EXIT Festival Announces Its Final Edition in Serbia

      EXIT Festival has announced plans for its final edition in Serbia.

      Initiated in 2000, the festival emerged from a grassroots student movement advocating for peace and the unification of youth across the Balkans. Nestled in the Petrovaradin fortress in Serbia, EXIT has served as a symbol of unity, tolerance, creativity, and youth empowerment, while also acting as a driver for tourism in Serbia.

      Unfortunately, conditions have deteriorated over the past 18 months. EXIT has publicly supported Serbia’s student-led anti-corruption protests, a movement ignited by widespread outrage over the failures that led to the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad station in November 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities.

      By opposing the authorities, EXIT has subsequently lost all government funding, including cultural grants, because of its position.

      In a recent statement, the EXIT team confirmed that this summer's edition will mark the last in Serbia.

      Founder and Director Dušan Kovačević expressed, “This is the toughest decision in our 25-year history, but we believe that freedom is priceless. With this act, we are defending not only EXIT but also the fundamental right to free expression for all cultural participants globally. We invite them to join us in this struggle…”

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      Read the complete statement below:

      “Through music, creativity, and activism, EXIT has united generations and nations, mended broken relationships, and built bridges where others sought to divide. We have brought numerous European festival accolades to our country and region, along with hundreds of millions of euros in tourism revenue and international acclaim that global experts deem invaluable.

      However, since we publicly supported the Serbian students in their fight for a more just and free society, we have faced significant financial and political pressures aimed at depriving us of our fundamental rights to freedom of thought and expression. Despite being entirely cut off from public funding at all governmental levels, and with some sponsors compelled to withdraw due to state pressure, we refuse to be silenced.

      Consequently, this year’s anniversary edition will be the last to occur in Serbia, where freedom of speech is systematically suppressed.

      “This is the hardest decision in our 25-year history, but we believe that freedom has no price. With this act, we are defending not only EXIT but the essential right to free expression for all cultural creators worldwide. We invite them to stand with us in this battle,” stated Dušan Kovačević, founder and director of the EXIT Festival team. While we know we are welcomed globally, we owe our audience one last celebration at the Petrovaradin Fortress. Therefore, our entire team is more committed than ever to make this year’s edition the most moving and memorable one yet.

      EXIT 2025 is scheduled for July 10–13 in Novi Sad, where, alongside students, we will commemorate 25 years of striving for a better world. EXIT is not just a festival — it embodies all of us who believe in making a change. Just as we ignited the spark of change together a quarter of a century ago, we once again defend the right to live freely. If this truly is the last EXIT at the Fortress, let it be unforgettable. Let it be our most impactful — a festival remembered not for its conclusion, but for its unity, love, and freedom.”