We’ve selected best gigs at Vivid Sydney. The yearly event is around the corner once again; and is boasting an extensive line-up of parties, venue takeovers, and installations all over Sydney. X|Celerate is a partnership between Vivid Sydney and the City of Sydney, bringing Vivid Music to the villages of Sydney. Think grassroots arts and music in your local area.
With such an array of opportunities to enjoy during the festival, it can be hard to choose where to go and what to do. This year, Vivid Sydney and the City of Sydney bring X|Celerate to the city’s Winter program, which is basically pairing the freshest local acts with the coolest local venues. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of our favourite gigs that are part of the 2018 X|Celerate program to help you make some good choices!
1: Cake Wines presents: We Out Here, A LDN Story – Cake Wines Cellar Door
24th May – Free (registration required)
Cake Wines are holding a very special viewing of We Out Here, A LDN Story. The film is by Fabrice Bourgelle and Giles Peterson’s record label, Brownswood, and is all about the current London Jazz scene. Hosted by Tom Studdy of Midnight swim and the jazz night Jazz! Attack! It’s bound to be a great night.
2: Gabriella Cohen at Golden Age Cinema & Bar
25th May – Free (registration required)
After releasing her debut album in 2016, Gabrielle Cohen received rave reviews around the world. Her nostalgic sound resonates with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak, and this is your chance to experience it live. One of the most exclusive events during Vivid Music, you can register for free tickets here.
3: Heavenly X Harry’s at Harpoon Harry’s
The first of many Vivid Music takeovers at Harpoon Harry’s is going to be a free, all out party. Curated by Heavenly – a collective of Ben Fester, T Mingus and Adrian E., this party boasts an insane line-up of national and international acts guaranteed to have you on the dancefloor until early morning.
5: Kings Cross Hotel presents: 10 Years Vivid
26th May – $10 online, ($15 on the door)
Featuring parties curated by Bad Deep, Kato, and PICNIC, this multi-level extravaganza is set to be one of the biggest parties of Vivid Music. Taking over the entire venue, there is something for everyone and anyone.
6: CC:Disco – All Night Long At Harpoon Harry’s
Already having made a name for herself touring the country, CC:Disco is back at Vivid for one reason: She kills it every time. A standout from last year, as well as a major name in Melbourne, she’s been playing all over Australia – as well as the rest of the world. Expect a hectic, vibrant, and genuinely fun night of non-stop bops at this free performance from one of Australia’s best DJs.
7: Vogue – A Live Tribute To Madonna at Freda’s
This very special one night only event is set to go off. The Freda’s house band and Retrosweat will be performing live, covering tracks from several of Madonna’s best albums. You can expect special guests, dancing, and all the Madge classics. Tickets are $15 on the door.
8: Underwater Galaxies at Freda’s
For this special event, Sydney event producers Yeah Nah Yeah have collaborated with Melbourne arts collective Stargazed. Expect live music, projection arts, and a whole lot of fun.
9: Dog Days 3 at Oxford Art Factory
1st June – $18.25
Promised as their biggest event yet, Dog Days are returning to Oxford Art Factory to bring you an all night party featuring live bands, and DJs. The past two events have been huge, and this one looks to be even more exciting. First release tickets have sold out, but there are some second release left on Moshtix.
10: Visions Fest 2018 at The Lady Hampshire
Australian promoters Visions are all about forward thinking artists. This is clear in their massive list of past tours – Warpaint, The Preatures, Polish Club, and more. This free event is set to showcase some of the most exciting alternative artists out there.
11: Everything 90s: House and Garage at The Burdekin
Everything 90s is returning with a party celebrating the peak of house and UK garage. Early bird tickets are still available at Eventbrite, however all their previous parties have sold out so get in quick.
12: Groove City’s Disco Deluxe – Oxford Art Factory
After smashing the stages of Groovin The Moo, Groove City have a brand new live show and a bunch of disco tunes for everyone to get down to. A bunch of special guests are also lined up to ensure you are dancing all night. First release tickets have sold out, but there are second and final release tix here.
13: Delfino Apertivo With Stereogamous at The Dolphin
3-7th June – Free
Apertivo hour at The Dolphin is going next level thanks to one of the best queer bands in Australia. Stereogamous are on board to start the party early with their own tracks and remixes of classic bangers. Get amongst it from the 3rd until the 7th for the best and queerest way to start the night!
14: Extra Silky – Freda’s
Hair salon Extra Silky are taking over Freda’s and throwing a “Market by day – party by night”. You can shop for clothes, art, accessories and more, before getting down in the night to a bunch of awesome acts all curated by the salon.
15: Pure Space: Aurora – Freda’s
One of the favourite shows on FBi radio, Pure Space is bringing themselves to life for Vivid Music. With a projected atmosphere by Sophie P-Y and a variety of experimental dance artists performing, the event is going to be huge. Get your dancing shoes on and get in early.
Take a look at the entire Vivid Music in our villages lineup here.
