Festival of Dangerous Ideas – Sydney, Australia 2025

Background & History

The Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI), launched in 2009 by The Ethics Centre and Sydney Opera House, is Australia’s original disruptive festival, fostering provocative talks, art, and experiences that challenge conventional thinking. Known for its bold curation, FODI has hosted global thought leaders like Christopher Hitchens, Naomi Klein, and Roxane Gay across 11 festivals, primarily in Sydney (Sydney Opera House, Cockatoo Island, Carriageworks).

The 2024 event (August 24–25, Carriageworks) featured 87 speakers under the “Sanctuary” theme, with satellite events at UNSW Sydney and State Library NSW (,,). No 2025 details are confirmed; this listing estimates a Sydney event based on historical patterns and The Ethics Centre’s ongoing commitment to the festival.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Talks: International and Australian thought leaders (e.g., academics, activists) discuss AI, climate change, and social justice, August 2025 (TBD).
• Panel Discussions: Interactive debates on provocative topics, included in ticket.
• Art Installations: Immersive exhibits (e.g., inspired by 2024’s TAPE by Numen / For Use), Carriageworks.
• Performances: Live theatre, poetry, or music (e.g., similar to 2022’s Legs On The Wall), August 2025.
• Workshops: Critical thinking and ethics sessions, ~€15–€30 (~$16.50–$33 USD).
• Livestream/On-Demand: Select sessions recorded for streaming on FODI’s website, Spotify, or YouTube.

City

• Sydney, NSW, Australia: Events at Carriageworks in Redfern, a cultural hub known for its vibrant arts and intellectual scene.

Main Event Address

• Carriageworks: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, NSW 2015, Australia (main venue for talks, panels, performances).
• Satellite Venues (Estimated): UNSW Sydney (workshops), State Library NSW (tours).
• Administrative Contact: The Ethics Centre, Level 1, 161 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia (inquiries only).
• Note: Venue speculative for 2025; Carriageworks likely based on 2022–2024 events. Check www.festivalofdangerousideas.com for confirmation.

Date & Duration

• Dates: August 23–24, 2025 (speculative, based on 2024’s August 24–25 timing).
• Duration: 2 days (Saturday–Sunday).
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• Carriageworks: Main venue for talks, panels, art installations, and performances, located in Redfern.
• Satellite Venues (Speculative): UNSW Sydney (The Generation Gulf-style events), State Library NSW (Stacks of Danger tours).
• Note: Venues unconfirmed; based on 2024 setup (,). Full details TBD June 2025 at www.festivalofdangerousideas.com.

Contact Information

• Email: contact@festivalofdangerousideas.com (general and ticketing inquiries).
• Phone: +61 2 8267 3700 (Ethics Centre, office hours).
• Website: www.festivalofdangerousideas.com
• Social Media: Follow @FODI on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Address: The Ethics Centre, Level 1, 161 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia (inquiries only).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.festivalofdangerousideas.com (Visa, Mastercard). Contact contact@festivalofdangerousideas.com for group bookings (10+ for discounts) or accessibility needs.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.festivalofdangerousideas.com (based on the 2024 model. Collect tickets at Carriageworks ticket desk from August 23, 2025 (bring confirmation email). In-person purchase at venue (cash/card, full price). Group bookings (10+ for discounts) and companion card access via contact@festivalofdangerousideas.com. Cancellations until July 31, 2025 (estimated AU$15 fee). No refunds after July 31. Book early for high-demand sessions.
• 2025 Pricing (Estimated, in USD, 1 AUD ≈ 0.68 USD as of August 2025):
  • Single Session: AU$30–AU$50 (~$20.40–$34 USD).
  • Day Pass (Saturday or Sunday): AU$60 (~$40.80 USD).
  • Weekend Pass (Sat–Sun): AU$100 (~$68 USD, non-transferable).
  • Concession/Youth Pass: AU$20 (~$13.60 USD, ID required).
  • Kids (Under 16): Free for select workshops with an adult; supervision required.
  • Livestream Access: AU$15–AU$25 (~$10.20–$17 USD, select sessions).
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices estimated based on 2024 Sydney ticketing (); check www.festivalofdangerousideas.com for 2025 updates.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Reflects FODI’s focus on provocative ideas and cultural discourse.
• Events & Festivals: Aligns with its status as a curated festival of ideas.
• Film, Literature & Book Fairs: Captures its intellectual talks and podcast/streaming components.

Cultural Significance

FODI is a globally respected cultural asset, defining Sydney as Australia’s “smart capital” since 2009. It challenges conventional beliefs through curated talks and art, fostering critical thinking on issues like AI, climate change, and social justice. The 2024 event featured 87 speakers, including Masha Gessen and Roxane Gay, drawing thousands to Carriageworks and boosting local businesses. A 2025 edition would continue this legacy, engaging Sydney’s diverse, curious audiences.

