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SXSW Sydney’s 2024 public program in Tumbalong Park to feature 7 days of free talks, live demos, performances, activations, a celebration of India’s creative communities and so much more
Sydney, Australia –Friday 2 August, 2024 – South by Southwest Sydney® (SXSW Sydney) has today launched its public program for2024, which will see Darling Harbour alive with excitement from October 14–20, with over 100,000 people expected to visit the precinct and enjoy 60+ hours of free entertainment. Over 7 days and nights, Tumbalong Park in the heart ofSydney will be transformed into a hub of creativity as it plays host to world-class activations from leading brands, as well as inspiring talks, tech demos, live music, meet & greets, esports competitions, and more as part of SXSW Sydney 2024.
Minister for Jobs andTourism, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Music and the Night-timeEconomy, John Graham says: “Last year’s first ever SXSW Sydney was a massive success and we’re very excited to build on that great start this year, starting with today’s announcement of the free event program in Tumbalong Park.
“The SXSW festival in Austin Texas is a global icon, Sydney’s event is fast becoming one too. It will attract visitors from around the country and the world and showcase Sydney as the creative powerhouse that it is.
“The NSW Government is committed to helping people with the cost of living. This free SXSW Sydney program gives people a chance to take part in this global festival, have a great day or night out, at no cost.”
Geoff Jones, SXSW Chair says: “In Partnership with the NSW Government, today we are delighted to launch SXSW Sydney’s 2024 Public Program.
“At last year’s inaugural Event, Tumbalong Park became a hub for the industry to converge between catching the latest session or artist showcase to connect with one-another. Brand activations were a key feature of the precinct and free public
performances took place from the likes of Indonesian sensation Isyana Sarasvati, Dr. Karl and BlackMirror creator and showrunner Charlie Brooker.
“This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a host of incredible talent from all over theGlobe ascending to Tumbalong Park. These seven days and nights will be filled with great entertainment, and I would highly recommend that all Sydney-siders join in on the festivities.”
In 2024, Tumbalong Park will again serve as SXSW Sydney’s free events hub, with even more crowd-pleasing experiences stretching from Darling Harbour around to Chippendale and Ultimo. Badgeholders, wristband-holders and the public are invited to discover new ideas, innovations and artists, while experiencing a taste of SXSW Sydney’s core pillars: Tech& Innovation, Games, Music and Screen.
“+91Calling!”, a single-day showcase festival of Indian creative culture will bring the energy to the Tumbalong Park Main Stage on Sunday 20 October, featuring six acts from India and theIndian diaspora—one of the most exciting entertainment influences of the moment—with genres spanning hip-hop, pop, r&b, club and neo-classical. Stay tuned for the full Sunday program announcement in the coming weeks.
Music meets Tech on the Tumbalong Park MainStage where Ben Gillies (Musician,Songwriter and Silverchair Co-founder) will unite with Johannes Saam (Futurist) and Tushar Apte (Producer and Songwriter) for a live demonstration session and performance.
More exciting Tech & Innovation programming will feature in the publicly accessible precinct throughout the week, with trailblazing technology demonstrations and surprise and delight moments happening on the Main Stage and brand-new ‘The Dome’ stage presented byThe Growth Distillery. The Dome will feature ‘Meet the Speaker’ sessions throughout the week, giving attendees the chance to meet Conference speakers such as astrophysicist, Kirsten Banks. On Thursday 17 October, it will play host to the Innovation Showcase, seeing tertiary institutions take over Tumbalong Park to present the latest developments inRocketry, Robotics, Engineering, Mechanics, Science and Technology, with high school excursions invited to come along and join in on the fun. Plus, see thefuture of motorcycles with the ZERO Australian 100% electric bike showcase featuring prototype ZERO SR/X.
On Saturday 19 October Papa Salt will bring the vibes to the Main Stage in Tumbalong Park with the Australian Premiere screening of TheEndless Summer 60th Anniversary, followed by an afterparty with live music from SXSW Sydney Music Festival acts BALTHVS & Touch Sensitive.Also part of the free Screen Festival programming will be Bush Shorts, showcasing a variety of short films from emergingFirst Nations and Indigenous filmmakers across Australia. Bush Shorts are selected by Winda Film Festival with a focus on shaping identity and remembering Country.
As part of the free Games Festival programming, the Acer Predator League Academy will be crowning their first champion at Tumbalong Park on Saturday19 October. Two of the best high schools in Australia and New Zealand will compete in the only Fortnite competition designed for high schools. In huge news for the gaming community, Team PWR and Fortnite icons Lachlan and Loserfruit will be onstage to provide the winning school with their trophy.
SXSW Sydney 2024 free public events take placeOctober 14–20 in Tumbalong Park and the surrounding Darling Harbour precinct, giving everyone a taste of this incredible global event.
Running over seven unmissable days and nights,SXSW Sydney brings together a diverse array of industry leaders, creators and visionaries from around the globe. This unique convergence fosters meaningful connections that lead to collaborations, partnerships and career advancements. This year, SXSW Sydney will feature over 1000 events and experiences and is designed for attendees to engage in discussions that matter, share ideas and build lasting relationships. Check out the schedule, start favouriting your top picks and stay tuned for more exciting announcements.
For those wanting to level up their career and experience all that SXSW Sydney offers, Badges will be your all-access pass for the full program including keynotes, panels, networking, industry meetups, parties and more. Wristbands will grant you access to SXSW Sydney’s Music, Screen or Games festivals, for performances, screenings and showcases. Buy yourBadge or Wristband today at sxswsydney.com.
SXSW Sydney is delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Plan your SXSW Sydney 2024 trip now, visit sydney.com.
SXSW SYDNEY
14 – 20 OCTOBER 2024
NSW, AUSTRALIA
For SXSW Sydney media inquiries please contact:
Approved generalSXSW Sydney imagery: HERE
Notes to Editor
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About SXSW Sydney®
SXSW Sydney is an annual gathering of visionaries, thought leaders and emerging talents from the Asia-Pacific region.The week-long program is stacked with more than 1,000 events and networking sessions across the key pillars of Tech & Innovation, Games, Music andScreen. The Event seamlessly integrates art and entrepreneurship with cutting-edge advancements, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where ideas are exchanged and partnerships are forged. SXSW Sydney 2024 will take place onOctober 14–20 , on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
About SXSW®
South by Southwest (SXSW) dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas,SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2025 will take place March 7-15in Austin. Learn more at sxsw.com.
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business EventsSydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
About TEG
TEG is a global leader in Live Entertainment,Ticketing and Technology and has been at the heart of the live event experience for 50 years through its touring and ticketing operations. Every day TEG connects fans to experiences and customers with brands. TEG are proud partners of some of the world’s largest and most iconic venues as well as leading global brands and events. Through TEG’s integrated operating model, the business brings the best live content, ticketing, and technology to partners with access to the best and most compelling music, sporting, and entertainment events across the globe. TEG is headquartered in Sydney, Australia and operates globally with offices across Asia, Europe and the US
