Vivid Sydney (late May–June) is when the city swaps beach tans for puffer jackets and projector beams. The Harbour Bridge, Opera House and foreshore are washed in colour, with light walks curling around Circular Quay, The Rocks and Barangaroo. Grab a takeaway drink in the CBD, wander the installations, then slip back up toward Darlinghurst and Surry Hills when your fingers need a heater and a vodka soda.

Across the festival, the program leans increasingly rainbow. The official “Queer Night Out” collection pulls together cabaret, performance art and talks that feel like Mardi Gras’ introspective winter cousin, while parties like Heaps Gay and Thick n Juicy throw proper dance‑floor communion into the mix.

Logistically, think layers and sensible shoes: you’ll be outside a lot, walking between light trails and venues. Base yourself near the city or Darlinghurst so you can glide from harbour illuminations to post‑show cocktails at places like The Beresford, Stonewall or The Imperial in under 20 minutes. Most Vivid events are ticketed but the light installations are free, so you can splash out on that one big queer cabaret night and keep the rest deliciously budget‑friendly.