EXIT's Anniversary Highlighted in 25 Unforgettable Moments

The 25^th anniversary has been distilled into 25 unforgettable moments etched into the collective memory of the audience, performers, and the entire EXIT community.

16 Minutes of Silence

In a powerful tribute, 40,000 people honored the 16 victims of the tragedy at the Novi Sad Railway Station with 16 minutes of silence. A message on the Main Stage read: “Novi Sad remembers. 1.11.2024.” This act of solidarity remains one of the most emotional in the festival’s history, marking a stirring start to the anniversary edition.

Sex Pistols & Frank Carter – An Example of Frank Carter Embracing the Crowd

In a burst of raw energy, frontman Frank Carter found himself in the middle of a circle pit – right where he seemingly belongs. A golden moment remembered by EXIT and everyone swept into the swirling punk chaos he led with his body and microphone.

The Prodigy Is One with EXIT

The Prodigy’s sixth performance at EXIT, culminating in “Voodoo People” on the Main Stage, will forever symbolize the inseparable bond between the band and the festival. In that moment, the crowd and the band were one – in rhythm, energy, and emotion. The band echoed this on Instagram: “We love this festival. We love these people. You are the ruckus, every time.”

Indira Paganotto & Sara Landry – Historic Closing Set

United with fierce intent to close Dance Arena together, Indira Paganotto and Sara Landry delivered a direct, bold, and liberated set that left a powerful impression. Their back-to-back set became a defining moment of EXIT 2025.

DIYNAMIC STAGE TAKE-OVER – When House Takes Over

A Saturday night takeover of the Dance Arena saw melodic house grooves seamlessly mixed with techno. With all-night performances by Solomun, Mau P, Ogazón, Lanna, Hobin Rude, and a b2b set from DJ Gigola and Tijana T, this DIYNAMIC STAGE TAKE-OVER left an enduring imprint.

“Change, Future, Students” – Bob Geldof Not Mincing Words

Legendary British musician and Live Aid founder Bob Geldof delivered a moving message in Serbian during the Boomtown Rats’ set on opening night: “We stand with music. We stand with students. We stand with change. We stand with the future. We stand with a new Serbia.”

Emergency EXIT – Unique Fusion of Sound, Movement, Visuals, and Raw Human Energy

The opening ceremony featured a powerful artistic performance, Emergency EXIT, which called on everyone present to remain fully aware, connected to nature and the planet, in a world that never stands still. Serbian-Dutch producer Satori, the renowned Spanish performance group La Fura dels Baus, and multimedia masters from the Eyesberg studio conceived and delivered a compelling ritual of awakening and a call to action that EXIT and its community continue to carry forward, the only way they know how – boldly, into the future. This artistic act embodies the spirit of freedom, resistance, and hope, rooted in the values that EXIT has upheld since its inception. Emergency EXIT was supported by the EU through the Creative Europe program.

Gala – Opening with a Clear Message

Italian singer Gala delivered a deeply emotional performance at the official opening of the EXIT Festival, bringing a strong message of unity and freedom through the anthem “Freed From Desire.” As she performed, Gala once again sent a message that remains a guiding light to festivalgoers, students, and Serbia as a whole.

Tiësto Delivers an Unforgettable Start to the Festival

The godfather of the EDM scene and global superstar Tiësto performed on the festival’s first night in front of a packed Main Stage, leaving a lasting impression. It was a moment remembered for its scale, energy, and the collective high of the crowd. Tiësto himself walked away moved by his EXIT debut, which was clear in his interview for the festival: “The crowd is very open-minded, so I can play a little bit different than I normally do, which I’m very excited about.”

Hurts Make an Emotional Return

The third night of the festival was marked by a touching performance by Hurts, led by Theo Hutchcraft, as part of their tour celebrating 15 years since the release of their debut album. Every song was a moment to remember, and their global hit “Wonderful Life” was dedicated by the frontman to EXIT’s brightest star, Ivana Kovačević.

Yousuke Yukimatsu’s Serbian Debut

Electro-shaman Yousuke Yukimatsu shook up the Dance Arena on multiple levels. Every track triggered a strong reaction from the crowd, and his eclectic set stirred up a whirlwind of emotion and commentary. One unforgettable moment came when he played Britney Spears’ “Toxic” in full – a surprise that was met with awe and delight by the audience. That Dance Arena moment will surely go down in EXIT’s history books.

