Step into SXSW Sydney unlocked

no ticket required

No pass? No problem. SXSW Sydney Unlocked gives you access to the best free events happening across SXSW Sydney. From interactive exhibitions and pop-ups to live music, talks and night-time experiences.

From October 13–19, Tumbalong Park transforms into a vibrant hub open daily from 10am, with immersive brand activations, tech and gaming demos, live music and sunset showcases. Step inside The Ideas Dome, presented by The Growth Distillery, for bold conversations, and catch surprise guests, short films and more on the Tumbalong Park stage.

But that’s just the beginning.

SXSW Sydney Unlocked spans the city, with highlights including the Innovation Expo and Games Showcase (free on Saturday, October 18 at ICC Sydney),and buzzing live performances at the Seymour Centre (October 16–17). You can bring the family on the weekend and make sure you don’t miss the Saturday night showcase at Tumbalong Park, featuring local and international acts from the SXSW Sydney Music Festival.

key dates

Tumbalong Park
Week Long
Seymour Nights
October 16–17
Innovation Expo
Free on Saturday
Games Showcase
Free on Saturday
SXSW Sydney Unlocked

Tumbalong Park

Free All Week Long

Tumbalong Park is the vibrant heart of SXSW Sydney Unlocked, playing host to live music, bold talks, tech demos, free brand activations and more.

SXSW Sydney Unlocked

Innovation Expo

Free on Saturday

Step into the Innovation Expo to explore interactive installations, product demos, and talks from the Asia-Pacific’s leading innovators, with the Startup Village highlighting the region’s next big disruptors.

SXSW Sydney Unlocked

Games Showcase

Free on Saturday

Immerse yourself in the SXSW Sydney Games Showcase — a celebration of bold ideas, immersive play, and the next wave of indie talent. Play new titles, meet the creators behind them, and get hands-on with unreleased video and tabletop games.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SXSW SYDNEY

“SXSW Sydney reminded me... to keep looking up and out for those wildly imaginative ideas that could change the worlds in which we all live.”

Katie Rigg-Smith
Chief Strategy Officer at WPP Australia & New Zealand

“You can now call the huge event a fixture of not just the Harbour City's cultural calendar, but also Australia's.”

Concrete Playground

“Week-long ‘Olympics of the mind’ will showcase cutting-edge film, gigs, talks and much more.”

The Guardian

“Conversations that started in those hallways led to opportunities I hadn’t anticipated -  collaborations, speaking invitations, and projects that pushed my work forward.”

Patricia Haueiss
Speaker, 2024.

“SXSW Sydney is Good Chaos, so just embrace it.”

Damon Klotz
Culture Amp

"We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy and inspiring connections."

Rikta.ai
Start Up Village

“The SXSW attendees were a switched-on bunch; we made some real connections for future collaboration and partnership. Mission accomplished for sure”.

Dr Ben Swift
ANU School of Cybernetics

"Obsession is curiosity that never gets tired. If you have it—lean into it."

Ben Shewry
Attica, SXSW Sydney 2024

"SXSW has left me inspired and hopeful that we are on the cusp of a genuinely transformative era for our industry and humanity."

James Bush
head of creative technology at Synergy

“These speakers signal the event’s deep dive into the world’s most urgent conversations – AI and the future of work, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, climate resilience, creative industry disruption, and inclusive leadership.”

Jade Kennedy
The Music Network

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