SXSW Sydney 2026 cancelled after three years of attempted expansion into Asia-Pacific

SXSW Sydney will not take place this year, with organisers announcing the festival had concluded its run in Australia.

The major annual event, which is a conglomeration of parallel film, music, technology, and video game festivals as well as other conferences, expanded to Sydney in 2023 after it was created in Austin, Texas in 1987.

“Every great story has a final page, and it is with a heavy heart that we share that SXSW Sydney has reached its closing chapter and will not be returning in 2026,” SXSW said in a statement.

The organisation said that it had worked with its owners, Penske Media Corporation, and the NSW government to work through issues with the event, but “prevailing market conditions” prevented it going ahead.

“The decision reflects a changing global environment that is impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide,” the organisation said.

The event regularly attracts celebrities and powerful figures to give talks or premier films, with Nicole Kidman attending the first event in Sydney and the Kid Laroi giving a keynote session in 2024.

Diverse speakers at the US festival include former President Barack Obama, Elon Musk, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Spielberg, Keanu Reeves, Lizzo, Jenna Ortega and Robert Downey Jr.

More than 345,000 people attended the 2025 event, a 15 per cent year-on year increase on the previous festival.

SXSW Sydney says it generated an estimated $276 million in total economic impact over its three year run.

More than 63,000 people outside of Sydney would travel to attend the event, with international visitors increasing by 35 per cent in 2025 compared to the year before.

“SXSW Sydney represented an ambitious and meaningful extension of the SXSW brand, and we are incredibly proud of what was built in partnership with the Sydney team, Destination NSW, and the broader creative community,” said Jenny Connelly, Director in Charge of SXSW.

The event organisers say they are “committed” to their staff and will work “closely with team members to provide appropriate support”.

Fans of the event have been quick to share their sadness online.

“As someone who went every year, it became a special place for me, full of curiosity, generosity and the kind of conversations that stay with you long after the event ends,” robotic engineer Michelle Dickinson wrote on social media.

“What a sad day for the Australian events calendar,” another wrote.