Haymarket is all set to transform into a glowing hub of art, food, and entertainment as Neon Playground 2.0 returns for a three-week celebration of culture and creativity. The festival will take over Chinatown , bringing large-scale neon light installations, food experiences, and community events that highlight the area’s deep-rooted Asian-Australian heritage.
Running from 15 March to 6 April, Neon Playground 2.0 features 14 original light sculptures created by Asian-Australian artists, a series of food tours, live performances, and exclusive dining offers from local businesses.
Organised by the Haymarket Alliance and supported by NSW and the City of Sydney, the festival aims to breathe new life into a place rich in history but often overlooked in the city’s fast-changing landscape.
A Festival for the Community
The centrepiece of Neon Playground 2.0 is a stunning collection of neon light installations displayed across Haymarket and Chinatown. These works, crafted by a lineup of Asian-Australian artists, will illuminate the streets throughout the festival, offering visitors a unique visual experience.
Beyond the artwork, the festival is designed to reinvigorate the local area, providing a platform for creative talent and small businesses. The former Marigold Chinese Restaurant, once a popular dining institution, will host Asian film screenings, while other venues will feature stand-up comedy, a karaoke competition, and arts and crafts markets.
Bringing Haymarket Together Through Food and Art
Food lovers can take part in the Chinatown Street Food and Stories walking tours on 19 March and 2 April, guided by Local Sauce Tours. These tours will showcase some of Chinatown’s most iconic eateries, offering visitors the chance to sample traditional dishes and learn about the history of Chinese-Australian contributions to Sydney’s food scene.
Local businesses are also joining the festival with special promotions. Kura Kura Japanese will offer a free Asahi beer with a minimum spend, while Spicy World Hot Pot will include a complimentary lamb belly or beef brisket with orders. Good Luck Hot Pot will provide a free lemon tea, and Super Emoji is offering half-price drinks with every purchase.
A City Backing Its Cultural Hubs
As the festival continues, it’s clear that Neon Playground is about more than just temporary excitement. Community leaders have expressed their commitment to revitalising Sydney’s iconic precincts, and Haymarket is at the centre of these efforts.
Transport and Roads Minister John Graham has said that events like Neon Playground are vital for keeping Sydney’s cultural spaces thriving, ensuring they remain vibrant and welcoming for both locals and visitors.
Published 12-March-2025
