SXSW Sydney announces more than 60 hours of free entertainment over seven days in Tumbalong Park

A NSW politician has put his faith into one of the world’s largest festivals in the hopes that it can “bring back something we lost” with Sydney’s culture.

A NSW politician has put his faith into one of the world’s largest festivals in the hopes that it can help “bring back something we lost” with Sydney’s culture.

Minister for Night-Time Economy John Graham has spoken highly of the South by Southwest Sydney (SXSW) festival – coming to Sydney for the second time later this year.

Mr Graham said the 2023 festivities reminded him of a time before “Sydney lost its night life culture”, and that a surprise unveiling will revitalise Sydneysiders.

More than 60 hours of free entertainment over seven days in Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park has been announced as part of the event which is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors from October 14 to 20.

“It’s a really big part of Sydney’s culture to have these free events that the public can engage in,” he said.

MP John Graham. pictured speaking at a press conference,

“This event is really helping bring back something that we did lose over the past decade, that experience of going venue to venue and not knowing what’s around the corner and it became a culture that was over regulated.

“But last year that was something I saw come back with during this event … that’s a very special reason to welcome it back from its second edition.”

SXSW conference 2013.

SXSW Sydney is Australia’s largest annual tech and culture event with Tumbalong Park set to serve as the main hub for free public events, featuring talks, tech demos, live music, meet and greets, screenings and e-sports competitions.

With tickets fetching up to $1600 for the convention, the free public program – according to SXSW managing Colin Daniels – will give everyone a “taste” of what the event is all about.

“It gives people a chance to network and to meet creators for free and see what the hype is all about,” Mr Collins said.

“We will celebrate Sydney’s beauty and its creativity and hopefully this can inspire more people to follow their passion.”

Tickets and information are available at the SXSW Sydney website.