SXSW Sydney has canceled its 2026 edition and announced that the event will “conclude its run” in the Australian city.
A statement shared by TEG said that the decision “reflects a changing global environment that is impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide”.
“SXSW Sydney worked closely with the NSW Government and SXSW’s global owners, Penske Media Corporation to explore potential pathways forward for the event, however, prevailing market conditions mean the Sydney edition will not be going ahead at this time,” the statement added.
“Between 2023 and 2025, SXSW Sydney generated an estimated $276 million in total economic impact. The event attracted more than 63,000 out-of-region attendees and recorded a 35% year-on-year growth in international visitation between 2024 and 2025. In 2025 alone, the event attracted a total attendance of more than 345,000, representing a 15% year-on-year increase.”
Simon Cahill and Jono Whyman, SXSW Sydney co-managing directors, said in a joint statement: “SXSW Sydney would not have been possible without our partners, Destination NSW and SXSW, as well as those who contributed to the event – our speakers, sponsors, volunteers and attendees. SXSW Sydney was an unforgettable three-year journey, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the people who joined us for it.
Cahill and Whyman added, “We are especially grateful to the SXSW Sydney team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this event to life and establishing a platform that showcased Australia and the Asia-Pacific as pioneers in global culture.”
Over its three-year run, SXSW Sydney attracted an array of high-profile talent, including Chance the Rapper, Nicole Kidman, Teddy Swims, The Kid LAROI and Paul Feig.