EXIT Festival Gears Up for 25th Anniversary Celebration
EXIT Festival is revving up for an exhilarating milestone as it prepares to celebrate 25 years of unforgettable experiences with its ‘State of EXIT’ edition. From July 10th to 13th, 2025, the historic Petrovaradin Fortress will transform into a global music hub, promising fans an unparalleled experience!
Serbia’s renowned EXIT Festival will return for its significant 25th-anniversary celebration in Novi Sad, known as Serbia’s Second City, where the arts and music culture thrive.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Novi Sad’s 17th-century Petrovaradin Fortress, EXIT Festival has earned accolades such as ‘Best Major European Festival’ in 2013 and 2017, alongside the ‘Innovation Award’ at the UK Festivals Awards 2022 and ‘Best European (overseas) Festival’ at the UK Festivals Awards 2007. With over 1,000 artists spanning more than 40 stages, EXIT has carved a rich 25-year legacy, showcasing innovative lineups and iconic performances from some of music’s biggest stars.
To kick off the 25th anniversary celebrations, the first 25 names from this year’s lineup have been announced, with many more high-profile artists yet to come.
This summer, EXIT promises an electrifying lineup featuring two iconic acts from music history. For the very first time, the legendary Sex Pistols will dominate the main stage, bringing their rebellious energy and timeless classics like ‘Anarchy in the UK’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ to life. Joining them will be Frank Carter, delivering an adrenaline-pumping live performance in a showdown of punk royalty.
Modern trance legend Tiësto will make his long-awaited EXIT debut, joined by Eric Prydz and duo Hurts. In an exclusive world-first, popular techno artists Indira Paganotto and Sara Landry will perform back-to-back, blending old-school gabber vibes with contemporary hard techno. Techno giants DYEN and Nico Moreno will also be part of the lineup at the mts Dance Arena, with more renowned electronic music artists to be announced soon.
This year’s EXIT Festival will embrace the theme ‘State of EXIT’, harking back to its inception in 2000 as a student-led initiative advocating for democracy and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. This commitment is furthered through the EXIT Foundation, dedicated to social responsibility and community impact. Marking a significant moment in music history, EXIT 2025 will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, a concert that changed the world. On July 13, 2025, legendary musician and activist Bob Geldof, frontman of The Boomtown Rats, will grace the Tesla Universe Main Stage, demonstrating music’s ability to unite, inspire, and drive social change.
This dynamic blend of activism and artistry positions EXIT as more than just a festival—it’s a catalyst for positive change and cultural unity in Novi Sad and the wider Serbian community. EXIT is also proud to highlight a vibrant lineup of local Serbian talent, showcasing the country’s thriving music scene through electrifying performances that celebrate homegrown artistry.
The festival, with a capacity of 50,000, will take place in the second-largest fortress in Europe, the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, often referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Danube.” This 17th-century stronghold is famous for its intricate network of underground tunnels and breathtaking views of the Danube River. Today, this 112-hectare site serves as a cultural hub and the iconic home of EXIT Festival, where its stone walls once used for defense now amplify the crisp, resonant sound throughout the festival grounds.
With more exciting announcements on the horizon, EXIT’s 25th anniversary in July 2025 is poised to be monumental—a truly iconic chapter in its rich history. And this is merely the beginning! Stay tuned for more incredible artists that will make our 25th-anniversary celebration the most remarkable edition yet.
Tickets:
https://www.exitfest.org/en/tickets
