SXSW Sydney 2024 official opening events

SXSW Sydney official events and parties provide opportunities to meet and network with other creatives and professionals from around the world.

Be sure to add these to your schedule!

Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Country

Opening Ceremony hosted by SXSW Sydney Head of Conference, Fenella Kernebone.

We invite everyone to come together for our Welcome to Country and to enjoy a live audio/visual experimental arrangement by Source Decay, led by Travis De Vries. This immersive performance blends the profound depth of field recordings with the innovative textures of synths, percussion, vocals and live guitar. Working with Tristan Field, a respected local First Nations artist and composer, this piece honours and invokes the essence of country through a rich tapestry of sound and visual artistry. Experience the synergistic elements of creative fusion in this live collaboration, as Source Decay and Tristan Field come together to create a sonic journey that reveres the land and celebrates its stories.

Monday 14 October, 5:15pm–5:45pm | Tumbalong Park

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Platinum Opening Party presented by Accenture

Kick off SXSW Sydney 2024 in style at this exclusive Platinum Badge event! Hosted in the UTS Great Hall and presented by Accenture, the night promises world-class entertainment, cutting-edge tech, and top-tier networking.

Goa-based electronic music sensation Dualist Inquiry will bring his acclaimed audio-visual show, fresh from Lollapalooza India, to Sydney. His performance will feature Accenture’s own AI-driven visuals, displayed live on the LED screen, alongside stunning projection-mapped visuals on the ceiling.

As we open the week, Accenture will showcase their innovative approach to immersive experiences, providing a glimpse into the future of digital creativity. Connect with fellow industry leaders, creators, and innovators as the week’s festivities begin with a bang! There's still time to upgrade to Platinum so you don't miss this epic kick off party.

Monday 14 October, 6pm–9pm | UTS Building 1, Great Hall

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Screen Festival Opening Party

We just wanna go back, back to 1999... Join us in kicking off the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival with a bang at the International Premiere of A24's cult comedy, Y2K! Then, keep the party going with live entertainment, great vibes, and plenty of fun at our opening night bash on Tumbalong Park with special guest, Nina Las Vegas.

Monday 14 October, 8pm-10pm | Tumbalong Park‍

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Tech & Innovation Opening Party presented by Dell Technologies

The Tech & Innovation Opening Party promises a relaxed evening and great opportunity for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators to mingle and connect at the beginning of the week. Presented by Dell Technologies at the Fortress Alienware Arena, the event will feature an exciting fusion of music art and AI!

Get ready for the unveiling of a 90-second trailer featuring a remix of the iconic track 'Freak', reimagined through generative art. This collaboration brings together Silverchair's Ben Gillies, VFX pioneer Johannes Saam, producer Tushar Apte and SXSW Sydney, powered by Leonardo.ai.

We'll also be launching an interactive music visualiser tool! Attendees can prompt the AI model driving real-time visuals to create a unique, generative experience synced to the SXSW Sydney playlist. Come prepared with your prompts!

Tuesday 15 October, 6pm-9pm | Fortress Alienware Arena

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Music Festival Opening Party

Join us in kicking off the SXSW Sydney Music Festival at our Opening Party! Offering a taste of the incredible talent you'll witness throughout the festival; packed with music showcases, networking opportunities, and connection with artists and industry professionals from around the globe. Enjoy electrifying performances from Voice of Baceprot and the dynamic 2touch, plus more!

Tuesday 15 October, 6pm-9pm | THe Undeground Sydney

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Games Festival Opening Party

Celebrate the launch of the Games Festival where you can connect with developers, creators and games industry professionals at the iconic Abercrombie Hotel. The theme is: insufferable. Assemble your most obnoxious outfit and prepare for spooky bitch vibes curated just for you by the team behind the much-awaited game, 'Mystiques: Haunted Antiques'. Sarah Wolfe, musician and game developer, will both provide the soundtrack to Opening Night and also reveal never-before-heard tracks from Mystiques.

Expect tarot readings from acclaimed emotional alchemist Love Larouge, potentially haunted antiques, and craft friendship bracelets for your most delusional bestie.

Wednesday 16 October, 7:30pm–10pm | The Abercrombie

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