FREE STREET PARTY
Global Beats. Street Eats. Inspired Pours.
SXSW Sydney lands on Kensington Street. As part of the Unlocked public program, our Chippendale precinct becomes a free neighbourhood stage.
Wander between live sets, graze through Spice Alley, or linger longer over chef-led menus at The Old Rum Store.
With more than six hundred dishes, hundreds of cocktails and the city’s most characterful laneways, it is the perfect place to meet, listen and stay a little longer.
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER • 5 PM – 9 PM
LYRIC
A rising Sydney-based singer-songwriter whose nostalgic pop anthems have captured millions online. Expect warm vocals, synth textures and heartfelt storytelling.
GORDON’S GRANDSON
Japanese-born, Melbourne-based artist creating DIY indie tracks that blend intimacy, emotion and honesty.
MAKI
The Philippines’ breakout city-pop star with over a billion streams and a signature soulful sound.
GAZAL
Lebanese-Australian artist fusing heritage and modern pop with fearless energy. A songwriter turned performer with over 15M views on TikTok.
FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER • 12 PM – 9 PM
PLAYLUNCH
Melbourne’s masters of “bogan funk” — high-energy, hilarious and impossible not to dance to.
RASHMEET KAUR
Grammy-nominated Indian singer-songwriter blending classical roots with contemporary pop and global sounds.
JAMAICA MOANA
Māori-Samoan rapper, creative director and ballroom icon redefining Sydney’s cultural scene.
THE CHAIRS
Taiwan’s award-winning retro-pop trio with Golden Melody Awards and cult global fans.
SELVE
A powerhouse Gold Coast rock outfit fronted by Jabirr Jabirr artist Loki Liddle, known for explosive live performances.
MUNAN
Korean-Australian artist blending psychedelic, surf and indie pop, performing internationally and locally.
TABA CHAKE
Arunachal Pradesh-born fingerstyle guitarist and storyteller, known for tender, soulful songwriting that transcends language.
KYARNA
Yuin singer-songwriter whose heartfelt folk sound explores love, legacy and belonging.
BABE RAINBOW
Australian band from Byron Bay, characterised by their 1960s-style psychedelic rock.
FOOD AND DRINK
SPICE ALLEY SPECIALS
With more than 300 dishes spanning Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Singaporean flavours, Spice Alley captures the energy of an authentic hawker market in the heart of Chippendale. Grab a quick bite for under $10 or gather friends for a feast beneath the lanterns. Fully licensed and BYO, open daily from 11am until late.
BAR SPECIALS
Whether you are after a sharp cocktail, a lazy aperitif, a bottle of wine or a cold beer, Kensington Street has you covered with festival specials across its bars and venues.
Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot. Spice Alley is fully licensed and BYO.
APERITIVO HOUR ON THE STREET
From $14 spritzes with olives, arancini and focaccia at Andiamo, to $2 oysters at Petit and our famous halo drinks at Str’eats, Kensington Street has your hospitality needs covered all festival long.
LINGER LONGER AT THE OLD RUM STORE
The Old Rum Store is where Parisian fare, Italian classics, a New York grill and modern Chinese cuisine come together under one historic roof. From $80 eight-course degustations to $20 yum cha lunches, there is something for every appetite and every budget at The Old Rum Store.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
To make the most of the experience, we’re encouraging everyone to travel smart and sustainably.
Hop on an e-bike and cruise through the city streets, or take the Sydney Metro, train, bus or light rail, all of which connect easily to Central Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the heart of the action.
Kensington Street
Proudly part of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW.
