SXSW Sydney 2023

Running from 15-22 October 2023, SXSW Sydney is a week-long event where the tech and innovation, gaming, music and screen industries converge with culture for unexpected discoveries. 

What is SXSW Sydney?

SXSW Sydney brings together inspired thinkers, creators and innovators from across the world for a series of conferences, festivals, an expo and parties.  

SXSW Launch Party - Credit: Jess Gleeson

Where is SXSW Sydney?

All based within a walkable footprint across Sydney’s CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods, SXSW Sydney is stretched across Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and beyond. The city’s best museums, cinemas, parks, bars and restaurants will transform into a vibrant interconnected hub of future-focused ideas, parties, unique events and networking opportunities to uncover on every street corner. 

The Exchange Darling Square, Chinatown

A guide to SXSW Sydney 2023 badges

What are badges at SXSW Sydney?

Credit: Jordan Kirk

What access comes with each SXSW Sydney badge?

SXSW Sydney 2023 - Credit: Jess Gleeson

How does primary and secondary access work?

SXSW Launch Party - Credit: Jess Gleeson

A weekend of art & culture in Sydney

Itinerary

Sydney is a vibrant city with a rich multicultural heritage that contributes to its diverse culture and exciting arts scene. In the inner-city precincts, the epicentre of Sydney’s arts and culture, you’ll find wonderful galleries, public artworks and fantastic annual events, showcasing that Sydney is a world-class destination for the arts. 

Explore now
Couple viewing an exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale, Inner Sydney
Couple enjoying a night out at the Belvoir St Theatre, Surry Hills
Drag artists getting ready for Drag n' Dine at The Imperial Erskineville in Sydney's inner west
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney

A gourmet weekend in Sydney for foodies

Itinerary

Welcome to the flavour capital of Australia. Sydney’s multicultural heritage, a local passion for food, and the fresh produce and seafood on its doorstep come together to create one of the world’s best places to eat and drink. Discover an array of delicious experiences, from gourmet restaurants to alleyway cafes, bustling markets, glamorous cocktail bars and classic neighbourhood pubs. 

Explore now
Nour’s Middle Eastern Sunday brunch
Carriageworks Farmers Market, Eveleigh
KYO-TO in Spice Alley - Chippendale
Cantina OK! - Sydney CBD

Sydney Culture Trails

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Use these four guides to explore Sydney on foot and find significant cultural attractions across the city. Make the journey your own — choose what interests you the most, start where you like and seek out some of Sydney’s best heritage and cultural sites as well as enjoying some fine dining along the way.

Start exploring
Exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery - Chippendale
Couple enjoying coffee with views of Sydney Harbour from the MCA Cafe, The Rocks
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney

Bars & nightlife

Discover the city’s nature & wildlife

Short breaks & day trips from Sydney

Being short on time doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a big adventure. Jump in the car and head out of the city to discover some of NSW’s most remarkable destinations, like the South Coast, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Hawkesbury.

Hit the road
Sea Cliff Bridge - Grand Pacific Drive - South Coast

SXSW Sydney 2023 FAQs

What are badges at SXSW Sydney?

What are badges at SXSW Sydney?

A SXSW Sydney badge will grant you access to groundbreaking events, and a chance to connect with some of the world’s leading thinkers, performers and industry professionals. It’s your ticket into the conference, expo, festivals and networking sessions – and more – with each badge type giving you varying degrees of access. 
What events can I expect from SXSW Sydney?

What events can I expect from SXSW Sydney?

SXSW Sydney will host a series of festivals, a conference and an expo, parties and more. Anything from one-on-one mentoring workshops to keynote speakers, interactive panels to networking lounges, film screenings to live music performances, tech demos to art installations, and of course – plenty of surprises. 
How does the Sydney event differ from the Austin event?

How does the Sydney event differ from the Austin event?

SXSW Sydney is an extension of the Austin event (and the first time the festival’s leaving home soil), delivering a program and experience that honours the original spirit while bringing Sydney’s own unique flair. As the gateway to Asia-Pacific, expect a whole host of innovation and creativity from the region that you won’t find anywhere else, plus Sydney’s harbourside view! 
Are there age restrictions on attending the event?

Are there age restrictions on attending the event?

Unless specific age restrictions are stated in the SXSW Online Schedule, all SXSW Conference and Festival programming may be attended by properly credentialed persons above the age of 13. 

Children 12 years of age or younger may attend if accompanied at all times by a properly credentialed adult. 

SXSW attendees are subject to the age restrictions of each venue, including clubs and bars. 
How can I learn more about SXSW Sydney?

How can I learn more about SXSW Sydney?

The SXSW Sydney website is your first stop for information on the event, including news, the event’s history, and detailed information on the conference, festivals and exhibitions. For fresh content and highlights, find the event on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin under @SXSWsydney.