SEE YOU AT SXSW SYDNEY: 13 – 19 OCTOBER IN
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SXSW Sydney Unlocked returns in 2025 with over 85 hours of free programming across the week, right in the heart of the city and open to all. No pass needed, just show up and join the fun!
From 13 - 19 October, Tumbalong Park and beyond will come alive with creativity, energy and surprise — a vibrant cultural playground for everyone.
Whether you’re dropping in for a lunchtime show, spending an evening under the stars, or exploring the innovation exhibits, SXSW Sydney Unlocked invites you to come curious and leave inspired.
Across the week, the program unfolds with an exciting lineup of events celebrating fashion, film, music, gaming, technology, and community. On Monday, the festival launches with Fabrics of Modern Australia, a breathtaking open-air runway showcase featuring bold and innovative designs from Australia, El Salvador, South Korea, India and more. This global fashion spectacle sets the tone for a week packed with discovery and inspiration.
As the week progresses, the sounds of Asia take centre stage on Wednesday with global pop icons including Indonesian hip-hop duo Tenxi & Jemsii, Filipino folk-pop singer Angela Ken, Chinese singer-songwriter Tia Ray, and the rising J-Pop boy band PSYCHIC FEVER. Their dynamic performances promise an unforgettable night celebrating the vibrant energy and diversity of Asian pop culture.
Thursday shifts the spotlight to First Nations creatives in partnership with the Winda Film Festival and Awesome Black. Blak To The Future is a powerful evening dedicated to Indigenous storytelling, showcasing a compelling collection of short films from emerging First Nations filmmakers. Live musical performances by SXSW Sydney artists will complement the screenings, while the launch of the Screen NSW First Nations Screen Fellowship Program will culminate with the announcement of its inaugural recipient live on stage.
Friday invites everyone to kick up their boots for Tumbalong Honky Tonk, transforming the park into a lively country-western celebration. Enjoy line dancing and live country music from Canadian trio The Washboard Union, chart-topper Max Jackson, and viral sensation Lewis Love, all under the stars.
Saturday delivers a tech and music extravaganza like no other. The Innovation Expo and Games Showcase open to the public at ICC Sydney for one day only, offering a hands-on playground of robotics, gaming, and space technology. Highlights include the Australian-built lunar rover, the Roo-ver, and a sketch-bot that can literally send your face to the moon.
Meanwhile, back at Tumbalong Park, The Rubens curate a mini-festival celebrating a decade of their album Hoops, while families can also enjoy Small Fry Rock, an interactive gig designed for kids and their parents, featuring Phil Jamieson of Grinspoon and Katy Steele of Little Birdy.
The week wraps up on Sunday with a focus on family-friendly fun, including movement workshops for all ages and a high-energy K-pop dance party celebrating the Korean Wave, ensuring there’s a fitting finale to this extraordinary week of free programming.
Dive into the SXSW Sydney Unlocked program now and get ready for a week of unforgettable discovery, connection and inspiration like no other!
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