The annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney festival is set to make a grand return for its third year, promising a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation across the city. Scheduled from October 13 to 19, 2025, this year’s festival expands its reach with a diverse program that includes tech, music, film, and gaming, alongside a series of free events under the banner of SXSW Sydney Unlocked.
At the core of SXSW Sydney is the celebration of fresh ideas, and this year’s lineup is no exception. From keynote speakers to music performances, the festival offers myriad opportunities to engage with cutting-edge concepts and creative minds.
Keynote Speakers: Insights from Industry Leaders
Taking place at the ICC Sydney from October 13 to 16, the keynote speaker series features prominent figures ready to share their expertise and experiences. Among them is American comedy director Paul Feig, known for hits like “Bridesmaids” and “A Simple Favor,” who will be speaking as part of the screen program. The music keynote will be delivered by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, who recently performed at the NRL grand final.
Mo Gawdat, former chief business officer at Google X, will discuss the potential of AI to benefit humanity, while Brennan Lee Mulligan, creator and host of the Dungeons & Dragons show “Dimension 20,” will speak for the gaming strand.
Conference and Impact Stage: A Feast of Ideas
SXSW Sydney Conference
Spanning various locations from October 13 to 17, the SXSW Sydney Conference is a hub of intellectual exchange, featuring over 1,000 speakers. Highlights include cricket legend Steve Waugh discussing Australia’s role in the space race, leadership expert Kirstin Ferguson on decision-making, and GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan on crisis management. Other notable speakers include Marcus Collins, Beyoncé’s former digital strategist, and Lars Rasmussen, co-founder of Google Maps.
The Impact Stage
New to the festival this year is the Impact Stage, running from October 15 to 17 at the ICC Sydney. This platform will explore the evolution of philanthropy and societal improvement, featuring speakers like Save the Children Australia CEO Mat Tinkler and Medecins Sans Frontieres head of programs Simon Eccleshall. Discussions will cover the future of giving, climate advocacy, and addressing loneliness as a public health issue.
Music and Screen Festivals: A Celebration of Talent
Music Festival
From October 14 to 18, Chippendale and its surroundings will resonate with the sounds of over 150 artists, focusing on emerging talent. Among the anticipated performances is electronic artist Ninajirachi, the most-nominated artist at this year’s ARIA Awards. Other acts include Maple’s Pet Dinosaur, Last Quokka, Touch Sensitive, Gordi, and the Australian debut of Irish band Picture This.
Screen Festival
Film enthusiasts can look forward to the Australian premiere of “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” starring Jeremy Allen White. Other premieres include Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia,” Jennifer Lawrence in “Die, My Love,” and Canadian comedy “Nirvanna: The Band – The Show – The Movie.”
Games and Tech Festivals: Exploring New Frontiers
Games Festival
From October 15 to 18, the ICC Sydney will host the Games Festival, featuring an opening-night event by Beethoven & Dinosaur. Attendees can engage with over 120 independent game demos, with free access on October 18. The festival also includes a showcase of tabletop gaming.
Tech and Innovation Festival
Running concurrently at the ICC Sydney, the Tech and Innovation Festival will delve into the future of technology. Highlights include the SXSW Sydney Pitch, where startups present visionary concepts, and a Hackathon for collaborative brainstorming. The Innovation Expo will showcase the latest advancements and offer free entry on its final day.
SXSW Sydney Unlocked: Free Events for All
For those seeking budget-friendly options, SXSW Sydney Unlocked offers over 200 free events. Tumbalong Park will host many activities, including performances by J-pop band Psychic Fever and a celebration of First Nations creatives. A special mention goes to the “Hoops and Everything” mini-festival on October 18, curated by The Rubens to mark the 10th anniversary of their hit “Hoops.”
SXSW Sydney 2025 promises a week of inspiration and exploration, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a world of innovation and creativity.
