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Event update · October 2026
SXSW Sydney: what happened, and what’s next for APAC networking
SXSW Sydney brought tech, screen, music and games together in Sydney for three years. In January 2026, organizers cancelled the 2026 edition. Here is what the festival was, why it ended, and how to keep building your network in Asia Pacific.
Latest news
SXSW Sydney 2026 has been cancelled
In January 2026, SXSW announced that it would not hold SXSW Sydney in 2026, after three festivals from 2023 to 2025. Its statement pointed to “a changing global environment” affecting major events and festivals worldwide, and to “prevailing market conditions”. No plans to return or move the event elsewhere were announced.
- The last SXSW Sydney ran from 13 to 19 October 2025
- The original SXSW continues in Austin, Texas, each March
- Old SXSW Sydney tickets and discount codes are no longer valid
Source: reporting by CultureMap Austin (14 January 2026) on SXSW’s announcement. Check sxswsydney.com for any future updates.
Looking back
What SXSW Sydney offered
Tech, screen, music and games
Films, games, emerging music and big ideas from industry leaders, with hands-on demos and previews.
A week-long innovation hub
Panels, keynotes and demonstrations at the ICC Sydney, Tumbalong Park and the surrounding precinct.
What’s next
Keep building your network in Asia Pacific
Events like SXSW Sydney are only one way to meet the right people. In Asia, lasting business relationships are built through introductions, follow-up and trust over time.
- Use our 7 networking strategies for Asia
- Understand why relationships are the golden key to Asian business
- Ask us for introductions to partners, investors and talent
Planning to meet partners in Hong Kong? Book a free consultation with our founder.
FAQ
SXSW Sydney questions
Is SXSW Sydney happening in 2026?
No. In January 2026, SXSW announced that SXSW Sydney would not take place in 2026, after three editions from 2023 to 2025.
Why was SXSW Sydney cancelled?
SXSW’s statement cited a changing global environment affecting major events, festivals and cultural programs, and prevailing market conditions. It did not announce plans to return.
When was the last SXSW Sydney?
The last SXSW Sydney took place from 13 to 19 October 2025, centred on Tumbalong Park and the surrounding precinct in Sydney.
Is SXSW still held in Austin?
Yes. The original SXSW conference and festivals continue in Austin, Texas, each March.
What was SXSW Sydney?
SXSW Sydney was the Asia-Pacific edition of South by Southwest: a week-long festival and conference covering tech and innovation, screen, music and games, with conference sessions, showcases and free public programming.
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