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[title]This year, SXSW Sydney teamed up with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby to spotlight emerging artists and celebrate the grit and hustle it takes to break through.
The new Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Blackberry and Soda is the taste of the festival, a playful twist on a Tom Collins with just the right blend of sweet and tart that’s sure to win over the whisky-wary.
SXSW Sydney kicked things off for the jam-packed week with an appropriately on-point opening night party. The Underground at UTS become the Johnnie Waker Black Ruby House on October 14, soundtracked by world-class emerging artists. The show featured a killer lineup of local legends and rising international acts, including the ‘80s-style synth-pop rockers Drifting Clouds, dreamy Japanese indie group Suichu Spica, and genre-blending duo 2charm.
No wristband? No worries. Tumbalong Park was buzzing with free entertainment all evening (and all week) including an ace country music and dancing program, Honky Tonk, on October 17 and Hoops and Everything, featuring indie powerhouse The Rubens on October 18. Plus, a pop-up Johnnie Walker Black Ruby bar gave Sydneysiders a taste of their new favourite drink.
And in a huge first, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby presented the Walk to Austin Award, offering one standout Aussie artist the chance to perform at SXSW Austin in 2026 – on the same legendary stage that’s hosted stars like Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Find out more about the events here. Or, check out the full SXSW program here.