Inner West Council and SXSW Team Up For Third “Fest By Inner West”

The Inner West Council is once again teaming up with SXSW Sydney to present its third Fest by Inner West this October.

The free, all-day festival will take over the Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct, turning it into a a music and cultural playground.

A lineup of local and international artists were announced for the event on Thursday morning, with the festival continuing its tradition of pairing international and national headliners with emerging local bands to give local talent a platform to reach wider audiences.

Indie rock singer-songwriter Jasmine 4.T. and Irish brothers Le Boom will be performing alongside Aussie talent including alt-rock legends Crow and rising country star, Lewis Love. Performances will be taking place across six iconic local venues including The Duke, The Factory Theatre, Vic on The Park, The Trocadero Room, The Warren View and The Enmore Hotel.

“The Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct has already become a model for Sydney’s nightlife revival,” said Mayor Darcy Byrne. “By joining forces with SXSW Sydney — one of the world’s most iconic cultural festivals — we are showcasing the Inner West as Australia’s live music capital, putting our venues, our artists and our communities on the global stage.”

More than 80 hours of carefully designed programming 

Over one week in October, SXSW will  transform Tumbalong Park and its surroundings into an inclusive, free-access cultural playground, with over 85 hours of programming designed for CBD workers, students, families and curious minds.

It includes everything from midday music and line-dancing, to sunset DJ sets, fashion showcases, and even a VR games showdown.

SXSW Sydney Co-Managing Director Simon Cahill said the partnership between the council and the premier cultural event was a perfect fit.

“SXSW Sydney celebrates innovation, culture and music from across the globe, and the Inner West is home to Sydney’s most dynamic creative communities. Together we’re delivering a festival that brings international buzz right into the heart of Newtown and Marrickville, while championing the incredible talent already here.”

Last year’s festival saw more than 6,000 registrations, strengthening the Inner West’s already hefty profile as one of Sydney’s premier entertainment destinations.

“There’s nowhere better to enjoy an incredible line-up of local and international artists than at some of the best live music venues in Sydney, here in Enmore and Marrickville,” said Inner West Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith.  

“This is a natural partnership between SXSW Sydney and Inner West Council and this year’s Fest by Inner West will deliver a huge boost to our local artists, businesses, and music lovers.”  

Fest By Inner West runs on Saturday 18 October 2025, 12pm – 10pm. Register for free here.