South by Southwest Sydney® (SXSW Sydney) has today launched its public program for 2024, which will see Darling Harbour alive with excitement from October 14–20, with over 100,000 people expected to visit the precinct and enjoy 60+ hours of free entertainment.
Over 7 days and nights, Tumbalong Park in the heart of Sydney will be transformed into a hub of creativity as it plays host to world-class activations from leading brands, as well as inspiring talks, tech demos, live music, meet & greets, esports competitions, and more as part of SXSW Sydney 2024.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham:
Last year’s first ever SXSW Sydney was a massive success and we’re very excited to build on that great start this year, starting with today’s announcement of the free event program in Tumbalong Park.
The SXSW festival in Austin Texas is a global icon, Sydney’s event is fast becoming one too. It will attract visitors from around the country and the world and showcase Sydney as the creative powerhouse that it is.
The NSW government is committed to helping people with the cost of living. This free SXSW Sydney program gives people a chance to take part in this global festival, have a great day or night out, at no cost.
Geoff Jones, SXSW Chair:
In Partnership with the NSW Government, today we are delighted to launch SXSW Sydney’s 2024 Public Program.
At last year’s inaugural Event, Tumbalong Park became a hub for the industry to converge between catching the latest session or artist showcase to connect with one-another. Brand activations were a key feature of the precinct and free public performances took place from the likes of Indonesian sensation Isyana Sarasvati, Dr. Karl and Black Mirror creator and showrunner Charlie Brooker.
This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a host of incredible talent from all over the Globe ascending to Tumbalong Park. These seven days and nights will be filled with great entertainment, and I would highly recommend that all Sydney-siders join in on the festivities.
In 2024, Tumbalong Park will again serve as SXSW Sydney’s free events hub, with even more crowd-pleasing experiences stretching from Darling Harbour around to Chippendale and Ultimo.
Badgeholders, wristband-holders and the public are invited to discover new ideas, innovations and artists, while experiencing a taste of SXSW Sydney’s core pillars: Tech & Innovation, Games, Music and Screen.
“+91 Calling!”, a single-day showcase festival of Indian creative culture will bring the energy to the Tumbalong Park Main Stage on Sunday 20 October, featuring six acts from India and the Indian diaspora—one of the most exciting entertainment influences of the moment—with genres spanning hip-hop, pop, r&b, club and neo-classical. Stay tuned for the full Sunday program announcement in the coming weeks.
Music meets Tech on the Tumbalong Park Main Stage where Ben Gillies (Musician, Songwriter and Silver chair Co-founder) will unite with Johannes Saam (Futurist) and Tushar Apte (Producer and Songwriter) for a live demonstration session and performance.
More exciting Tech & Innovation programming will feature in the publicly accessible precinct throughout the week, with trailblazing technology demonstrations and surprise and delight moments happening on the Main Stage and brand-new.
The Dome’ stage presented by The Growth Distillery. The Dome will feature ‘Meet the Speaker’ sessions throughout the week, giving attendees the chance to meet Conference speakers such as astrophysicist, Kirsten Banks.
On Thursday 17 October, it will play host to the Innovation Showcase, seeing tertiary institutions take over Tumbalong Park to present the latest developments in Rocketry, Robotics, Engineering, Mechanics, Science and Technology, with high school excursions invited to come along and join in on the fun. Plus, see the future of motorcycles with the ZERO Australian 100% electric bike showcase featuring prototype ZERO SR/X.
On Saturday 19 October Papa Salt will bring the vibes to the Main Stage in Tumbalong Park with the Australian Premiere screening of The Endless Summer 60th Anniversary, followed by an afterparty with live music from SXSW Sydney Music Festival acts BALTHVS & Touch Sensitive.
Also part of the free Screen Festival programming will be Bush Shorts, showcasing a variety of short films from emerging First Nations and Indigenous filmmakers across Australia. Bush Shorts are selected by Winda Film Festival with a focus on shaping identity and remembering Country.
As part of the free Games Festival programming, the Acer Predator League Academy will be crowning their first champion at Tumbalong Park on Saturday 19 October. Two of the best high schools in Australia and New Zealand will compete in the only Fortnite competition designed for high schools. In huge news for the gaming community, Team PWR and Fortnite icons Lachlan and Loserfruit will be onstage to provide the winning school with their trophy.
SXSW Sydney is also excited to reveal its next round of world-class brand partners for 2024, who will all deliver premium activations in the public event space to be enjoyed by SXSW Sydney badge and wristband-holders and members of the public.
SXSW Sydney 2024 free public events take place October 14–20 in Tumbalong Park and the surrounding Darling Harbour precinct, giving everyone a taste of this incredible global event.
Running over seven unmissable days and nights, SXSW Sydney brings together a diverse array of industry leaders, creators and visionaries from around the globe. This unique convergence fosters meaningful connections that lead to collaborations, partnerships and career advancements. This year, SXSW Sydney will feature over 1000 events and experiences and is designed for attendees to engage in discussions that matter, share ideas and build lasting relationships.
Check out the schedule, start favouriting your top picks and stay tuned for more exciting announcements. For those wanting to level up their career and experience all that SXSW Sydney offers, Badges will be your all-access pass for the full program including keynotes, panels, networking, industry meetups, parties and more.
Wristbands will grant you access to SXSW Sydney’s Music, Screen or Games festivals, for performances, screenings and showcases.
SXSW Sydney is delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Season Details
Venue: SXSW Sydney
Date: 14 – 20 Oct 2024
For more information click HERE
Music icon Sting will return to the stage in a newly adapted production of his…
Broadway’s biggest night is fast approaching, with the Tony Awards set to celebrate another busy…
The Genesian Theatre Company is proud to present a moving new production of Harper Lee’s…
Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, together with producers Tony Cochrane AM and…
Liverpool City Council’s much-loved celebration of Asian culture and cuisine, Lanterns and Lights, returns on…
The Australian Premiere of the smash-hit Broadway musical Tootsie, officially opens at Teatro at the…