Student Stage – A Space of Support, Opportunity, and Freedom

At the intersection of art, social engagement, and music, the festival’s space for new voices and free expression will be remembered for the performances of young artists on the Student Stage, and for the messages that are only beginning to resonate, especially the exhibition of authentic photographs capturing current events from the streets of Novi Sad and across Serbia.

Eric Prydz Delivers a Spectacle for a Packed Dance Arena

The second night at the Dance Arena was defined by a performance from Eric Prydz, in front of a vast audience and in an atmosphere charged with pulsing energy. Once again, Prydz confirmed his status as a global star, with a magical set that lasted until sunrise and left a deep impression on everyone present.

I Hate Models – “EXIT, we blew up Main Stage”

One of the most memorable and intense moments came from new-generation techno rebel I Hate Models, who performed on the Main Stage on the festival’s second night. After the show, full of adrenaline and emotion, he declared: “EXIT, we blew up Main Stage.”

Festival Closing Ceremony – “Light the Fire, Be the Torch”

A powerful closing moment was delivered by Marko Louis, who performed alongside students during the closing ceremony on the Main Stage. Together, they sang in unison one of Serbia’s most viral songs, “Vatra u mraku” (“Fire in the Dark”), while tens of thousands of phones lit up the sky above the fortress.

DJ Snake – Musical and Visual Spectacle

Global hitmaker DJ Snake delivered a breathtaking performance on the Main Stage during the final night of the festival. The crowd was thrilled by the seamless synchronization between the music from the DJ booth and the dazzling visual effects that accompanied his sonic expression from the stage.

Solomun’s Sunrise Set to Remember

Applause for the crowd, applause for Solomun. The final track transformed the Dance Arena into a quiet, emotional sunrise. Solomun created an atmosphere to remember, which was so moving that the Dance Arena remained open for 40 minutes longer than planned.

Most Emotional Dance Arena Closing Moment: Indira Paganotto’s Tribute

After a back-to-back set with Sara Landry, Indira Paganotto took over the decks for the final 30 minutes of the Dance Arena’s closing and created one of the most emotional moments of the entire festival. She dedicated the final track, her remix of “Hallelujah,” to Ivana Kovačević, a heroine of the EXIT community. Speaking to her “warriors,” as she calls her fans, she invited them to send a thunderous shout to the sky for Ivana—creating a collective moment of love, sorrow, and gratitude that will forever be etched in the history of the Dance Arena.

Emotional Finale to Nina Kraviz’s Set at the Dance Arena

As dawn broke over the Dance Arena, Nina Kraviz left a deeply emotional impression with a powerful ending to her set. She dedicated her final track, “Skyscrapers,” to Ivana Kovačević – the quiet yet profound force behind the EXIT magic who left the EXIT family far too soon.

Boris Brejcha – Veteran of High-Tech Minimal

Tens of thousands of Jokerheads at the Dance Arena were treated to two hours of top-tier high-tech minimal by Boris Brejcha, culminating in an emotional finale worthy of an artist who has returned to EXIT, his home from home, for years.

25 Years, One Rhythm – EXIT and London’s Fabric Unite on the NSNS Stage

On the festival’s opening night, EXIT and the legendary London club Fabric celebrated 25 years of existence with a powerful lineup: Sonja Moonear, Romanian super-trio RPR Soundsystem (Rhadoo, Raresh, Petre Inspirescu), Fabric resident Bobby, and Runy. The return of RPR Soundsystem in full formation, combined with visual wizardry from VJ Dreamrec, transformed the NSNS Stage into the epicenter of the global underground scene.

Lorenzo Raganzini and Paolo Ferrara’s Final B2B Set

Paolo Ferrara and Lorenzo Raganzini brought their joint project to a close with an intense back-to-back set on the Main Stage, cheered on by a crowd that stayed with them until the very last beat.

Shtuby’s Cathartic Performance on the NSNS Stage

One of the most unique moments of the festival occurred on the NSNS Stage during the second night, when Shtuby delivered a hypnotic live performance featuring the ethereal tones of the EWI flute.

NSNS Truly Did Not Sleep on Saturday Morning, July 12

At 8 a.m., with no intention to leave, fans in front of the NSNS Stage were swept away by a thrilling set from rising techno star KI/Ki, whose energy kept the crowd alive and dancing at a time when most would be going home.

BIIA Relentlessly Powering Through into the Early Morning

On the third day of the festival, promising Portuguese DJ and producer BIIA held the NSNS Stage in her grip deep into the early morning hours. Her relentless, sharply crafted set pulsed with power and precision, showing no signs of stopping.