EXIT’s 2025 line-up is stacked. Tiësto, Eric Prydz, Hot Since 82, I Hate Models, and Bosnian-born Solomun, who was forced to leave his home country as a child due to war. Tens of thousands of locals and internationals descend onto the fortress each night, with around 20 stages tucked into its folds. Some between walls of the moat, others at high points overlooking the River Danube, and a couple hidden away behind trees decked out in fairy lights.
Dušan says organising this year’s edition was one of the most challenging experiences of his life, but among all this turmoil, EXIT puts on a beautiful show. Tijiana T and DJ Gigola’s B2B at the gargantuan Dance Arena is nothing short of soul-warming, the two friends hugging and laughing as they play sledgehammer techno to a jam-packed stadium.
Serbian DJ duo Inner Sense plays a powerful set on the same stage, blending tech-house with melodic techno and throwing in a ‘Welcome to London’ remix for the UK visitors.
The Latina stage plays irresistible Latin house, dancehall and reggaeton, while the NSNS stage is best described as a techno vortex, nestled between moat walls to create a sound tunnel that could blow your head clean off. There’s a reggae stage where artists like Deepstoned, Bush Mad Squad and Mak Floss play dub-heavy sets; an Explosive Stage for the punk, hardcore and metal crew; and a silent disco perched on a hilltop. The atmosphere is buoyant, celebratory and good-natured, and apart from the odd young raver being violently sick it seems like everybody’s having a good time.
Serbia’s Space Motion can’t quite believe that EXIT is leaving Serbia. He grew up in Novi Sad and the festival shaped his artistry. “EXIT means everything to me,” he says before his Dance Arena performance. “I ran away from home in 2003 to see Carl Cox and Green Velvet and got up in time for school.”