Not only is Sydney shaping up to host WorldPride next year, but back in June it was announced that the city would be the backdrop for South By Southwest (SXSW) in 2023. In both cases, it's the first time the festivals are to take place outside of the northern hemisphere, and as far as SXSW is concerned, the US.

SXSW Sydney 2023 official dates

SXSW may still be a while off, given that it's set to take place over the course of a week from October 15-22, yet details are beginning to trickle out.

Major partners announced

For example, the festival has announced the University of Technology, Sydney as its education partner, which feels like a perfect marriage considering SXSW is a melting pot for all things pioneering in tech, music, gaming and culture.

Then there's the news that Young Henrys are onboard as the major sponsors of the SXSW Sydney Music Festival (!!!). We love to see local legends involved, especially when it's paired with a reminder of all the talent we can expect to wash up on our shores (Lizzo, Billie Eilish and even Dolly Parton have participated in previous lineups) and all the Australian creatives that will be given a global platform. Honestly, it's a win for everyone.

Speaking of the partnership with SXSW, Oscar McMahon, director and co-founder of Young Henrys said, "SXSW Sydney marks something significant for our city, giving us an opportunity to showcase our progressive, cultural and worldly side to a national and international audience. As an independent Australian business, we couldn't be prouder to be stepping up to support such an important moment in the cultural landscape.”

Applications for music and screen acts

As is stands, festival organisers are set to open applications for music and screen submissions on January 18, 2023.

With the gears in motion for SXSW Sydney, we'll be keeping our ears to the ground for more details, including a lineup, speakers and anything to do with the Conference, Music Festival or Screen Festival. Watch this space.