EXIT is not just a festival — it’s a true cultural phenomenon, held annually in July at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. Founded in 2000 as a student movement for freedom and democracy, it moved to its current location in 2001 and has since attracted over 200,000 visitors from more than 60 countries.
Petrovaradin Fortress is often called the “Gibraltar on the Danube.” This architectural wonder from the 17th century spans over 112 hectares, creating a magical setting — with hundreds of stages scattered across bastions, tunnels, and inner courtyards. The Main Stage hosts over 35,000 people, while the legendary Dance Arena in a former gunpowder warehouse is famous for its sunrise DJ sets.
EXIT’s lineup is renowned for both its scale and musical diversity. It features legendary rock bands and top global DJs such as Sex Pistols, The Prodigy, Tiësto, DJ Snake, Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens, Boris Brejcha, and many others. In 2025, the 25th anniversary edition promises big names and exclusive performances.
However, EXIT is not only about music. Since its founding, the festival has served as a symbol of progress, change, and social responsibility. It supports ecological, humanitarian, and cultural initiatives and is deeply connected to the city’s identity and history. EXIT has become part of Novi Sad’s and Serbia’s cultural DNA, constantly reiterating its mission as a platform for social transformation.
Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city (with a population of around 300,000), has become a top European travel destination thanks to EXIT. In the first five months of 2025, the city welcomed over 234,000 tourists, with 1.2 million overnight stays — an increase of 7.2% and 1.2% respectively).
EXIT has earned worldwide recognition over the years: Best Major European Festival (2013, 2017), Best Overseas Festival at the UK Festival Awards (2007), and numerous mentions in global media, from CNN to Forbes.
The year 2025 may be a turning point: the anniversary edition will take place from July 10 to 13 and could be the last in Serbia due to growing political pressure. The organizers have announced their support for student protests and are considering relocating — possibly to Germany or a neighboring country.
EXIT is more than just a festival — it’s a journey through time, a cultural and entrepreneurial hub, a symbol of freedom and progress. Even if the events of 2025 challenge its future in Serbia, the enduring spirit of EXIT will remain, uniting people and continuing to change the world for the better.