SXSW Sydney has launched its public program for 2024, which will transform Tumbalong Park into a hub of creativity and host world-class activations from leading brands including Suntory Minus 196 and Papa Salt.
Suntory Minus 196 will once again bring its Extreme Vending Machine to SXSW Sydney following its debut at the inaugural event in 2023. In an activation of epic proportions, the brand’s three-story vending machine will once again transport consumers into the innovative and intensely Japanese world of Minus 196 — all with a Minus 196 can in hand.
Margot Robbie’s Papa Salt tequila will debut its Paloma RTD at the festival. The premix contains Papa Salt gin, Capi grapefruit soda and a hint of rosemary.
On 19 October Papa Salt will bring the vibes to the Main Stage in Tumbalong Park with the Australian Premiere screening of The Endless Summer 60th Anniversary, followed by an afterparty with live music from SXSW Sydney Music Festival acts BALTHVS & Touch Sensitive.
Also part of the free Screen Festival programming will be Bush Shorts, showcasing a variety of short films from emerging First Nations and Indigenous filmmakers across Australia. Bush Shorts are selected by Winda Film Festival with a focus on shaping identity and remembering Country.
“+91 Calling!”, a single-day showcase festival of Indian creative culture will bring the energy to the Tumbalong Park Main Stage on Sunday 20 October, featuring six acts from India and the Indian diaspora—one of the most exciting entertainment influences of the moment—with genres spanning hip-hop, pop, r&b, club and neo-classical.
Music meets Tech on the Tumbalong Park Main Stage where Ben Gillies (musician, songwriter and Silverchair Co-founder) will unite with Johannes Saam (futurist) and Tushar Apte (producer and songwriter) for a live demonstration session and performance.
More exciting Tech & Innovation programming will feature in the publicly accessible precinct throughout the week, with trailblazing technology demonstrations and surprise and delight moments happening on the Main Stage and brand-new ‘The Dome’ stage presented by The Growth Distillery.
The Dome will feature ‘Meet the Speaker’ sessions throughout the week, giving attendees the chance to meet Conference speakers such as astrophysicist, Kirsten Banks. On 17 October it will play host to the Innovation Showcase, seeing tertiary institutions take over Tumbalong Park to present the latest developments in Rocketry, Robotics, Engineering, Mechanics, Science and Technology, with high school excursions invited to come along and join in on the fun. Plus, see the future of motorcycles with the ZERO Australian 100% electric bike showcase featuring prototype ZERO SR/X.
As part of the free Games Festival programming, the Acer Predator League Academy will be crowning their first champion at Tumbalong Park on Saturday 19 October. Two of the best high schools in Australia and New Zealand will compete in the only Fortnite competition designed for high schools. In huge news for the gaming community, Team PWR and Fortnite icons Lachlan and Loserfruit will be onstage to provide the winning school with their trophy.
SXSW Chair Geoff Jones said: “In partnership with the NSW Government, today we are delighted to launch SXSW Sydney’s 2024 Public Program.
“At last year’s inaugural Event, Tumbalong Park became a hub for the industry to converge between catching the latest session or artist showcase to connect with one-another. Brand activations were a key feature of the precinct and free public performances took place from the likes of Indonesian sensation Isyana Sarasvati, Dr. Karl and Black Mirror creator and showrunner Charlie Brooker.
“This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a host of incredible talent from all over the globe ascending to Tumbalong Park. These seven days and nights will be filled with great entertainment, and I would highly recommend that all Sydney-siders join in on the festivities.”
SXSW Sydney 2024 free public events will take place from October 14–20 in Tumbalong Park and the surrounding Darling Harbour precinct, giving everyone a taste of this incredible global event.