See You At SXSW Sydney In
Days
Hours
Minutes
As the sun dips and the ideas keep flowing, SXSW Sydney transforms into a playground of conversation, creativity, and clinking glasses. Whether you’re toasting a big day of breakthroughs, swapping stories with new mates, or simply chasing that perfect golden-hour vibe, this is your guide to the happiest hours across the event.
Tech and Innovation Opening Party, presented by Accenture
Kick off the week with innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders at a relaxed post-sessions mixer, presented by Accenture. Open to SXSW Sydney Pass Holders; primary access for Platinum and Tech passes, secondary access for Screen, Games and Music passes.
Location: Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Clear Hayes Happy Hour
Wrap the day with smart conversation and industry connections at Clear Hayes House, with beats by DJ Lettie.
Location: Clear Hayes House - Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
TAG Group Happy Hour
TAG takes over Planar Restaurant for an extended afternoon of music, bites and industry connection, with legendary DJ and producer Eric Powell on the decks.
Location: Planar Restaurant, ICC Sydney
Time: 4:00pm–7:00pm
Afternoon Drinks (Happy Hour)
As the day winds down, KPMG’s Futuresphere turns up the energy: mingle with innovators and creators as the space transforms into a vibrant hub for conversation and connection. A sharp hour to swap ideas, build relationships and keep the momentum flowing.
Location: KPMG Futuresphere - Pumphouse Sydney
Time: 4:00pm–5:00pm
Happy Hour in Tumbalong Park
Hosted by Rebecca De Unamuno, after a massive conference day, spend the afternoon soaking up the Happy Hour vibes in Tumbalong Park.
Location: Tumbalong Park
Time: DJ from 4:30pm; live music 5:00pm–5:30pm
Shopify X DEPT® Happy Hour
Golden-hour drinks, music and relaxed networking presented by Shopify & DEPT®, as the sun dips over the water. Registration required for all attendees, including SXSW Sydney pass holders.
Location: DEPT® Garden House - Chinese Garden of Friendship
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
SXSW and SXSW London Happy Hour
Join the ANZ & Oceania Representative for SXSW and SXSW London, Andrew Watt, and get your foot in the door for these incredible events in 2026. From attending to speaking to activating your brand and business, there are many ways to broaden your SXSW horizons. Come along and hear it straight from the horse's mouth.
Location: Clear Hayes House - Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Cybernetic Studio Launch
Celebrate the Studio’s official launch with an intimate happy hour led by Dr Ben Swift and hosted by Dr Catherine Ball, showcasing artefacts, interactive prototypes and responsible innovation. Explore Human Scale AI, making computation tangible to better understand, question and shape AI, plus opportunities to collaborate.
Location: The Private Kitchen, Chippendale
Time: 4:00pm–6:00pm
Vanta Happy Hour
An easy-going evening of drinks, conversation and connection with the Vanta crew, no panels, no pitches, just good vibes.
Location: Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Games Opening Night Happy Hour
Gather on the green to celebrate the opening of the SXSW Sydney 2025 Games Festival with a relaxed drink and good company. Presented by Beethoven & Dinosaur, featuring a playlist from their upcoming title MIXTAPE. 18+ only.
Location: The Ideas Dome in Tumbalong Park
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Unwind with purpose over complimentary drinks and connect with fellow pass holders, hosted by Publicis Sapient. A relaxed post-sessions meet-up to swap insights on AI in practice.
Location: Room C2.4, ICC Sydney
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Happy Hour @ American Apparel House
Kick off the night with $5 beers from 5–7pm, then lean into exclusive sets, live merch printing and more as American Apparel House takes over for four days of music, merch and culture.
Location: Upstairs at The Chippo Hotel
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Commbank Sundowner
Step aboard the CommBank Bus for complimentary refreshments and sunset views of SXSW Sydney’s Tumbalong Park main stage, while connecting with future thinkers and entrepreneurs. Explore ways to boost financial fitness, stretch your money further and stay safe from scams.
Location: The CommBank Tour, Tumbalong Park
Time: 5:00pm–6:30pm
Frank Wild
Joining our 'Future of Sustainability in the Events Industry' session on Wednesday 15th at 12:30pm? Stick around and meet us for happy hour later that day. Whether you're catching the panel or just want to connect with like minded changemakers, feel free to join us to keep the conversation going.
Location: Innovation Expo (Halls 6&7, Level 4) - Exhibition Centre, ICC Sydney
Time: 3:30pm–5:00pm
GYRO.Group and AAM present Manager Happy Hour
Connect with managers and industry peers at an hour hosted by GYRO.Group, a global ecosystem of distribution and artist services, and AAM. Swap insights on artist development, releases and growth, from debut to superstar.
Location: The Barrie
Time: 4:00pm–5:00pm
Games Industry Happy Hour
Gather on the green to unwind with fellow developers, publishers and creatives before the festival fun begins. A relaxed meet-up to trade notes and kick off the evening. 18+ only.
Location: The Ideas Dome in Tumablong Park
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Happy Hour @ American Apparel House
Kick off the night with $5 beers from 5–7pm, then lean into exclusive sets, live merch printing and more as American Apparel House takes over for four days of music, merch and culture.
Location: Upstairs at The Chippo Hotel
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
The Acast Arms
An exclusive happy hour uniting leading podcast creators, brands and media. Create custom merch for your favourite shows, sip the signature Acast Ale, and meet hosts from hits like Toni and Ryan, Just The Gist, We Used To Be Journos and The Mitch Churi Chat Show. Spots are limited.
Location: The Clare Bar at The Old Clare Hotel
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Happy Hour @ American Apparel House
Kick off the night with $5 beers from 5–7pm, then lean into exclusive sets, live merch printing and more as American Apparel House takes over for four days of music, merch and culture.
Location: Upstairs at The Chippo Hotel
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Happy Hour @ American Apparel House
Kick off the night with $5 beers from 5–7pm, then lean into exclusive sets, live merch printing and more as American Apparel House takes over for four days of music, merch and culture.
Location: Upstairs at The Chippo Hotel
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
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