South by Southwest® (SXSW®) is heading across the pond with the launch of a London edition in June 2025.

SXSW London will bring its own distinctive personality, driven by London’s internationally renowned cultural life and creativity, its status as a global meeting place, and its proximity to other major creative and tech centers in Europe. Over the course of a week in June, SXSW London will take over dozens of venues, galleries, clubs and other spaces in Shoreditch, east London, renowned as a vibrant center for creativity and technological innovation, as well as for its diversity, energetic youth culture, global cuisine and nightlife.

In addition to inspiring and challenging keynotes, music showcases, and innovations in tech, gaming and screen, SXSW London will introduce boundary pushing visual arts, design and fashion programming, with exhibitions and interactive and immersive experiences in public spaces across its east London campus.

As SXSW’s European edition, SXSW London will have a particular emphasis on creative talent from across Europe. SXSW London will continue to encourage the convergence of creativity and culture, unexpected discoveries, and connections between visitors, creating opportunities for attendees, performers, and the broader London community to collaborate and innovate. SXSW London will also continue to develop Austin’s focus on climate action and sustainability, with the ambition to drive positive change for future generations.

Randel Bryan, Managing Director of SXSW London, said, “As a life-long fan of SXSW I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future.

“SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why SXSW is the go-to destination for professionals and creatives seeking meaningful connections, unexpected experiences and ideas that can help shape the world.

“SXSW London will also provide a platform for the next generation of creative talent and we will be working hard to ensure that opportunities for learning, employment and community uplift are at the heart of everything we do.”

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said, “I am delighted to welcome SXSW to London for the first time ever — confirming our place at the heart of Europe’s tech and creative sectors and as a global capital of culture.

“When I was part of SXSW in Austin in 2018, I saw first-hand the electric atmosphere of innovation SXSW creates and I can’t wait to be part of it again. This is a historic opportunity for London to once again bring the world’s most exciting talent together as part of our mission to build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said, “Festivals have been a vital part of British culture for decades and a key part of the reason why the UK is known the world over for creative excellence.

“From film and TV to fashion and music, London is a global hub for cultural and creative talent, so it’s fantastic that SXSW is coming here to bring together innovators from across these sectors and demonstrate why the UK’s creative industries are the envy of the world.”

SXSW London expands the footprint of the world’s leading and most sought-after cultural platform created over almost four decades in Austin, Texas. Every year, hundreds of thousands of creatives converge at SXSW to discuss and debate some of the most challenging issues of our time, with innovation in technology and science presented alongside the world’s biggest music and entertainment stories. From AI to climate change, politics to society, and the first outings for game-changing startups such as Twitter and Airbnb, SXSW has been at the forefront of ideas and providing platforms for the world’s most critical and impactful voices.

SXSW also creates unrivaled showcasing opportunities for new musicians and filmmakers, with a roll call of firsts that has helped propel global cultural icons like Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran, and other influential artists such as Skepta, Stormzy and Wet Leg.