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[title]After two hugely successful runs, the Austin-born juggernaut of music, tech, film, games and innovation is making its triumphant return to Sydney for the third edition – and it’s set to be the biggest one yet. From stacked line-ups to free public events, here's your ultimate guide to SXSW Sydney 2025.
SXSW Sydney Unlocked
This year, SXSW Sydney is opening up part of its program to the public for the 2025 event, so you don’t need a pass to get in on the action. Running throughout the festival (October 13-19), the official public program for SXSW Sydney will transform Tumbalong Park into a free-to-access cultural playground, with more than 85 hours of live performances, talks, film screenings, gaming sessions and fashion and tech-focused events.
Catch musical acts taking over the International Stage on Wednesday; Thursday hosts Blak to the Future, spotlighting Indigenous voices and creatives; Friday brings Tumbalong Honky Tonk for lovers of country and Americana. On Saturday, ICC Sydney plays host to the Games Showcase where you can play more than 100 of the best new indie games, and the Innovation Expo featuring interactive installations, product demos and future-forward talks. Throughout the week, visitors can also experience a runway presentation from Fabrics of Modern Australia and lunchtime activations.
SXSW Sydney Music Festival
From October 15-19, SXSW Sydney’s Music Festival is set to bring together a globe-spanning line-up of emerging and local talent. International highlights include indie-rock experimentalist Jasmine4.t; Indonesian trio Tenxi, Jemsii & Naykilla, who blend hip-hop with dangdut rhythms; and New York City-based psych-garage rock band The Thing. Rapper-producer Lex Amor is also set to perform, alongside Taiwan’s The Chairs, and South Korean alternative electronic band 64ksana.
Local talent shines just as brightly, with performances from Australian rapper, songwriter, ballroom icon and all-round cultural force Jamaica Moana; Drifting Clouds, formed in the heart of Bunhungura/Gapuwiyak, NT who bring a niche fusion of synth-pop, 80s, rock and country; experimental four-piece xiao xiao who blend dream pop and hip hop into their unique punk sound; and alt-rock quintet Sleepazoid.
SXSW Sydney Screen Festival
Film buffs will be spoilt for choice with the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival, running from October 13–19. Starting off strong, this year’s program features a retrospective on director Paul Feig, including big-screen showings of The Heat and Bridesmaids (which will include a Q&A with Feig), plus a 14-hour marathon of cult hit Freaks and Geeks. Among the premieres is By Design, a surreal new film from writer-director Amanda Kramer about a woman who swaps bodies with a chair. Big-name headliners include Bugonia, a psychological drama of obsession and identity starring Emma Stone; horror sequel Black Phone 2; and the Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson work Die My Love. Plus, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere offers an intimate dive into the making of a rock legend’s defining masterpiece; Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie delivers a meta-comedy adventure where chaos and charm collide; and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, is a whip-smart, wonderfully strange ride with Rose Byrne at its core.
You can learn more and start planning your SXSW Sydney experience over here.