Eat & drink at Vivid LIVE
From Newtown’s beloved rock ’n’ roll hangout, The Midnight Special, exclusive culinary experiences Culture in Motion and Saltbush and Starlight, and tried and tested crowd-pleasers Bennelong and Opera Bar, there is much to discover (and eat) at Vivid LIVE 2026.
House Canteen will be closed at this time.
Free public bar in Concert Hall Northern Foyers
The Midnight Special
In a faithful reimagining, The Midnight Special is back exclusively for Vivid LIVE. The perfect spot to grab a drink and a bite before a show, unwind afterwards, or simply soak up the atmosphere—show or not.
Recreating the warmth, spirit and energy of the iconic Enmore Road venue, the pop-up bar will feature original Midnight Special decor, lounges and a DJ booth in the Sydney Opera House, where a curated playlist will move seamlessly from rock and blues through ’70s punk and disco to Flying Nun, country and beyond.
Open 22 May – 2 June, from 6pm (excluding 26 May), access via Western Broadwalk
Midnight Special DJ schedule
Mama Disquo known for her eclectic record collection, a lover of good vibes believes the dancefloor is a form of expression, bringing together community, music is what connects us universally. Playing versatile sets, a reflection of her passion for music, bringing that knowledge to diverse spaces. Spicing things up from soul, funk, disco, afro, Latin, reggae, hip hop, house, rock & beyond. Holding down radio show Mama Disquo featuring guest DJ’s and musicians such as Nai Palm (Hiatus Kaiyote). Hosted local nights & founded ‘Wildlife Sessions’ a live to air broadcast of local bands & club nights, also lived & played the local & underground club scene in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Hot Flush brings mood changes and night sweats to the pelvic (dance) floor.
Known primarily as a photographer of music, culture and fashion, Liz Ham’s lifelong love of music has seen her DJ tunes alongside exhibitions, events and club nights. She has played sets at The Powerhouse Museum, Vivid Festival, Semi Permanent and The Gumball Festival.
Liz has obsessively amassed both digital and vinyl formats for over three decades, her collection spanning genres such as disco, funk, glam, garage rock, new wave, punk, post punk, exotica, indie, psych, soul, world and electronica - originating from anywhere between the 50's and today.
Milky Tea [she/her] is a vinyl collector and selector with a crate that spans soul, funk, Latin, afro, reggae, and bass-heavy sounds from around the world. Her sets are known for jumping across decades, genres, and time zones - always keeping the vibe fresh.
Over the past 5 years, she has been digging deeper into reggae and sound system culture, blending dancehall, digi-reggae, dub, dubstep, and bass music - bringing heavy basslines and global rhythms together in her own style. Her ever-evolving collection reflects a curiosity for new sounds and a love of sharing music that brings people together on the dancefloor.
She is a founding member of Queen Bee DJ’s, a Sydney based women’s vinyl collective. She is a resident at Queens Hotel (ENMORE), The Hive Bar (ERSKINEVILLE) and Rekodo Vinyl Bar (Barangaroo).
Riri is a Japanese - Australian DJ whose sets are rooted in groove, storytelling, and deep musical lineage. Raised in a home filled with R&B, soul, hip-hop and funk, she blends generations of sound with a crate-digger’s ear and an instinctive feel for the room. Her sets move as slow-burn narratives, drifting between deep cuts and familiar rhythms with a cross-cultural sensibility, landing in spaces that feel intimate, warm, and quietly electric.
You may have caught Reenie on the airwaves hosting ‘Sunset with Motorik’ on FBI Radio and ‘Crossing The Streams’ on 2SER, behind a drum kit as a human 808 in Sydney/Eora band ‘Good Pash’ or behind the decks at local institutions such as Club 77, Freda’s and Pleasure Club. Reenie has a talent for blending the eccentric and eclectic into a cosmic journey through sound, with a record collection to match her passion for all things auditory. Reenie is a dedicated contributor to the Sydney music scene with her deep-seated appreciation of music leaving an imprint on any audience. Reenie has released an EP, ‘Amirite/Zero Sum’ with Tunnel Signs on Motorik! and her solo deput ‘Space Cadet EP’ on Airsigns. Reenie’s edit of Prince’s ‘Baby I’m A Star’ was released on Rollover Milano’s sublabel ‘Anything Goes’ and recently she self-released a chuggy, dubbed out edit of Jack Ladder’s single ‘I’m Melting. ’Reenie’s dj sets are uniquely blended, often doused with expansive percussion, cosmic synths and electro chug energy. Her energy and passion are contagious, ready to keep you on the dancefloor and subtly opening Shazam.
A celebrated community photographer and a relegated community radiographer walk into an iconic Sydney neighbourhood bar. They sit in the dark and kiss. time stands still, then suddenly accelerates. the bar is displaced by the usual Sydney hipster hypocrisy. Our dynamic duo play the final night, all night. In a trajectory vaguely reminiscent of
LaPa legend Vic Simms' leap from the big house at Bathurst to the Opera House on the harbour (for opening week, no less), they next find themselves in the Northern Foyer, spinning sex songs for the ghosts of that (and this) special place.
Hot Shit are Jack Shit and Hot Flush.
They like music, spirit/s, water, love, light and dark.
They do.
Culinary experiences at Vivid LIVE
Crowd favourites
Bennelong
As Vivid Sydney lights up the harbour, Bennelong opens its doors and invites you in. Dine and drink beneath the glow from one of the city’s most iconic vantage points.
Midden by Mark Olive
Midden brings Indigenous Australian flavours to Vivid LIVE. Set on the Western Broadwalk overlooking Sydney Harbour, enjoy native‑inspired dishes, seasonal produce and warm hospitality.
Opera Bar
Perched at the water’s edge under the iconic sails, enjoy Vivid with dishes championing Sydney produce, delicious cocktails, locally crafted brews and a proudly NSW‑focussed wine list.
