A go-to for epic eats, nights out, and the best in arts and entertainment, the Hollywood Quarter Sydney is gearing up to illuminate Surry Hills for Vivid 2025 with the inaugural Hollywood Dreaming.
Hitting the quarter from 23 May to 14 June, this bold and brilliantly curated series of Vivid Sydney events is the ultimate celebration of creativity, community, and culinary class.
From intimate venue offerings to street-wide parties, here's everything to expect when the party rolls through.
Next-Level Bites
From casual bites to indulgent dining experiences, Hollywood Quarter's legendary restaurants and bars are boasting themed menus and extra special experiences that are bound to impress.
Think mouthwatering ‘Apolotivo’ at Poly, panko prawn buns at Chin Chin, and a next-level lox from Brooklyn Boy Bagels. To ensure you start with a bang, kick off your ‘25 Vivid experience with a pre-show park-up and $2 Oysters at The Rover.
For a post-explore feed and for when the hunger comes knocking, there's no better option than Butter. Why? Because Sydney’s fried chicken gods are serving up their Mad Hatter's Mess Burger all festival long. Picture their famous hot cinnamon doughnut bun, a crispy fried chicken thigh, salted butter, smoky bacon, and a generous swirling of maple syrup alongside their Alice Cocktail and some truffle-doused Cheshire Cat Fries. Trust us when we say that food coma will be well worth the final fry.
You’ll also want to check out A Taste of HQ. Transforming Foster St into one giant open-air dinner party on Saturday 31 May from 5pm-11pm, pair plates from Sydney’s most talked-about chefs (like Lennox Hastie and Mat Lindsay), with live tunes and roaming performances all night long. With all ages welcome, this free and family-friendly event is a must.
For more on everything you can expect in terms of tasty tipples and mouthwatering eats, head here.
All Of The Lights
For 23 epic nights, the Hollywood Quarter will glow with iconic film references and nostalgic neon vibes thanks to this year's Neon Trail. Helping film lovers muse on what it means to dream, the trail will light venues across this slice of Surry Hills. Perfect for some gram-worthy photo ops and neon-lit adventures, pencil this in for your next upscale date night.
And to round off your ‘25 Vivid experience on a high, be sure to witness art and music as they meet under the stars at the Ace Hotel and Arts-Matter’s closing night laneway takeover.
Tucked away in the quaintest of streets, digital creative Mila Kudis will transform Foy Lane into a part pop-up gallery, part street party. Equipped with live music, a one-of-a-kind immersive installation, late-night snacks, and endless cocktails, this starlit evening is a must-attend. The best part? It’s free. RSVP for your spot here.
For The Gig Lovers
Prepare for next-level music to pulse through the streets, with headline sets and intimate gigs at various venues around the HQ. With 18 electrifying events to choose from, the hardest decision is deciding which one to save for next year.
The iconic Hollywood Hotel will be rocking and rolling with their special edition Late Night Vivid Lounge. Taking place across four Saturdays, expect nothing but the best in live bands and upcoming local DJ collectives.
If you’re after something a little more low-key, David Lynch and friends will be blessing the mic at Golden Age Cinema and Bar in the form of Club Silencio. Gear up for live music, performance art, and installations. Pair that with a bespoke Cameo cocktail, sit back, and enjoy the experience.
For those who love a mid-week excuse for a boogie, Soda Factory is bringing you the hottest live and original Australian performers across three Wednesday nights. Pair this celebration of local musicians of all shapes and styles with unreal food deals, happy hour, and their signature glowing Vivid cocktail.
For more of where that came from, hit up the full Gig Trail details here.
With Vivid 2025 just around the corner, check out the full rundown on Hollywood Dreaming and why Hollywood Quarter is the hub of all things happening over Vivid 2025 here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Hollywood Quarter and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.