The EXIT Festival in Novi Sad didn’t just survive, it exploded in its most powerful edition yet! Over 200,000 people from around the world gathered at the Petrovaradin Fortress from July 10 to 13, celebrating 25 years of music, freedom, and love. The first day kicked off with a spectacular artistic performance “Emergency Exit” in collaboration with the Spanish troupe La Fura dels Baus, blending music, visual art, and theater in a message about the coexistence of man and nature. Emotional moments followed as 40,000 people observed a minute of silence honoring the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
On the main stage, legendary Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats stood with students and change, while Italian singer Gala thrilled the crowd with her hit “Freed from Desire.” The spectacle continued with global hitmaker Tiësto, who got the crowd dancing late into the night. The Dance Arena was the epicenter of techno madness with Amelie Lens and Nina Kraviz, while Japanese electro-shaman Yousuke Yukimatsu kicked off his European tour right in Serbia.
The second day brought back legends The Prodigy, celebrating 30 years since their famous performance in Belgrade. The Rebel Rave concept energized the fortress with raw energy, featuring Hate Models, Lorenza Raganzini, and Paolo Ferrara. Eric Prydz and Hot Since 82 kept the crowd going until dawn.
On the third day, after 11 years, Hurts delighted the audience, while performances by Mystic Marley, Buraka Yeter, and Mark Louis further lifted the atmosphere. Solomun extended his set by nearly an hour, joined by Mau P, DJ Gigola, Tijana T, and others.
The final day was an absolute blast! Sex Pistols, led by Frank Carter, supported student protests in Serbia, showing why punk is still essential today. French DJ Snake closed the main stage with global hits, preceded by Goblini and Gloryhammer warming up the crowd. The Dance Arena was closed by the king of techno, Boris Brejcha, while Sara Landry and Indira Paganotto delivered the most emotional sunrise.
The festival also featured local stars like Partibrejkers, Coby, Nikola Vranjković, and others, while the NNSNS stage hosted RPR Soundsystem, Sonja Moonear, and many more. EXIT proved it remains the epicenter of freedom, music, and energy, doing so with a style the world remembers.
If you missed this spectacle, what are you waiting for? Next year, we’re coming back even stronger! And you, what was your wildest moment at EXIT? Share your stories, let’s see who really survived this musical storm!
