Your Good Times Guide to SXSW Sydney 2023

Marley Ng
October 06, 2023

Here's everything you need to know about SXSW Sydney 2023.

The first international iteration of the prominent South by Southwest lands in Sydney next week on Sunday, October 15. Since its outset in Austin, Texas, the festival has helped launch industry disrupters such as Twitter and Foursquare and premiered film hits such as Knocked Up, Bridesmaids and Hellboy.

Ahead of the massive week-long festival, we’re highlighting how and where to experience the best of SXSW Sydney, from unmissable events to restaurant recommendations in the precinct. Get ready to discover the next big thing with our collection of guides and events.
WHAT IS SXSW?

Since its origin in 1987, South by Southwest has evolved into a globally renowned showcase of emerging talent and innovation across music, film, gaming, media, tech and much more. Past speakers and music acts range from Michelle and Barack Obama to Quentin Tarantino, Ryan Gosling, Johnny Cash and Billie Eilish.

WHEN IS IT?

SXSW Sydney will be landing in the harbourside city for a week from Sunday, October 15 to Sunday, October 22. However, select festivals and events will only run for parts of the whole week.

WHERE IS IT?

SXSW Sydney will take place in various locations across the CBD, Darling Harbour, Haymarket, Surry Hills, Ultimo and Chippendale. Key venues include The Lord Gladstone, The Underground UTS, Civic Underground, Hollywood Hotel, Event Cinemas George Street, Fortress Sydney and the ICC Sydney.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Platinum Badge will get you first access to every event, including VIP experiences. An Industry Badge will grant you primary access to industry-specific events, but only secondary access to other experiences. For those who just want to attend select events, there are Music, Games and Screen Festival wristbands or the Expo day pass.

SXSW Survival Guide: Unmissable Highlights During the Week-Long Festival

What's on at SXSW Sydney

Music

1. SXSW Guide: Where to Go for Live Tunes and Late-Night Grooves Around the Festival Precinct

Limber up for electrifying nights of genre-crossing tunes from homegrown stars and international acts.

2. Ten Must-Catch Gigs at the Inaugural SXSW Sydney's Massive Music Festival

SXSW Sydney has served up an absolutely huge music lineup, so we've broken down all the must-see sets for you.

3. SXSW Sydney's Music Festival Will Give You Access to 300-Plus Performances Across 25 Venues

SXSW Sydney is creating a bustling live music precinct for four days — with sets stretching from the Hollywood Hotel to Tumbalong Park.

Screen

1. SXSW Sydney Screen Festival 2023

An outback thriller, Jacob Elordi's new film and a TLC doco are all on the lineup at Australia's first-ever SXSW screen festival.

2. Twelve Films and TV Shows to Put on Your Must-See List at the First-Ever SXSW Sydney Screen Festival

From new instant cult-favourite comedies to spectacular concert films, here's what you need to watch during SXSW's inaugural trip Down Under.

3. 'Faraway Downs' Turns Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' Into a Six-Part Miniseries — and It's Premiering at SXSW Sydney

Before it hits streaming in November, the new take on the Nicole Kidman- and Hugh Jackman-starring film will close out the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival with the 'Elvis' director in attendance.

Conference & Expo

1. Ten Must-Catch Talks and Panels That You Don't Want to Miss at the Inaugural SXSW Sydney

What does the executive producer of 'Bluey' think of horror movies? What's the future of Chinatown? How do you communicate the magic of music? All these and more will be answered at SXSW Sydney.

2. Nicole Kidman, Jason Clarke and Filmmaker Phillip Noyce Just Joined SXSW Sydney's Speaker Lineup

Kidman will chat about her production company, which has been behind 'Big Little Lies' and 'The Undoing', while Clarke and Noyce will share Hollywood tales.

3. Just In: Chance The Rapper Will Speak at SXSW Sydney to Celebrate 50 Years of Hip Hop

A month out from the first-ever SXSW outside of the US, the festival's lineup just keeps getting bigger.

Games

1. Ten of Our Most-Anticipated Games to Check Out at SXSW Sydney's Gaming Festival

With over 150 games to check out at SXSW Sydney, we're taking out the stress of choosing with 10 recommendations.

2. Six Ways to Get Your Gaming Fix at the First-Ever SXSW Sydney

SXSW is loading up a whole week of gaming events — here are our top picks, from a celebration of crab games to a chance to flex your voice-acting skills.

3. SXSW Sydney Just Dropped the Program for Its Inaugural Gaming Conference — Including a Dedicated Tabletop Game Expo

A global esports tournament and a celebration of indie video games are also part of the festival lineup.

Food & Drink

1. The Best Places to Eat and Drink Around the SXSW Sydney Precinct — For Every Budget

Restaurants in the SXSW Sydney precinct that are just as impressive as the events you'll be running between.

2. SXSW Guide: Where to Go for Live Tunes and Late-Night Grooves Around the Festival Precinct

Limber up for electrifying nights of genre-crossing tunes from homegrown stars and international acts.

Free Events

1. SXSW Sydney at Tumbalong Park

Stop by for a free taster of the full SXSW Sydney program, from music and games showcases to tech demos, an outdoor cinema and a talk with Dr Karl.

2. Powerhouse Late x SXSW Sydney

If you haven't been able to snag a badge or wristband for SXSW Sydney next week, you can still tag along to Powerhouse Ultimo's free music event.

3. CommBank House at SXSW Sydney

Drop in to the free activation for interactive tech displays, an actual maze and a Buddy's Bar pop-up.

What's on at SXSW Sydney

ARE OUT OF VIEW SHOW ALL

Find out more and purchase a badge or wristband at the SXSW Sydney website.
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