SXSW Sydney has unveiled the 2025 edition of its public program, SXSW Sydney Unlocked, offering more than 85 hours of free entertainment from 13–19 October at Tumbalong Park and surrounding precincts.
Designed for city workers, students, families and curious minds, the week-long activation includes live music, fashion shows, short films, conference talks, VR gaming and interactive tech displays. The program runs daily, with extended hours from Thursday to Saturday, and includes free public access to the Games Showcase and Innovation Expo on Saturday 18 October.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said the event will “showcase our city as a global hub for culture and innovation,” adding the free program “makes world-class content accessible to everyone” and supports Sydney’s night-time economy.
Co-managing director of SXSW Sydney, Simon Cahill, said: “SXSW Sydney Unlocked represents the very heart of what SXSW Sydney is all about: access, discovery and connection… whether you’re watching a runway show, getting hands-on with future tech at our Expo, or dancing with your kids in the park, this is a celebration of ideas and imagination, and everyone’s invited.”
Program highlights
- FOMA: Fabrics of Modern Australia — Monday 13 October, runway showcase of more than 25 nationalities, plus the launch of the FOMA Collective digital marketplace (5–8pm).
- International Stage — Wednesday 15 October, performances from Tenxi & Jemsii (Indonesia), Angela Ken (Philippines), Tia Ray (China) and J‑Pop group Psychic Fever (5–8pm).
- Blak To The Future — Thursday 16 October, short films and live music from First Nations creatives, plus the launch of Screen NSW’s First Nations Screen Fellowship (evening).
- Tumbalong Honky Tonk — Friday 17 October, country sets from Max Jackson, The Washboard Union, Lewis Love and Big Wheels, with line dancing lessons (5–9:30pm).
- Innovation Expo & Games Showcase — Saturday 18 October, hands-on robotics, space tech and STEM activities, including the Australian Space Agency’s lunar ‘Roo‑ver’.
- Small Fry Rock — Saturday 18 October, kids’ gig with Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon) and Katy Steele (Little Birdy) from 11:30am; later, Hoops & Everything mini‑festival with The Rubens (3–9pm).
- AU Kpop Random Play Dance! — Sunday 19 October, community dance event celebrating Korean pop culture (afternoon).
SXSW Sydney Unlocked: Daily free events at a glance
Use this quick guide to see what’s on each day at Tumbalong Park.
Monday 13 October
– FOMA: Fabrics of Modern Australia runway showcase (5–8pm)
Tuesday 14 October
– Lunch sessions: live music, short films, talks (12–1:30pm)
– Happy Hour: live music and DJ sets (from 4:30pm)
Wednesday 15 October
– Lunch sessions (12–1:30pm)
– International Stage with Tenxi & Jemsii, Angela Ken, Tia Ray, Psychic Fever (5–8pm)
Thursday 16 October
– Lunch sessions (12–1:30pm)
– Blak To The Future – First Nations shorts, music and Screen NSW fellowship launch (5–8pm)
– Seymour Nights live music (7–10pm)
Friday 17 October
– Lunch sessions (12–1:30pm)
– Tumbalong Honky Tonk – country music & line dancing (5–9:30pm)
– Seymour Nights (7–10pm)
Saturday 18 October
– Innovation Expo & Games Showcase open to public (all day)
– Small Fry Rock – Phil Jamieson & Katy Steele (from 11:30am)
– Hoops & Everything mini‑festival with The Rubens (3–9pm)
Sunday 19 October
– Twirl Tries It All – family reading & movement workshop (morning)
– AU Kpop Random Play Dance! (afternoon)
Brand activations
Interactive experiences will run throughout the week from partners including CommBank, L’Oréal Groupe, The Growth Distillery, Johnnie Walker, KPMG, DEPT and American Apparel.