Opening hours extended for inner Sydney licensed venues during Vivid festival

Inner Sydney licensed venues have been granted extended opening hours during Vivid Sydney. Eligible venues can operate until midnight on Sundays from 26th May to 9th June as part of the NSW Government’s year-round trading extensions for special events.

For Vivid Sydney 2024, extended trading on Sunday nights is available to hotels, general bars, clubs, small bars and dedicated live music and performance venues in the CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Pyrmont, Woolloomooloo and Potts Point in the City of Sydney local government area.

Under the NSW Government’s trading extensions, venues can open their doors longer for special cultural and sporting events, helping to boost local night-time economies.

In addition, hotels can now also apply to trade until midnight on Sundays permanently under the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.

As an added boost, Special Event Extended Trading allows venues to keep their doors open until midnight on Sundays regardless of whether they have applied for a permanent extension. 

As the year progresses, the NSW Government expects to list additional special events, further enriching NSW’s nightlife and cultural offerings across the region

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham noted “Vivid Sydney is the biggest free festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere as families enjoy a night out that does not hit the hip pocket. Last year’s event attracted a record 3.48 million people and brought in $206 million in spending, the largest in its history.

“We are expecting another big event in 2024 and look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy the light, music, ideas and food.

“Hospitality venues are a vital part of the city and the Sydney economy, and they are always there to support major events such like Vivid Sydney, helping people make the most of a night out.

“Special event extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”

Get a full list of special events and more information on extended trading.

Get more information on the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms.