Sydney’s largest Asian-Australian cultural arts festival is back, bigger and brighter than ever! Following the success of its first edition two years ago, Neon Playground 2.0 will transform Chinatown and Haymarket into an electrifying hub of art, culture, and gastronomy from March 15 to April 6, 2025.
A Spectacular Launch
The festival kicks off with a bang on Saturday, March 15, with the Chinatown Block Party taking over Dixon Street from 5-10pm. Korean-Australian rap group 1300 will headline a diverse lineup featuring Hong Kong-Australian rapper Tommy Gunn, Taiwanese-Australian pop-singer tiffi, CRIMSON dance crew, and more, setting the energetic tone for the three-week celebration.
Towering Artistic Achievements
The centerpiece of Neon Playground 2.0 is the installation of 14 towering light sculptures, standing an impressive 4-5 metres tall. These luminous artworks showcase original works by established and emerging Asian-Australian artists including Anthony Van Lam, Chris Yee, Kentaro Yoshida, Pei Kwang, Andrew Yee, and Samuel Kim.
We are proud that ArtSHINE artist Anthony Van Lam is one of the featured artists. His twin tower light sculpture serves as the gateway to Chinatown Haymarket, creating a stunning entrance to the festival.
Anthony said, “It was an honour to have the opportunity to be part of the Neon Playground 2.0. My towers feature my recent work from my exhibition ‘Journey through Tradition.’ I’ve taken motifs from my artwork like the Cranes, Lotus, and clouds to create towers with significant meaning.”
Gate of Harmony by Anthony Van Lam
“Haymarket and Chinatown have a special place in my heart. It’s where I love to hang out, and to be part of a festival that honours and celebrates the evolving Asian-Australian identity, as well as Asian-Australian creatives, is incredible. For artists and visitors, there’s truly nothing quite like it in Sydney,” says artist Chris Yee.
Produced in collaboration with world-renowned creative production company Mandylights, these spectacular installations will feature:
- 80 lightbox illustrations
- 1 kilometer of neon
- Over 100,000 individual LEDs
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness art being created before their eyes as Korean-Australian muralist Sophi Odling and Western Sydney muralist Christina Huynh spray paint two illuminated towers with more than 85 lanterns each from March 10-14.
A Rich Cultural Program
Beyond the visual spectacle, Neon Playground 2.0 offers a dynamic cultural program that celebrates the fusion of tradition and modernity. Key events include:
- As tragedy as farce – A neon art exhibition by Chinese-Australian artist Chunxiao Qu at the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, marking the artist’s debut solo presentation in Sydney (March 15 – April 27)
- Fading Glow – A group exhibition at Blank Gallery paying tribute to Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs (March 13 – April 7)
- Chris Nguyen: It’s Pronounced Nguyen – A stand-up comedy show at the Covent Garden Hotel offering a hilarious take on modern-day Asian identity (March 19)
- Chinatown Idol – A family-friendly karaoke competition at Dynasty Karaoke where contestants compete for the title of Chinatown’s karaoke idol (April 4)
- Subtitle Cinema Club – Classic Hong Kong and Asian film screenings at the former Marigold Chinese
- Restaurant with snacks provided by Thai Kee IGA (March 20, 27, April 3)
- Sydney LNY Art Market – Featuring works from 20 Asian-Australian artists at Haymarket HQ (April 5)
Engaging with Community and Culture
At its core, Neon Playground 2.0 is a celebration of community, creativity, and cultural identity. A series of panel discussions will explore Asian-Australian representation, Chinatown’s future, and contemporary Asian cultures in Australian design (March 18, 25, April 1).
Food enthusiasts can join the Chinatown Street Food and Stories walking tour hosted by Local Sauce Tours, offering a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights with street food samples and insights into the impact of Chinese-Australians on the community (March 19, 26, April 2).
A Gastronomic Adventure
The festival celebrates Sydney’s thriving food scene with exclusive offers from iconic restaurants and shops throughout Chinatown and Haymarket:
- Specialty neon cocktails at Banchō, Covent Garden Hotel, and Sweet Lu
- Free Asahi beer at Kura Kura Japanese when you spend $20 or more
- Complimentary lamb belly/beef brisket dish at Spice World Hot Pot (one per table)
- Tiered complimentary dishes at Haymarket Fried Skewer based on spending thresholds
- Complimentary lemon tea at Good Luck Hot Pot
- Buy one, get second half price on select drinks at Super Emoji
Retailers at Market City Shopping Centre, Darling Square, and Sussex Centre will join forces for special precinct-only offers.
A Community-Backed Initiative
Haymarket Alliance president Brad Chan said: “This year’s festival celebrates the vibrant culture, creativity, and resilience of Sydney’s Asian-Australian community. We are proud to bring together incredible artists, performers, businesses, and community groups to make Neon Playground 2.0 a truly immersive experience that will light up Chinatown in ways you’ve never seen before.”
The festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the City of Sydney, with additional support from community sponsors including Community Bank Darling Square, Market City, Thai Kee IGA, Darling Square, and Haymarket Chamber of Commerce.
Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham highlighted the NSW Government’s commitment: “The NSW Government is working to bring Sydney back to life. One of the ways we’re doing that is by backing locals like the Haymarket Alliance to find new ways to boost their local precincts.” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore added: “Haymarket is one of Sydney’s most iconic urban villages. It has long been recognised as a focal point for Asian food, cultures, and communities both locally and internationally. But the last few years have been really challenging for this important precinct, which is why it’s so important we all pull together and breathe new life into Chinatown.”
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Neon Playground 2.0
Neon Playground 2.0 is not just a festival—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you’re exploring the glowing streets of Chinatown, savouring delicious bites, or enjoying live music under neon lights, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours, and sounds as Sydney’s Chinatown and Haymarket come alive in a way never seen before. Mark your calendars.
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