Vivid Sydney Drone Shows
A new kind of Vivid spectacle lights up Darling Harbour
Each year Vivid Sydney transforms the city with light, creativity and imagination. In 2026, one of the most exciting additions to the program arrives above the waters of Darling Harbour – a series of spectacular drone light shows designed to bring the night sky to life.
Across a series of special evenings during the festival, hundreds of illuminated drones will move in choreographed formations above Cockle Bay, creating glowing shapes and animated stories in the air. Each performance blends technology, design and storytelling to deliver a unique visual experience that feels distinctly Sydney.
The shows run twice nightly at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, each lasting around 8–12 minutes, offering visitors the chance to catch the spectacle before or after exploring the wider Vivid program.
One of the most exciting moments of the festival
The Vivid Drone Shows are expected to be among the most popular activations of the festival, drawing crowds to the Darling Harbour waterfront to watch the sky transform above the harbour. Viewing areas around Cockle Bay Wharf offer prime vantage points, while additional screens in nearby Tumbalong Park will broadcast the show so visitors across the precinct can enjoy the display.
Combined with Vivid’s illuminated installations, waterfront dining and late-night atmosphere, the drone shows add another layer of excitement to the festival’s already vibrant program.
Drone Show Dates:
- Sunday 24 May
- Monday 25 May
- Tuesday 26 May
- Wednesday 27 May
- Sunday 31 May
- Monday 1 June
- Tuesday 2 June
- Wednesday 3 June
- Monday 8 June
- Tuesday 9 June
- Wednesday 10 June
A short walk from the action
Located in Pyrmont, Hotel Woolstore 1888 sits just a short walk from Darling Harbour, placing you right beside one of Vivid Sydney’s most lively precincts.
Start the evening with dinner or drinks at Percy before strolling across to the harbour to watch the drone shows unfold above the water. Afterwards, continue exploring the light installations, night markets and waterfront attractions that make Vivid such a memorable Sydney experience.
Staying nearby at Hotel Woolstore means you can take in the atmosphere without worrying about late-night transport, returning easily to the comfort of the hotel once the lights fade and the crowds begin to drift home.
Image credit: Destination NSW