EXIT FESTIVAL 2024:
A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AT PETROVARADIN FORTRESS
words by JOIAH LUMINOSA
Nestled along the Danube River, the Petrovaradin Fortress hosts the EXIT Festival, one of the most renowned and thrilling events of the year. Having long admired videos of the epic sunrise sets from the Dance Arena, I finally saw my dream come true this year.
Upon arriving in Novi Sad, I eagerly explored the city and was immediately struck by the festival's unique atmosphere. Each stage offered its own distinct vibe and sound, ranging from reggae and Latin to metal and techno. The variety was impressive, catering to every music lover's taste, and the vibrant city was alive with people from around the globe.
EXIT is an award-winning summer music festival held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, featuring over 1000 artists across more than 40 stages. Recognized as "Best Major European Festival" at the EU Festival Awards in 2013 and 2017, it also won "Best Overseas Festival" at the UK Festival Awards in 2007. In 2016, it was named "Best Summer Music Festival in Europe" by European Best Destinations, and in 2018, it was honored as Champion of Regional Cooperation by the Regional Cooperation Council. Founded in 2000 as a student movement advocating for peace and social change, EXIT continues to support youth development, environmental protection, and humanitarian work, while also creating events like the Youth Fair, Sea Star Festival, and No Sleep Festival.
This year's EXIT Festival featured five days of performances from some of the world's biggest music stars. Day 0 honored Nikola Tesla with Baby Lasagna, Burak Yeter, special guest Dimash Qudaibergen, and Iniko. The first night saw trap pioneer Gucci Mane and renowned DJ Carl Cox take the stage. Additionally, other festival highlights featured nostalgic dance hits from the Black Eyed Peas, the return of punk with The Exploited, and Maceo Plex at the mts Dance Arena.
One of the special moments that stood out for me was witnessing the sunrise at the Dance Arena. As the first rays of light peeked over the fortress walls, the energy in the air was palpable. The crowd, a vibrant mix of locals and international visitors, was united in a collective euphoria, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Another standout feature this year was the presence of families, both onstage and in the audience. Three generations of the Kovačević family attended: Dušan Kovačević, founder and director of EXIT, his father Ilija, and his sons Lav and Noa. Young children joined their parents to meet new generation stars like Baby Lasagna, Joker Out, and Sam Divine. Tom Morello performed with his thirteen-year-old son, Roman, and Max Cavalera shared the stage with his son Igor Junior.
As the festival concluded, the campaign for next year’s edition was launched, set for July 10-13, 2025, celebrating EXIT's 25th anniversary.
EXIT Festival not only features top-tier artists and attracts large audiences but also engages with sustainable development through its Conscious Evolution platform, hosting panels, workshops, and festivals. This year, the festival drew over 210,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, including Germany, Austria, Turkey, the UK, Spain, and many others.
This year’s EXIT festival was a mesmerizing blend of music, culture, and unforgettable moments, truly living up to its reputation and leaving me with memories to last a lifetime.
An unexpected and thrilling highlight was meeting will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas. I had the incredible opportunity to interview him ahead of their performance. He spoke passionately about his new AI project, the music industry's evolution, and the importance of connecting with fans and communities through live performances and touring. His energy was infectious, and it was clear he was genuinely excited to be in Serbia and perform at EXIT.
When the Black Eyed Peas took the stage, the energy was electric. The crowd erupted with each hit, bringing huge waves of nostalgia. Seeing them live was a surreal experience, made even more special by my conversation with will.i.am. The band's set was a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh beats, keeping everyone dancing and singing along. It was a powerful reminder of the universal language of music and the joy it brings to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The final evening showcased intense guitar riffs and energetic mosh pits with Tom Morello, founder and principal songwriter of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. Morello's moving performance of "Like A Stone," dedicated to Chris Cornell, and the explosive "Killing in the Name" closed the Main Stage. Barry Can’t Swim and Grammy nominee Bonobo captivated the mts Dance Arena, while Sara Landry and Black Coffee impressed on their stages.
The higher part of the fortress was brimming with activities, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festival. This area featured a variety of minigames, a silent disco, numerous food trucks, and bars, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere. A 360 photo booth captured memorable moments, while other attractions kept attendees entertained throughout the evening and night. The combination of these elements provided a perfect escape within the festival, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
The food and drink offerings at the festival were another highlight. With vendors serving everything from traditional Serbian dishes to international cuisine, there was something to satisfy every craving.
