Ten reasons why you should go to Serbia's EXIT Festival this summer
Serbia's EXIT Festival is one of Europe's leading music festivals and this year is shaping up to be one of the most iconic chapters yet. Taking place at the famous Petrovaradin Fortress, there's plenty of reasons to flock to Novi Sad for the iconic 4 day party this summer.
From legendary hip hop supergroups to the very best dance music names the scene has to offer, below, we list ten reasons why EXIT should be top of your festival check list for 2023.
1. See Wu-Tang Clan perform
EXIT Festival will celebrate 50 years of hip-hop this year with rap supergroup Wu-Tang Clan set to headline the upcoming chapter in July. Known across the globe as one of - if not the - most legendary hip hop group of all time, Wu-Tang Clan are set to celebrate the 30th birthday of their debut release 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' in Novi Sad, a record widely considered to be the most influential rap album ever.
2. Become part of the festival's proud history
EXIT's uniqueness can be attributed to it's humble, freedom-fighting beginnings. The festival itself was founded in 2000 in the University Park as a student movement, fighting for democracy and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. After the Yugoslavian general election in 2000, EXIT moved to the Petrovaradin Fortress in 2001 where it has stayed ever since and developed into one of Europe’s leading music festivals showcasing the best talents across rock, techno, metal, hip hop, punk, D'n'B and everything in-between. Attending the festival automatically makes you a part of this story.
3. Watch The Prodigy perform at their favourite festival
The Prodigy are returning to EXIT to headline it this year. The band's Keith Flint previously highlighted the Serbian festival as one of his favourite international festivals and in tribute to the late frontman, the festival will showcase a special laser projection of Keith, similar to the breathtaking light show displayed at the band's headline show in Brixton last summer.
The Prodigy's 1995 concert in Belgrade’s Pionir Hall left an indelible mark on Serbian society after the wars and sanctions, reconnecting young people with the world and providing them with a sense of freedom, rebellion, and revolution through music. This connection was deepened at the EXIT Festival from their first performance in 2007 through the 2009, 2013 and 2016 editions. 2023 will mark another chapter in this iconic relationship.
4. The best-in-class Dance Arena
For over 20 years, the Dance Arena at EXIT Festival has grown into a planetary phenomenon, a place that leading global media and artists have proclaimed the best electronic music stage in the world. Countless legendary nights and mornings have added their contributions each year to the creation of a place that has become much more than a stage - more like a temple for the whole scene itself.
5. Activism
Created two decades ago in the University Park of Novi Sad as a student movement in the fight for peace and freedom, EXIT Festival has launched a number of socially responsible projects throughout its history. Social responsibility remains one of the key aspects of the festival, expressed through the work of the EXIT Foundation, whose activism is focused on youth development and the promotion of peace, creative industries, environmental protection, and destination branding.
6. Explore Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina, one of Serbia's most ethnically diverse regions. Nicknamed “the Serbian Athens” due to its remarkable culture and history, it is now the national city of young people, music, fun and great nightlife. EXIT is woven into the very fabric of the area itself - when the festival takes place, the entire city dances. More than 150,000 young people from all over the world come to Novi Sad each year - and when taking into account the beautiful surroundings and bustling clubbing scene - it's hardly surprising.
7. Gender equality is a top priority for the festival
The festival represents a unique position in the music industry, with 64% of their team being women, nearly double the industry average (according to this survey). This commitment to diversity and gender equality naturally filters through into the festival's booking strategy - the first day of the Dance Arena be completely entrusted to the direction of an all-female lineup consisting of Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens, Indira Paganotto, Tijana T, and Miju. It's shaping up to be one of Europe's hot spots for diverse line ups this summer.
8. See Chase & Status live
Drum 'n' bass legends Chase & Status also join the line up for 2023. Known for their raucous live show, legendary Ibiza residencies and timeless albums, they'll be bringing the party to the Thursday alongside The Prodigy.
9. Award winners
The festival is widely recognised as one of the best about - and has the accolades to back it up. It was officially proclaimed “Best Major European Festival” at the EU Festival Awards 2013 and 2017. The EU Festival Awards are considered as one of the most influential festival awards in the world. EXIT has also won the “Best Overseas Festival” award at the UK Festival Awards in 2007, as well as “Best Summer Music Festival in Europe” title for 2016 by the travel portal “European Best Destinations” awarded in cooperation with the European Commission.
10. Skrillex will give a performance to remember
Flying high off his recent closing performance at Coachella with Fred again.. and Four Tet, Skrillex is an undisputed legend in the electronic music world and is currently enjoying one of his best runs of form yet. His recent viral success is sure to translate into one of EXIT festival's standout appearances.
One-day tickets sales began on March 15th at noon. A limited contingent will be available at a gift price of 39 € + b/f for all days. Four-day tickets are now on sale starting from 87 € + b/f. For more details on the festival and the full lineup, visit the EXIT Festival website.
