SXSW Sydney has announced that its 2026 edition will not proceed. Said the statement: “The decision reflects a changing global environment that is impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide.”

The first international edition of the Austin, Texas-based original SXSW started in 1997, while the Sydney event – which first aired in 2023 – billed itself as a festival based on four pillars: Tech and Innovation, Screen, Gaming and Music.

The 2025 festival attracted a total attendance of more than 345,000 to its conferences, screenings, panels, workshops, gigs and industry parties.

“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,” said Co-Managing Directors Simon Cahill and Jono Whyman.

“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.”

The event had been praised for the variety of contemporary music acts it brought to Sydney...