Just past the tree line surrounding the main stage, nestled between a giant yellow rubber duck and a phone booth hotline to ‘God’, three striking domes come into view: tangerine orange, poppy red, and checkered white. The hot air balloons ascend over the landscape, illuminated by the fluorescent glow of neon lights below.
Deep in Transylvania, Romania, a vibrant landscape steeped in myth and enigma awaits – filled with gothic stories of Vlad the Impaler, howling wolves, mist-covered castles, and the legend of Dracula. Here, under the shimmering moonlight and fueled by curated eccentricity – amidst smoke machines, strobe lights, and pounding basslines – sushi is served under a rotating disco ball, while ravers embark on half-marathons as dawn breaks.
“There were countless dogs wandering about,” muses Josh Homme, lead vocalist of Queens of the Stone Age, reflecting on their 17-hour trek to the festival. “One paused the bus, almost lifting a paw like, ‘hold on.’ I’m pretty sure another was running a small local corn business. Ruff job.”
Now in its 11th year, aptly named to honor its origins, the festival takes place on the grounds of the 15th-century Banffy Castle. During its fifth iteration, the castle opened its doors to the public in an effort to restore one of Romania’s hidden gems. It now hosts a variety of boutique markets, artistic installations, and exhibitions.
Throughout the years, the fortress has showcased an impressive lineup that spans genres, featuring international acts like Massive Attack and Florence + the Machine, along with Fatboy Slim, Iggy Pop, and Bring Me the Horizon, as well as emerging talent from both local and international scenes. The five-day festival in 2025 will feature performances from a diverse array of talent. From the irresistibly sugary EDM hits of local artist Inna to the energetic rock anthems of Yungblud and Justin Timberlake's collection of Top 40 pop classics, it promises a playlist that reflects every corner of a record store – glossy and gritty, with hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Draped in a parka and sporting sunglasses, Justin Timberlake glides onto the stage on Thursday night. Despite the persistent drizzle that day, which may have softened the sharpness of the US artist's renowned vocals and choreography, around 72,000 eager fans gathered to witness the ex-NSYNC star perform. With a full band and dancers supporting him, the rain pours down alongside his 2002 hit ‘Cry Me a River’. Splashing through puddles on stage, the pop sensation then launches into a series of chart-toppers, including ‘SexyBack’, ‘Rock Your Body’, and ‘Senorita’. The vibe is infectious, sultry, and wonderfully nostalgic.
Electric Castle is rooted in experimentalism, quality, nature, and heritage, crafting a realm for true escapism and sensory indulgence. “Escape is a truly beautiful experience, yet often undervalued,” Josh Homme reflects ahead of the band's performance on Friday night. “What better way to achieve that than by indulging in the arts for a while?
“Isn’t a festival like a mixtape? You remember making one for someone you cared about, to express how you felt about them. I believe festivals serve as people's way of living out their mixtape. That's a classic concept,” he elaborates.
After a software failure disrupted travel plans for many artists and festivalgoers last year, Queens of the Stone Age also had to cancel their debut due to Homme's health issues. This summer, they made a triumphant return, delivering an impromptu setlist. As gritty openers ‘Sick Sick Sick’ and ‘No One Knows’ ignite the crowd, the band offers a performance filled with charm and energy.
“When times are darkest, that’s when we're at our funniest – using our gallows humor,” Homme shares. “We learned that there’s a time to be serious and a time to let loose.” As the set flows, the seductive anthem ‘Make It Wit Chu’ prompts a stage-wide sing-along in true festival fashion, before the powerful finale 'A Song For the Dead' ignites mosh pits everywhere.
Novelty and experience take center stage. With over 70 non-musical attractions, attendees can enjoy communal barbecues, a half-marathon, oversized board games, hot air balloon rides, and a tribute to the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Spray paint cans are readily available beneath a graffiti wall featuring Gary the Snail and a surprisingly muscular SpongeBob.
Inside Disco Lidl, a spinning mirror ball casts patterns of light across displays of cold cuts, rotisserie chicken, and pre-packaged fruit salad while strobe lights flicker above a techno DJ mixing tracks above the biscuit shelf. Along the festival's interconnected paths, wooden walkways lead participants through a flurry of stages, ponds, and food
An emblem of vulnerability, reflective songwriting, and rich, genre-defying sound, indie pop artist NoSo is carving out their identity ahead of their daring and candid sophomore album, 'When Are You Leaving?' In this discussion, singer/songwriter and producer Baek Hwong explores the essence of their new singles “Sugar” and “Don’t Hurt Me, I’m Trying,” sharing insights on empowerment, growth, and the importance of expressing your truth through music.
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Just past the boundary of trees lining the main stage, nestled between the enormous yellow rubber duck and the phone booth connecting to ‘God’, three formidable