The top free things to do at SXSW Sydney 2023
Looking to experience the best of SXSW Sydney 2023 without breaking the bank? Here's a list of some fun – and free – things you can do around the precinct.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a pile of textbooks, you’ve probably heard the buzz about SXSW Sydney 2023. The festival is on from October 15 - 22 and includes a range of activities from music festivals to film screenings, workshops, presentations and more. You don’t have to drop big bucks to have a great time, though – there are a number of free activities happening around the precinct. So grab your shades and bucket hats, because we have compiled a list of freebies just for you.
1. UTS Robotics, Rockets and Motorsport Showcase
If you geek out when it comes to all things robots, this is a must-see. This free event showcases the robots, rockets, rovers, electric and autonomous go karts that have been created by our very own UTS students. You will also get an opportunity to hear about the 2023 Spaceport America Cup with fun videos, demonstrations and presentations.
Date: 16 October at 1.30pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
2. UTS Motorsports Electric and Autonomous Formula SAE car launch
If you are someone who has never been to a launch party, now is your chance! The UTS Motorsports team will be launching their 2023 car with SXSW Sydney 2023. UTS Motorsports has been competing in the Formula SAE-Australasia race for the past 24 years, with a focus on building cars with more sustainable power sources since 2015.
Date: 16 October at 2.30pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
3. Esports
Here is an event for all the gamers out there. Watch current and veteran Australian and English Counter-Strike players take the stage in what will be the fourth in a series of show matches, pitting Team Australia against Team UK with national pride on the line. If you'd rather take the controls yourself, there will also be opportunities throughout the week to play Street Fighter VI, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and more either one-on-one or team vs. team.
Date: 22 October at 4.30pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
4. Big Questions with Adam Spencer and Dr Karl
Have a burning question about life, death and everything in between? Here's your chance to participate in a free-form, no-holds-barred discussion with some of the brightest (and funniest) minds at SXSW.
Date: 21 October at 3.10pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
5. Young Henrys Rock n Roll Circus
Sydney's very own Young Henrys brewery is collaborating with SXSW Sydney 2023 to bring you their famous Rock n Roll circus. While the acts are a secret for now, there are promises of iconic covers of rock songs and of course, a fun musical evening.
Date: 18 October 4.10pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
6. Touchdown Under
No festival is complete without musical performances, especially when YEG enters the picture. Asia’s biggest music label group will be part of SXSW Sydney 2023 to bring you artists from all over Asia and the Middle East. With a diverse line-up from operatic metal to Indonesian folk to Korean R&B, this free musical event is a must-visit for all music lovers.
Date: 19 October at 1pm and 20 October at 1.30pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
7. SXSW Sydney Outdoor Cinema
Yes, you read that right! SXSW Sydney 2023 is giving you a movie night under the stars with four dates to choose from. Invite a date or a group of friends to enjoy some cult classic feature films that have screened over the last 35 years at the iconic SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Movies include Ghost in the Shell, High Fidelity, Dazed and Confused and What We Do in the Shadows.
Date: 16 October - 19 October at 8pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
8. Rover Demonstration by Advanced Navigation
Do you love Mario Kart? If yes, this might just be the event for you! Here’s your opportunity to be part of an exhilarating real-life Mario Kart experience. In this event, audience members get to remote control robotic vehicles and drones stationed in different states, all from the SXSW Main Stage.
Date: 21 October at 12.30pm
Location: Tumbalong Park
This is just a sample of the exciting events happening around the SXSW Sydney 2023 precinct. Round up your mates, take a breather from your study sessions, and get ready to back in the good times and fantastic vibes of this festival.
Check out a list of all the free events happening throughout the week here.
