Your Essential Guide to SXSW Sydney 2024

Concrete Playground
October 04, 2024

Here's everything you need to know about SXSW Sydney 2024.

In 2023, Sydney played host to the first international iteration of the prominent South by Southwest Festival — the pioneering conference celebrating the bleeding edge of tech, gaming, cinema, music and culture that originated in Houston, Texas in 1987. With a wildly successful debut under its belt, SXSW Sydney is ready for its second bumper year of keynote addresses, fascinating panel discussions, jaw-dropping showcases and paradigm-shifting perfromances.

Ahead of 2024’s massive week-long festival, we’re highlighting how and where to experience the best of SXSW Sydney, from unmissable events to dining recommendations in the precinct. Are you ready to discover the next big thing?
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?

The second SXSW Sydney will be landing in the harbourside city for a week from Monday, October 14 to Sunday, October 20. However, certain conference tracks and festivals will only run for parts of this period.

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 Underground UTS, Civic Underground, Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, 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.

What's on at SXSW Sydney

Music

1. Eight Top Performances to Catch at SXSW Sydney's 2024 Music Festival

Here are our must-see picks from this year's mammoth lineup of homegrown and international acts.

2. A First Nations Showcase Introduced by The Kid LAROI Has Just Joined SXSW Sydney 2024's Music Festival Lineup

SXSW Sydney has dropped the latest details for its 2024 music festival, with ENNY, Moonchild Sanelly and The Lottery Winners also joining the bill.

3. Ace News If You Like Live Tunes and Parties: SXSW Sydney's 2024 Program Has Expanded Again

An extra 40-plus artists have joined the lineup, including Jorja Smith — and new talks will dive into international music tours and the streaming landscape.

Screen

1. SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival Headliners for 2024 Include 'Saturday Night', 'Smile 2' and 'Nightbitch'

Also on the lineup: the Brandy-starring 'The Front Room' from A24, directed by 'The Northman' helmer Robert Eggers' siblings Max and Sam.

2. Prime Video's SXSW Sydney Pop-Up Is Returning with Spaces From Australia's 'The Office' and a Heap of Well-Known Faces

You'll also be able to feel like you're stepping into 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' and catch stars from 'Deadloch' at Primeville's second year.

3. SXSW Sydney Screen Festival's Latest 2024 Lineup Drop Includes Cults, Animated Cats and Christmas Carnage

More than 20 features have joined the program, complete with Guy Pearce's latest Australian role, a rap mockumentary and Ilana Glazer-starring mom-com 'Babes'.

Conference & Expo

1. The Must-See Conference Events at SXSW Sydney 2024

We've searched this year's sprawling program to pick out the eight unmissable events to catch at this year's fest.

2. SXSW Sydney's Latest Round of 2024 Speakers Includes Lucy Lawless, Grace Tame and Tim Minchin

Sports stars Nick Kyrgios and Noémie Fox, playwright Suzie Miller and former Bangarra Dance Theatre Artistic Director Stephen Page have also joined the festival's lineup.

3. SXSW Sydney Has Announced Its First 2024 Keynote Speakers and Added a Stack of New Sessions to Its Growing Lineup

Human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson and author Johann Hari will get chatting at the festival's second event Down Under in October 2024.

Games

1. SXSW Sydney Has Added More Than 500 Speakers, Screenings, Artists, Workshops and Games to Its 2024 Lineup

If this year's festival already sounds huge — and it does — less than a third of the full program has been revealed so far.

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. Whet Your Appetite at These Six Must-See Events From SXSW Sydney's Food Program

Get your fill of the most fascinating discussions about food, hospitality and dining culture at this year's fest.

Accomodation

1. The Best Hotels to Stay in During SXSW Sydney

Make the most of your SXSW Sydney experience by checking-in to these top hotels in and around the festival precinct.

What's on at SXSW Sydney

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