A quarter of a century ago, the idea of freedom lit a spark among students in Novi Sad and ignited something far greater than a music festival. Music provided the rhythm to a movement that gathered the world on the Petrovaradin Fortress and spread a powerful energy of unity, tolerance, and reconciliation throughout our region.
Through a retrospective video celebrating this major milestone, key moments in the festival’s history are brought back to life – from its courageous beginnings during a youth rebellion to its rise as one of today’s most influential music festivals. By revisiting musical highlights, the core values that have shaped it, and the energy of millions who have made it special, EXIT reaffirms what it truly is: a movement, a legacy, and a deeply shared emotion.
View this post on Instagram
The opening of this year’s festival will feature a deeply symbolic moment: a performance by Italian artist Gala, whose nearly 30-year-old hit “Freed from Desire” has seen a resurgence in popularity this year in Serbia. The anniversary program will also honor a historic moment exactly 40 years ago when Live Aid brought together the world’s biggest bands in the name of solidarity and humanity. These very values will be echoed in the performance by The Boomtown Rats, led by Bob Geldof, the driving force behind the original event. The Main Stage will also host Tiësto, the legendary Dutch DJ and producer behind numerous electro-dance hits that have defined generations, performing at EXIT for the first time. Representing the local scene will be Serbia’s youngest punk band, Wrishlas, alongside Novi Sad legends Atheist Rap.
The Visa Fusion Stage will offer a diverse regional lineup on Thursday, featuring performances from Nikola Vranjković, Amna, Helem Nejse, Crni Cerak & Lacku, Prljava Frekvencija, and Kapitalklizma.
The Dance Arena will present a techno Thursday led by the genre’s top female DJs – Nina Kraviz and Amelie Lens, along with Yousuke Yukimatsu, who is kicking off his first European tour at EXIT. They will be joined by Dyen b2b Nico Moreno, Laris, Muhi, and Reblok.
At NSNS refreshed by Heineken, acts include RPR Soundsystem, Runy, Bobby, and Sonja Moonear. For fans of hardcore sound, the Explosive Stage is the place to be, featuring Total Chaos, The Flame 69, The Drowns, Public Serpents, Heavy Lungs, Billy Liar, Vitamin X, Ukratko Štef, and Škart.
A standout segment of the opening will be the multimedia performance titled “Emergency EXIT,” which uses contemporary art and spoken word to reflect on values like unity, freedom, and hope, while exploring the human connection to nature. Created in collaboration with the Spanish theater troupe La Fura dels Baus, renowned for their spectacular performances, including an Olympic opening ceremony, the project also features music by Satori, as well as visual artists from the Eyesberg collective, who will shape the immersive visual experience.
