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The SXSW Events to Have on Your Radar
From October 13-19th, Sydney will transform into a creative playground known as SXSW Sydney (South by Southwest). An expansion of the iconic Austin-born festival, SXSW Sydney celebrates the intersection of technology, film, music and culture, bringing together the world’s most innovative thinkers, creators, and entrepreneurs for a week-long exchange of ideas, inspiration, and collaboration.
While it’s primarily across Darling Harbour, Ultimo and Chippendale, there are also events sprawling through theatres, bars, co-working spaces, galleries, and pop-ups. Given that it’s part conference, part music festival, part film showcase and part tech expo, it’s unlike any other event in Australia’s cultural calendar. Think panels with Silicon Valley start-ups and local creatives, screenings of indie films and live music from emerging artists and international heavyweights.
The festival’s conference program spans hundreds of sessions and speakers, touching on everything from AI ethics and sustainable fashion to storytelling in the digital age. The music program sees Sydney’s nightlife come alive with showcases across venues, while the film and TV program highlights the future of screen storytelling. There are also immersive exhibits and interactive demos where visitors can really get involved with people and ideas.
Read on as we detail Sitchu’s top picks, sharing what’s worth your time, where to go and how to make the most of the week. From standout panel discussions and industry-leading talks to late-night gigs, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Buy your tickets here.
Free: L’oréal Groupe Innovation Station
Step into the future of beauty at L’Oréal’s Innovation Station, an immersive experience that transforms technology into art. This sensorial playground brings together innovations from 36 of L’Oréal’s global brands, inviting guests to touch, see, and experiment with the next wave of beauty breakthroughs. From AI-driven personalisation to cutting-edge sustainability and product design, it’s a vibrant, interactive showcase of how science, creativity, and self-expression are reshaping the beauty landscape.
October 13th-19th, 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Tumbalong Park – L’Oreal Groupe Innovation Station
Free: Unlock Your Lunchbreak
Looking for a midday mood boost? SXSW Sydney Unlocked has you covered with daily lunchtime sessions at Tumbalong Park. Running Monday to Friday from 12:00–1:30pm, each session blends the best of the festival — a thought-provoking Conference Presentation, a live music performance, and a special film screening — all in one easy, energising hit. With great food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of sunshine, it’s the perfect way to refuel, recharge, and soak up the SXSW Sydney buzz on your lunch break.
October 13-17th, 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
Tumbalong Park – Tumbalong Park Stage
From First Whiff to Fierce Loyalty: Holding Aussie Attention in 2030
What does the future of Australian marketing look like? This powerhouse panel includes the Australian Open’s Xavier Muhlebach, scent marketing pioneer Dr Suji Sanjeevan and brand loyalty expert Adam Posner. They’ll be discussing how to capture (and keep) the attention of Aussie audiences in 2030, told from their unique perspectives, drawing on research and audience insight trends.
October 13th, 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Location: ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 2
In Conversation With Edgar Wright for the Running Man
SXSW Sydney audiences will get an exclusive first look at The Running Man, Edgar Wright’s upcoming adaptation of the dystopian thriller based on Stephen King’s novel, ahead of its November 13th cinema release. Following the preview, Wright will join a live virtual in-conversation, moderated by Australian director Nash Edgerton, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the film starring Glen Powell and Josh Brolin.
October 13th, 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Seymour Centre – Everest Theatre
Featured | Leading With Impact: Why Blindspotting Is Your Secret Weapon
Award-winning author and leadership expert Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM takes the stage at SXSW Sydney to redefine what modern leadership looks like. In this thought-provoking session, she explores the power of strategic uncertainty — showing that the best leaders aren’t those with all the answers, but those willing to question their own thinking. Drawing from her acclaimed book Blindspotting, Ferguson reveals how recognising and embracing blind spots can fuel innovation, strengthen teams, and inspire the kind of bold, adaptive leadership needed for the future.
Oct 14, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 1
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In Conversation With Claudia Karvan and Kelsey Munro
Beloved Australian actress Claudia Karvan and Kelsey Munro, co-creator of Bump, sit down for an unfiltered conversation at SXSW Sydney exploring what it means to stay creatively relevant in a fast-changing media and tech landscape. From evolving storytelling across generations to reinventing careers and leading with authenticity, this session promises candid insights from two women redefining creativity and visibility in Australian screen culture.
October 14th, 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Darling Pavilion – NSW House
Free: Drawn to Change
Forget PowerPoints — Sarah Rowan is turning ideas into art, live on stage. In this dynamic, high-energy session at SXSW Sydney, the acclaimed visual artist and creativity speaker invites audiences to experience learning, communication, and innovation through colour, motion, and imagination. As one of Australia’s leading speed painters, Rowan has spent over two decades transforming walls and stages worldwide, showing that creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s a mindset. Expect powerful storytelling, real-time painting, and even a hands-on workshop where you’ll pick up a brush yourself to rediscover the joy of visual expression.
Oct 15th, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Tumbalong Park – The Ideas Dome Presented by The Growth Distillery
Featured | Embrace the Chaos – The Unexpected Path to Breakthrough Ideas
Order is overrated — at least according to Nicole Velik, creativity expert and founder of The Ideas Bodega. In this fast-paced, interactive SXSW Sydney session, Velik challenges audiences to step away from logic and lean into the glorious mess of creativity. Drawing on her experience helping global giants like Nike, Apple, LEGO and Spotify, she shows how innovation thrives not in perfection, but in mistakes, constraints, and rule-breaking. Through hands-on exercises and real-world insights, you’ll learn how to transform disorder into inspiration and rediscover the power of human intuition in an AI-driven world. Expect chaos, laughter, and plenty of “aha” moments.
October 15th, 02:30 PM – 03:45 PM
ICC Sydney – Parkside 2
Keynote | Teddy Swims in Conversation With Luke Conway
From viral covers to global stages, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Teddy Swims has built a career defined by raw emotion, genre-blending sound, and unshakable authenticity — all alongside his longtime manager Luke Conway. At SXSW Sydney, the duo sit down for an intimate conversation tracing their journey from small-town Georgia to international recognition. Expect insights into the evolution of Teddy’s artistry, the power of trust in artist–manager partnerships, and how vulnerability, community, and purpose continue to shape their creative path. A must-see session for anyone fascinated by the intersection of music, storytelling, and staying grounded through success.
October 16th, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
ICC Sydney – Darling Harbour Theatre
Free: Triple J Unearthed Drop In
Step inside Australia’s most influential music discovery platform with triple j Unearthed at SXSW Sydney. In this relaxed, interactive session, the Unearthed team invites emerging artists, producers, and industry hopefuls to connect, ask questions, and learn what it really takes to stand out. From insider tips on getting your music heard to real-time feedback and honest advice, this is a rare opportunity to meet the tastemakers shaping the next generation of Australian talent.
October 16th, 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
The Abercrombie – The Abercrombie
Free: Tumbalong Honky Tonk
Pull on your boots and polish your belt buckle — Tumbalong Honky Tonk is bringing a full-blown country party to SXSW Sydney. Expect line-dancing lessons with the ever-fabulous Saddle Club, followed by a night of live country music under the city lights. The lineup features Max Jackson, 2025 CMAA Female Artist of the Year, alongside Canadian favourites The Washboard Union, three-time CCMA Group of the Year winners. With good tunes, great company, and plenty of two-steppin’, this is one dancefloor you won’t want to miss.
October 17th, 05:00 PM – 09:30 PM
Tumbalong Park – Tumbalong Park Stage
