From next week, Carriageworks’ Vivid Sydney program lights up the precinct with a bold convergence of hip hop and R&B icons, homegrown and global electronic music artists, First Nations celebration, cutting-edge contemporary performance and immersive fine dining experiences from 29 May to 14 June.
Hip hop icon Lil’ Kim returns to Australia for the first time in more than 15 years for a landmark performance on 29 May celebrating Hard Core and The Notorious K.I.M. – two records that fundamentally reshaped the genre. She is joined by proud Malyangapa and Barkindji rapper BARKAA, described as ‘the new matriarch of Australian rap,’ and Rocky Stallone & Friends.
Grammy-winning R&B powerhouse Ella Mai brings her smooth, sultry vocals to Carriageworks on 5 June, off the back of a sold-out global tour and the release of her latest album Do You Still Love Me?. Papua New Guinean–born, ARIA Award–winning neo-soul artist KAIIT, supports with her velvet-smooth vocals, raw storytelling and fearless presence.
Electronic music will surge through the precinct across a series of high-energy nights, with boundary-pushing artists and pulsating sets transforming Carriageworks into a euphoric after-dark playground.
In a Vivid Sydney exclusive, Sydney-born club darling turned international festival powerhouse Alison Wonderland channels the rebellious energy of her early warehouse party days with Wonderland Warehouse Project on 6 June with Anna Lunoe, Airwolf Paradise, Katayanagi Twins and Prophecy Girl. On 12 June, the Australian edition of FOR YOUR SAFE KEEPING sees Sudanese-Australian producer Skin On Skin set the dance floor alight with his raw, high-voltage fusion of house, techno, and hard-hitting 808s alongside Loukeman, EQ and Scalymoth.
Genre-defying, electronic visionary Porter Robinson makes his Carriageworks debut to perform a headline DJ set blurring euphoric electronica with raw emotional storytelling on 13 June – joined by Golden Features (DJ set), who stands as one of Australia’s most celebrated electronic artists. With support from jamesjamesjames and his iconic Y2K house and techno energy, and Mina Tonic weaving cross-genre melodies and rhythms. On 7 June, global techno brand Teletech returns to Australia for its ninth edition, headlined by Italian duo 999999999, joined by Cara Elizabeth, DJ Cringey, Natte Visstick and Onlynumbers.
In a massive one-night celebration of Blak creativity and community, Awesome Black returns to Carriageworks with the free, all-ages Awesome Black Block Party on 31 May. Headlined by Mob favourites Tasman Keith and Wire MC with special guests, Awesome Black has called up some of best artists on the scene right now, including Akala Newman, Mr Rhodes, Mari., Prodikal-1, Chill Cheney, AP BREEZIN, Source Decay, Desert Empress, Izzy and Lehm.
While on 11 June, Texan psychedelic rock band The Black Angels celebrate the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album Passover – a record that helped define the 21st century psych revival. Supported by Sydney psych-rock outfit Magic Machine, known for their hypnotic grooves, fuzz-drenched guitars and high-energy live shows.
Acclaimed contemporary dance company Chunky Move present U>N>I>T>E>D from 11-14 June, a thunderous fusion of movement, machine and mysticism. Created by Artistic Director Antony Hamilton and performed by six exceptional dancers, the work unites science-fiction inspired design, cutting-edge technology, and experimental sound from leaders in the Balinese experimental music scene Gabber Modus Operandi.
The sold-out Warakirri Dining Experience (30-31 May), presented in partnership with Indigiearth, will take guests diners on a journey through an intimate degustation showcasing native Australian ingredients sourced from the outback to the ocean, blending modern technique with traditional knowledge. Curated by renowned Weilwan chef and SMH Good Food Guide Bill Granger Trailblazer Award recipient Sharon Winsor, Warakirri celebrates the richness of First Nations Culture, cuisine and storytelling.
Carriageworks Vivid Sydney 2026 program takes place from 29 May to 14 June.
The program can be found here. Registrations are open, and tickets are selling fast.
Vivid Sydney takes place from 22 May to 13 June, for more information visit vividsydney.com
VIVID SYDNEY 2026 AT CARRIAGEWORKS
29 May
Lil’ Kim Celebrating Hard Core & The Notorious K.I.M.
Supported by BARKAA and Rocky Stallone & Friends
30-31 May
Warakirri Dining Experience
31 May
Awesome Black Block Party
Tasman Keith and Wire MC with special guests
Akala Newman, Mr Rhodes, Mari., Prodikal-1, Chill Cheney, AP BREEZIN, Source Decay, Desert Empress, Izzy and Lehm
5 June
Ella Mai
Supported by KAIIT
6 June
Alison Wonderland presents: Wonderland Warehouse Project
with Anna Lunoe, Airwolf Paradise, Katayanagi Twins and Prophecy Girl
7 June
Teletech feat. 999999999, Cara Elizabeth, DJ Cringey, Natte Visstick & Onlynumbers
11 June
The Black Angels performing Passover (20th Anniversary)
Supported by Magic Machine
11-14 June
U>N>I>T>E>D by Chunky Move
12 June
FOR YOUR SAFE KEEPING: Skin On Skin, Loukeman, EQ & Scalymoth
13 June
Porter Robinson (DJ set) with Golden Features (DJ set)
with jamesjamesjames and Mina Tonic
