This year's Vivid Sydney food program is anticipated to be its biggest yet, showcasing an expanded lineup that celebrates the very best of NSW produce, growers and culinary talent.
With a strong focus on produce-led events, the program will shine a spotlight on the state's exceptional ingredients and the people who bring them to life.
A standout event is The Long Table Dinner: NSW Icons of Land & Sea, a Vivid Sydney first, which will take over the historic Strand Arcade for one night only, showcasing NSW's exceptional regional food and wine producers.
On 30 May 2026, guests will be invited to dine after hours inside the Strand Arcade, which will be transformed into an intimate, atmospheric long table setting.
Set beneath the heritage balconies and ornate detailing of one of Sydney's most treasured buildings, the dinner will offer a rare opportunity to experience the Strand Arcade behind closed doors.
It will celebrate the richness, diversity and innovation of the state's food and wine producers, championing provenance and craftsmanship at every turn.
Curated and hosted by acclaimed chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Nino Zoccali from The Restaurant Pendolino, the evening will pay homage to iconic NSW ingredients through a bespoke multi-course menu.
Each dish will highlight world-leading producers from across the state, including select winners and nominees of the Royal Agricultural Society's President's Medal.
Guided by broadcaster Simon Marnie, the immersive dinner will blend culture, storytelling and fine dining in a way only a Vivid Food event can deliver.
From 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will transform the city across 23 unforgettable nights. The program will be unveiled on 11 March, giving audiences even more to explore across light, music, food and minds.
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
"Culinary tourism is central to the NSW visitor experience, and Vivid Sydney once again celebrates the best our state has to offer.
"This year's Vivid Food program is anticipated to be the largest yet. Celebrating NSW's most iconic food and wine producers, with a long‑table dining experience in a Vivid Sydney first in the historic Strand Arcade will be truly unforgettable.
"NSW Icons of Land and Sea will showcase the strength of this sector and the important role it plays in powering our state's visitor economy."
Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said:
"This year's Vivid Food program explores the connection between food and memory, how every dish holds a story and every flavour carries the spirit of where it came from.
"With the unbeatable ingredients of the winning produce from the Royal Agricultural Society, legendary chef Nino Zoccali, stories of NSW's culinary culture, and one of the most gorgeous arcades in the world, this event promises to be an unforgettable highlight of Vivid Sydney 2026. Please join us!"
Chef Nino Zoccali from The Restaurant Pendolino said:
"The Restaurant Pendolino is thrilled to be part of Vivid Sydney, showcasing the exceptional food and wine of NSW within one of Sydney's most iconic landmarks, the Strand Arcade. In collaboration with the Royal Agricultural Society's Fine Food Show, the event will spotlight the very best world class produce and wines the state has to offer."
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:
"Vivid Sydney is a powerful celebration of the creativity, culture and community that make Sydney so special.
"By opening our city's iconic buildings for unique winter experiences - including this year's NSW Icons: Land of Land & Sea at the historic Strand Arcade - the festival brings a renewed vibrancy to the Harbour City, invites everyone to connect with these treasured places in inspiring new ways, and reinforces Sydney's position as a global destination for arts, innovation and immersive storytelling."
President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, John Bennett said:
"The Royal Agriculture Society of NSW is honoured to collaborate with The Restaurant Pendolino for this year's Vivid Sydney festival, offering guests an unforgettable food and wine experience that celebrates Sydney Royal's award-winning producers and one of the city's most accomplished chefs."
