The Esquire guide to SXSW Sydney 2024
The mega-conference is returning to Sydney with a stacked line-up of cultural events. Here, we curate some of the most exciting talks, performances and premieres to attend
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SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST is making its sophomore appearance in Sydney, with an even bigger line-up of trendsetting artists and speakers. Spanning film, tech, culture, gaming, wellness, and conversations, the schedule runs from October 14 to 20, with a fantasy list of notable appearances scheduled for every day.
A unique addition to SXSW Sydney, its ‘Houses’ will hold specialty activations and experiences throughout the mega-conference’s run. Our pick? Defender House will be unveiling its Defender OCTA – the brand’s most dynamically accomplished model – with wellness events, speakers, and experiences to get a full sense of what the model is capable of.
Scroll on for Esquire’s guide to this year’s SXSW Sydney, from talks and performances by global musical superstars to yoga and sound bath meditation sessions. Life’s all about balance, right?
Related:
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What are the best events at SXSW Sydney 2024?
The Kid Laroi’s Music Keynote
When: Saturday, October 19, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre
SXSW’s keynotes are its marquee events. Hot off his performance at the NRL Grand Final, Sydney-born global phenomenon The Kid Laroi will be delivering the music keynote, a one-hour dialogue where the artist will discuss his path from performing in his neighbourhood of Redfern to becoming a global rap sensation with over a billion streams to his name. Held at the ICC in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, the exclusive event is your chance to spend an hour with one of the biggest artists in the world right now.
Learn more about the event here.
Body & Soul session
When: Thursday, October 17 & Friday, October 18 at 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Where: Machine Hall Precinct, 183-185 Clarence Street, Sydney
A collaboration between iconic Aussie sportswear label P.E. Nation, Sydney yoga studio Humming Puppy and Defender, two bespoke wellness sessions will be held at the Machine Hall Precinct. These health and fitness powerhouses have described the event as a journey through the six stages of wellness, from calm and restore through to vinyasa yoga with a Himalayan crystal sound bowl. Sessions running for an hour and a half over two days; given the business of the SXSW schedule, we recommend booking in some time to soothe and focus your senses before the start of the day.
Bookings for SXSW Defender House events can be made here.
In conversation with Ant Williams
When: Thursday, October 17 at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Machine Hall Precinct, 183-185 Clarence Street, Sydney
Elite athlete and champion freediver Ant Williams will hold a session that speaks to the extreme nature of his pursuits. As the world record holder for being the deepest man under ice (minus 70 metres under the Arctic Circle), Williams’ teachings on breaking down mental barriers are highly sought after. A 45-minute talk will span his adventures, achievements, and how dreaming big has brought him even further; a sure lesson in his secrets behind mental toughness, leaning into discomfort, and the power of taking risks.
Bookings for SXSW Defender House events can be made here.
Destination Defender OCTA drives from the city to the coast
When: October 14 to 20: (Bridge) daily between 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (City) daily between 9:15 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; (Coast) daily between 9:15 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Where: the journey starts at Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour Street, Sydney
The Defender OCTA, the brand’s most dynamically accomplished model yet, will be unveiled at SXSW Sydney, with the brand giving attendees the opportunity to take the vehicle for a spin across the Harbour Bridge, through the city, and to the coast. To really get a sense of the OCTA’s innovative capabilities and durability functions, Defender has curated three separate and distinct routes that also double as a sight-seeing joy-ride. And with a curated Apple Music playlist tailored to each ride, the experience invites even the most rusted-on Sydneysiders to see their city through fresh eyes.
Nick Ward’s SXSW performance
When: Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Central Park, Main Room, Chippendale
Following his successful headline tour in 2022 – and ahead of supporting Troye Sivan’s Australian tour in November – rising Sydney musician Nick Ward will be performing pop indie gems from his discography at SXSW. For one night only at Phoenix Central Park in Chippendale, the multi-talented artist will bring his tunes and style to the festival as an unmissable headliner at the vanguard of next-gen Aussie artists.
Learn more about the event here.
Nightbitch makes its Australian premiere
When: Friday, October 18
In addition to SXSW’s film festival-worthy line-up, Amy Adams’ highly-anticipated Nightbitch will be making its Australian debut. An adaptation of Rachel Yoder’s cult book of the same name, Adams plays a stay-at-home mother who, frustrated after leaving her promising career as an artist to assume her parental duties, transforms into a dog. It perhaps won’t make the cut for awards season to earn Adams her elusive Oscar, but who doesn’t love a niche turn from a mainstream Hollywood star?
Learn more about the screening and purchase tickets here.
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