the ride and the colourful view.

7. See a real-life Oscar winner. 

Yes, you could be rubbing shoulders with an Oscar-winning director. Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman 2019) joins the Game Changer Series at Vivid Ideas for 2019.

Vivid Sydney 2019 Program Launch. 19th March 2019. Photograph Dallas Kilponen

8. Get your munch on. 

Enjoy Sydney’s diverse and delicious restaurant scene and Vivid Sydney inspired menus. Try $1 dumplings at The Argyle, Vivid Sydney inspired teppanyaki at Kobe Jones or a $19 take-out box from No.1 Bent Street then top it off with a glow in the dark cocktail at Opera Bar. Yes please.

9. Take part in a music video. 

Be immersed in the most progressive form of music video whilst dancing along to The Rubens at Clipped Music Video Festival.

10. Get messy.

Play with slime but avoid the mess at your own place thanks to the Goo project by PropMill at Cadmans Cottage.

A few more of our favourites include these creative explorations of light; Nostalgia Above, Regal Peacock and Watch Your Chips.

To quench your curiosity in Vivid check out their website.

Feature image via DestinationNSW.