D Fest in Stip, Day 1

After news last month that D Festival, the former soft on the Macedonian alternative scene in Dojran, would move to Stip, the Internet exploded. Social networks were flooded with skepticism, disappointment and even ridicule. What D Fest without Dojran? Which normal will go to Stip at 40 degrees? were just some of the comments.

And really, Dojran was more than just a location during those three July days. It was a ritual: tents by the lake, heat that survives with cheap beer, grass smell, parking sleep and music that follows you from all sides. It was the authentic D Fest.

2025 brought a change. Dojran fell, Stip became new home. As a man with 25 years of festival experience throughout Europe, I decided to give him a chance. I didn’t know what to expect, but I got a real surprise.

Space and organization

The stadium in Stip proved to be a great choice for such a big event. We arrived earlier was empty, peaceful, purely. The space was wide open, the big and functional bars, toilets hygienic, and food stands, surprisingly good.

Over time, the place began to fill. I was expecting chaos, but I got a flawless organization. The two stages the main and the mosquito functioned synchronized. As if one ended, the other was already in the start. There are no breaks, no waiting, only music and energy without interruption.

Musical program

The line was powerful: Foltin, Parqueti, Ljubojna, Archangel, Drunken Nightingale … Flower King!

The performers were next to each other, literally and time. Instead of running through the cravings from stage to stage, everything was within reach. This was perhaps the biggest advantage over Dojran.

Price, supply and audience

Beer 100 denars. Sandwich 220. Prices, at least for a festival standard, were quite acceptable. The food delicious and arrived quickly. Without queues, no crowds.

The audience? Colorful, cheerful, relaxed. There were everything: young and adults, hipster, ravers, gothic women and people you meet only at festivals. The atmosphere was cool, even in this heat.

No, this is not the D Fest from Dojran. There is no lake, no camping, there is no hippie haos. But what we got in Stip was a modern, functional and beautifully organized version of the same festival spirit.

My advice? If you hesitated whether to go, go immediately. World -class event available right here. Don’t miss this weekend.