Food & Drinks

• Carriageworks: On-site vendors with meals, snacks, and drinks (~$5–$15 USD, e.g., coffee, sandwiches, craft beer).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Grounds of Alexandria: 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria (~$10–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Kitchen by Mike: 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery (modern Australian, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • The Redfern: 2/11 George Street, Redfern (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Three Blue Ducks: 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery (brunch, $15–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Black Star Pastry: 1/277 Australia Street, Newtown (pastries, $5–$10 USD, 15-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at Carriageworks and nearby venues; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Select workshops free for kids under 16 with adult; supervision required.
  • Best suited for older teens due to intellectual content.
• Accessibility:
  • Carriageworks is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Companion card holders receive free companion tickets; AUSLAN-interpreted events are available. Contact contact@festivalofdangerousideas.com for accommodations (details July 2025).
  • Concession/youth tickets enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD, 8 km, 15-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Redfern Station (5-minute walk to Carriageworks).
  • Bus: Routes 422, 438 to Redfern (5-minute walk).
• By Car: Limited parking at Carriageworks (~AU$10/day, $6.80 USD); additional parking at Wilson Parking, 80 Pyrmont Street (~$7 USD/hour, 10-minute walk).
• Rideshare: Uber or DiDi from SYD (~$10–$20 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Hypothetical Events:
  • Keynote Talks: August 23–24, Carriageworks, featuring Australian and international speakers (e.g., on AI, climate), ~$20.40–$34 USD.
  • Panel Discussions: August 23–24, debates on social issues, included in ticket.
  • Art Installations: August 23–24, immersive exhibits, included in ticket.
  • Performances: August 23–24, theatre or poetry, included in ticket.
  • Workshops: August 23–24, ethics and critical thinking, ~$16.50–$33 USD.
  • Satellite Events: Workshops at UNSW Sydney, tours at State Library NSW, ~$10–$20 USD.
• Note: Program speculative; based on 2024 events (e.g., 87 speakers, TAPE by Numen / For Use). Full details TBD June 2025 at www.festivalofdangerousideas.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: “Sanctuary” theme with Masha Gessen, Roxane Gay, David Baddiel, and TAPE installation at Carriageworks.
• 2022 Highlights: Frances Haugen, Steven Pinker, and Legs On The Wall at Carriageworks.
• Past Achievements: Globally recognized since 2009, with 11 festivals shaping Sydney’s intellectual landscape.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Digital Content: Podcasts and livestreams reduce physical waste.
• Local Partnerships: Supports Sydney businesses, boosting Redfern’s economy.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at Carriageworks; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.festivalofdangerousideas.com.

Educational Impact

• Keynote Talks: Educate on global issues like AI and climate, August 23–24.
• Workshops: Foster critical thinking and ethics, ~$16.50–$33 USD.
• Podcasts/Streaming: Post-festival access on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
• Community Engagement: Encourages open dialogue, aligning with Sydney’s cultural vibrancy.

Cultural Activities

• Art Installations: Immersive exhibits, August 23–24, included in ticket.
• Panel Discussions: Interactive debates, August 23–24, included in ticket.
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of Redfern or State Library NSW (~$7–$15 USD, book via contact@festivalofdangerousideas.com).
• Book Signings: Potential author events, based on 2022’s Gleebooks collaboration.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($13.60–$68 USD) may sell out; book via www.festivalofdangerousideas.com.
• Weather Prep: August in Sydney (50–65°F) is cool; pack layers and umbrellas.
• Explore Locally: Visit Australian Museum (10-minute drive, $15 USD) or Art Gallery of NSW (10-minute drive, free).
• Public Transport: Use an Opal Card (~$10 USD) for trains/buses.
• Festival Info: Check www.festivalofdangerousideas.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Australian Museum: 1 William Street, Sydney (10-minute drive, $15 USD). Natural history and culture.
• Art Gallery of NSW: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney (10-minute drive, free). Art exhibitions.
• Royal Botanic Garden: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney (10-minute drive, free). Scenic gardens.
• Redfern Park: Redfern Street, Redfern (5-minute walk, free). Green space.
• Carriageworks Farmers Market: Saturday mornings, Carriageworks (free, adjacent to festival).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Old Clare Hotel: 1 Kensington Street, Chippendale ($120–$250 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Rydges Sydney Central: 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• B&Bs: 28 Hotel, 28 Regent Street, Chippendale ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Sydney Railway Square YHA, 8–10 Lee Street, Sydney ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Redfern apartments ($60–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the August peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Carriageworks; nearest hospital is Royal Prince Alfred (5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venue; security presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor areas.
• Weather Preparedness: Venue is indoor; bring umbrellas for transitions.