SXSW Sydney
In 2023, the iconic festival of creative industries South by South West (SXSW) is coming to Sydney. With events on tech and innovation, games, music, film, and more—it's no surprise that Sydney is buzzing to host the first iteration of South By outside of North America. SXSW Sydney® runs from the 15th of October to the 22nd of October throughout the city.
Tech & Innovation
Innovators and creators showcase their groundbreaking works across industries—from entertainment to education to health to fashion. Guests can immerse themselves in experiences like product demonstrations, interactive installations, meet-and-greets, and so much more within Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Games
The SXSW Sydney Games Showcase gives a platform to 150 independent games from across the Asia-Pacific region. Indie developers will show off their work to industry professionals, media, other creatives, and fans in the massive showcase. Experience the future of gaming with live play-throughs and demos before you head to the Tabletop Festival, the XR Showcase, charity marathon stream, and the Games Awards, hosted by beloved comedian/musician, Tom Cardy.
Music
Over 300 artists take to the stage for SXSW Sydney, across some of the city's most iconic venues. International artists, local performers, and everything in between creates an energetic soundtrack to the festival.
Just like the original SXSW in Austin, TX, the Sydney festival will include a number of designated ‘country houses’, including the British Music Embassy and Korea Spotlight presented by Kocca. Head along to enjoy showcases from record labels, brands, festivals, and agencies from around the APAC region.
Screen
The SXSW Screen Festival hosts exclusive premiers across a huge genre of films —from feature-length films to short works to episodic instalments. Traditional screenings as well as innovative XR and VR technology invite you into the creative worlds of the filmmakers.
See the Screen Festival’s Opening Night film—the highly anticipated thriller The Royal Hotel—and the global premiere of Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, which will also feature special Q&A sessions and performances by The Wiggles.
If you’re visiting Sydney for SXSW and don’t want to miss a moment of this mammoth festival, be sure to book your stay in nearby SXSW Sydney Accommodation to make the most of your time.
Sydney Modern
The Art Gallery of NSW transformed into a unique museum campus of two buildings and an art garden with the Sydney Modern project. The project was the most significant cultural development and investment in the city since the Sydney Opera House opened its doors nearly half a century earlier. The expansion puts the Sydney Modern on the same playing field as London's Tate Modern, inviting more exhibitors and inspiring more and more artists.
Stay in a hotel near the Sydney Modern Project with the luxurious Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, just a short walk from the Gallery’s doors.
Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney exhibitions
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) hosts a range of exhibitions throughout summer. Installations include work from artists from across the globe and each exhibition evokes new sensations as the works span theme, genre, and media.
Stay nearby at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – Mgallery and take advantage of the boutique hotel rooms, heritage hallways, restaurant, and bar.
Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs
More than 3000 years in the making, this iconic collection is exclusive to the Australian Museum in Sydney, and features over 180 ancient Egyptian treasures. The exhibition runs from the 18th of November to the 19th of May, and transports visitors back to the time of the most celebrated pharaoh, Ramses himself.
Live entertainment in Sydney this summer
Sydney is home to several fantastic theatres, from the Capitol Theatre to the Sydney Lyric Theatre, and summer might just be the best time of year to enjoy all the live shows that visit this iconic city.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Experience the inspiring story of the queen of Rock & Roll, Tina Turner. A rock music spectacular, Tina is already bringing audiences to their feet, night after night at the Theatre Royal Sydney. The show features more than 20 of the artist’s iconic songs, including “Simply the Best”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, and the high-energy “Proud Mary” that’s sure to get you dancing in your seat!
Wicked
Wicked returns to Sydney to tell the untold, true story of the Witches of Oz. Fans of the original book by L. Frank Baum will know the story of Dorothy, and how the good witch Glinda helped her on her path. But Wicked takes audiences into the world of Oz to learn what life was like for Glinda and her friend–the iconic, green, Wicked Witch of the East–and why being wicked might not mean what we thought.
Sail GP Sydney
For those in Sydney looking for a different type of live entertainment, there are plenty of exciting sports events to enjoy throughout the city, including the Sail GP. The Australia Sail Grand Prix takes to the seas on the 24th and 25th of February 2024. The event showcases the best sailing Sydney has to offer, with heart-stopping races across both days.
The Rocks Christmas Markets
To celebrate the holiday season, the beloved The Rocks Market is transforming into a Christmas wonderland. Stop by to find the perfect artisan gift for a loved one, or to grab something special for yourself!
Christmas and NYE Sydney Events
Summer in Sydney means celebrating the holidays and the new year.
Carols in the Domain
The iconic Carols in the Domain is back for another year in 2023, celebrating the event’s 40th anniversary on Saturday the 16th of December. You can find tickets for reserved seating available on the event’s website.
Sydney NYE Fireworks
From all across the state, the nation, and even the world, people come to Sydney to enjoy the iconic fireworks over Sydney harbour each new year. If you’re not a local, be sure to book your stay in a Sydney hotel so you won’t have to head all the way home after enjoying the festivities.
Sydney Mardi Gras
On the 2nd of March 2024, the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade takes over the city for the biggest night-time LGBTQIA+ Parade in the world. The 2024 theme is "Our Future" and it invites all to participate and champion LGBTQIA+ causes as we look forward while honouring the past.
Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival is a city-wide celebration of all things culture, creativity, and curiosity. The festival has been running since 1977 and shows no signs of slowing down. Live music, theatre, comedy, visual art, and plenty more for all ages take over the city from the 5th to the 29th of January. Highlights include Frida Kahlo: the life of an icon, Sun & Sea, Room, and Sara Baras: Alma.
Tropfest
The world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest is a must-visit for film lovers. The festival has helped kickstart the careers of some of Australia’s best filmmakers, spanning genres and audiences. The festival first ran in 1993 with a screening for only 200 people at the Tropicana Caffé in Darlinghurst. Now the festival is so popular, it has even expanded around the globe, with other locations in London, Toronto, Berlin, and New York City. Despite the international expansion, the original Tropfest right here in Sydney remains iconic and unique.
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney are a sight to behold. From street performances, market stalls, food trucks, DJs, and plenty of moments that you won’t be able to resist snapping a shot of for your social feed. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon—specifically the Wood Dragon—and promises a creative year for all.
