Sydney businesses are being invited to make the most of Vivid Sydney, with expressions of interest opening for the 2027 Local Business Program to help local operators reach new customers and promote their products, services, and experiences to festival visitors.
Bars, restaurants, retailers, and on-water operators can promote their businesses to Vivid Sydney audiences through special offers, bespoke menus, events and experiences, giving visitors more reasons to explore the city and support local businesses.
Taking place from Friday 28 May to Saturday 19 June 2027, Vivid Sydney will once again transform the Harbour City in winter, bringing visitors in to experience a program of Light, Music, Minds and Food and giving local businesses the chance to turn festival foot traffic into customers.
More than 550 businesses joined the Local Business Program in 2026, a 19 per cent increase on the previous year, with participating businesses across precincts including The Rocks, Barangaroo, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Quarter, Darling Square, Market City, Paddy’s Market Haymarket, and Sydney Place.
The results from the 2026 Local Business Program highlight the commercial opportunity for participating businesses, with 68 per cent saying extending trading hours was worthwhile, 52 per cent reporting higher-than-normal revenue and more than 83 per cent saying they would recommend the program to other businesses.
From vibrant pop-ups and exclusive offers to bespoke menus and extended trading, the program gives businesses the flexibility to create their own Vivid Sydney experience while attracting new customers and showcasing the best of NSW produce, products and creativity.
Businesses participating in the program will receive access to a range of benefits, including promotion on the Vivid Sydney website, a free digital toolkit with creative assets for marketing campaigns, and LED screens and window decals.
For more information and to apply for an expression of interest, visit Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“Vivid Sydney is globally recognised as one of the world’s largest festivals of light, music, ideas and food, attracting visitors from across Australia and around the world.
“The Minns Labor Government wants local businesses to be part of that success, and the Local Business Program gives operators across the city the opportunity to put their own creative stamp on the festival while attracting new customers and making the most of the increased foot traffic.
“By encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore more of the city and spend with local operators, we’re supporting Sydney’s night-time economy, local jobs and the broader visitor economy.”
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
“Vivid Sydney creates a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to put themselves in the spotlight and show visitors what makes Sydney such a great place to live, work and visit.
“From retailers and restaurants to creative businesses and local makers, this NSW Government initiative gives small businesses the opportunity to tap into the energy and excitement of Australia’s biggest event.
“I encourage those to get involved in the 2027 program and make the most of connecting with potential new customers.”
Executive Director of Business Sydney Paul Nicolaou said:
“Vivid Sydney is a major driver of visitation and economic activity for Sydney, and the Local Business Program ensures our small and medium-sized businesses are an integral part of that success.
“Vivid Sydney brings millions of people into the city, creating a significant opportunity for local operators to showcase their businesses and make the most of the festival’s crowds.
“When businesses get behind Vivid Sydney, it adds to the vibrancy of the city and helps deliver lasting benefits for our CBD, local jobs and the broader visitor economy.”
