South by Southwest (SXSW), the world’s biggest festival of ideas, is coming to Sydney bringing over 1,000 sessions, events and experiences. Find out how you can experience it for free.

Over seven days from 14 - 20 Oct 2024 Darling Harbour and Tumbalong Park will be buzzing with creative (and affordable) energy thanks to dozens of free SXSW events. From esports tournaments to tech demos and music festivals - there’s something for everyone. 

To help you experience the best of the fest for less we’ve put together a guide to SXSW events that won’t cost you anything. 

FREE EVENTS

+91 Calling: A celebration of India’s creative culture

+91 Calling is bringing the energy to Tumbalong Park main stage. This full-day event will feature six acts from India and the Australian-Indian diaspora, with genres from hip hop, to pop, r&b and neo classical. That includes 

• KR$NA, a leader in India’s hip hop scene.
• Mali, an introspective singer songwriter
• Kavy, a genre bending songstress
• Yun Raja, a Tamil-Singaporean rapper
• Renao, a UK-based Indian pop artist. 
• Manara, a UK-based DJ spinning underground club tunes with a Desi twist. 

Come and enjoy the vibes for free on Sunday 20 October from 1pm to 7pm. 
 

Tech and innovation tasters

See the exciting future of technology at SXSW’s many free innovation events in Tumbalong Park. Expect to be wowed at the main stage in Tumbalong Park, and the new SXSW hub for innovation - the Dome presented by The Growth Distillery. Don’t miss the innovation showcase, featuring the latest in rocketry, robotics, engineering and science, and see the future of mobility with ZERO, an Australian electric bike manufacturer showcasing their prototype. 

The Acer Predator League Academy

Two of the best high schools in Australia and New Zealand are competing for supremacy at the only Fortnite competition designed for students - the Acer Predator League Academy. Come and watch the champion win their crown at Tumbalong Park on Saturday 19 October. 

Fortnight legends Lachlan and Loserfruit will be onstage to present the winning school their trophy. 

Papa Salt brings the summer vibes

On October 19 Margot Robbie’s gin brand, Papa Salt, is bringing summery vibes to SXSW’s main stage in Tumbalong Park with the Australian premier screening of the Endless Summer 60th Anniversary. To top it all off they’re launching their new premix Papa Salt Paloma and throwing an afterparty from 5:30pm, with live performances from BALTHVS and Touch Sensitive.
 

Looking for more? 

Discover all that SXSW Sydney has to offer at Darling Harbour.