23 May - 1 Jun 2025
In the Concert Hall Northern Foyer
Experiences
Step into The Aurora, a dreamy hideaway bar inspired by the magical hues of the Aurora Australis and Borealis. With sweeping Harbour views, radiant light projections, and a dreamy blend of synth-pop and electro soundscapes, it’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a drink, and soak in the Vivid Sydney magic.
The Aurora is open from 6pm till late, 23 May – 1 June 2025 (closed 28 May).
The Aurora offers a variety of wines, beers, cocktails, soft drinks, non-alcoholic options and tasty bar snacks to enjoy.
View The Aurora menu here.
Wheelchair accessible:
The Aurora is fully accessible via internal lifts and passageways. Our Front of House team are available to assist with guiding you to the bar.
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
Entry is free
Entry is free, and tickets are not required. All are welcome, with entry via the western external steps of the Opera House (or the Concert Hall for ticketholders).
Location
Make your way to The Aurora from the Western Broadwalk, via the external steps of the Opera House.
Useful information:
Drink it in — the lights, the views and the vibes
Soak up breathtaking Harbour views and surround youself in the vibrant pulse of synth-pop and electro beats at The Aurora — your ultimate Vivid Sydney hideaway. Perched in the Concert Hall’s Northern Foyer, this pop-up bar is a luminous escape inspired by the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis.
Bathed in radiant light projections and ambient soundscapes, The Aurora blends dreamlike décor with a curated menu of wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and tasty bar snacks. Whether you're arriving early or winding down after a Vivid LIVE performance, it’s the perfect place to linger, sip, and soak in the atmosphere.
Presented by Midnight Special
Plan your visit
Venue information
Our foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer.
Getting here
Visitors and ticketholders are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time and use public transport whenever possible when arriving for an event or performance. Large crowds are expected on the Opera House precinct and around the CBD, and road closures may be in place.
For further information, please visit Transport NSW’s Vivid Sydney page.
The Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay precincts are very popular and attract large crowds during Vivid Sydney. Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave the car at home and use public transport wherever possible. During this time, there will be changes to transport timetables so allow extra travel time.
Visit Transport NSW’s Vivid Sydney page for more details on service changes
There will be a range of road closures in the Sydney CBD during Vivid Sydney. For detailed information on road closures during Vivid Sydney, please visit Live Traffic NSW.
The Sydney Opera House car park will be open every evening during Vivid Sydney, however it is expected to reach capacity early. Patrons are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible and allow extra travel time.
Please note that if you drive and arrive early for parking, you may not be able to exit if there are road closures in place.
For detailed information on road closures during Vivid Sydney, please visit Live Traffic NSW.
Frequently asked questions
- The Lighting of the Sails during Vivid Sydney is a free event. You will not need a ticket.
- If you are attending a performance as part of the Vivid LIVE program, a valid ticket is required. It’s highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.
In line with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags prior to entering the building. Bags will be scanned by an x-ray machine. Please travel lightly and do not bring items that require cloaking e.g. handbags bigger than A4-size, backpacks and umbrellas, which are not permitted inside our venues.
Yes, cloaking will remain available but it is strongly encouraged that you travel lightly and leave large, bulky items at home. Cloakroom attendants will use disposable paper tickets to keep track of your items.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Sydney Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House became a smoke-free site in January 2022. Read our Smoke-free Environment Policy.
Please note that BYO alcohol or glass is not permitted onsite. Further information about items that are prohibited onsite can be found on our Conditions of Entry.
Ticketholders are welcome to bring their own water bottle (as long as it isn’t made of glass) but no other food and drinks are permitted inside our venues.
The Opera House has a range of onsite bars and restaurants which are perfect for a quick snack or sit-down meal.
Cashless payment methods are strongly encouraged. Please bring a credit or debit card for any onsite purchases.
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