photo_cameraDušan Kovačević
Festivals
EXIT Festival confirms return to Serbia in 2027
EXIT Festival has announced plans to return to Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, with a special edition in July 2027, ahead of a full-scale comeback in 2028.
The announcement follows Serbia’s parliamentary election on 25 October, in which a student-backed political movement defeated the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by Aleksandar Vucic.
EXIT did not hold its traditional festival in Novi Sad in 2026 after organisers reported political, security and financial pressures related to their public support for student-led protests.
Founded in 2000 as a student movement promoting democracy and peace, EXIT developed into one of Europe`s best-known music festivals, attracting international artists, industry professionals and audiences to its historic venue at Petrovaradin Fortress.
The festival`s founder and CEO, Dusan Kovacevic, said the decision to support the students reflected the organisation`s founding principles.
"Last year, when a new student movement emerged to fight for freedom and justice, we simply had to stand with them and uphold the very values EXIT was built on, even if it meant sacrificing everything we had spent our lives building. Now, thanks to the courage and perseverance of Serbia`s students, freedom has returned to our country. And after taking EXIT`s spirit around the world, we are finally coming home!"
Special edition planned for July 2027
According to the organisers, EXIT originally intended to return in 2028, allowing approximately 18 months to prepare for a full-scale festival. However, the response from its audience prompted plans for an earlier event.
In a statement published on social media, EXIT confirmed that a special gathering would take place at Petrovaradin Fortress in July 2027, with the full festival scheduled to return the following year.
The organisers have not yet announced the format, exact dates, artist lineup or ticketing arrangements for the 2027 event.
International expansion during 2026
During its absence from Serbia, EXIT expanded its international activities, organising eight events across six countries, including Montenegro, Croatia, Malta and Spain.
The international programme included the Starlight Festival at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt in October 2026, which attracted more than 40,000 visitors from 114 countries, according to the organisers.
The international expansion allowed EXIT to maintain its festival activities and brand presence while its traditional Serbian event was suspended.
With the return to Novi Sad now announced, the organisation is preparing to re-establish its flagship festival at Petrovaradin Fortress while building on its international activities.
Further details about the 2027 special edition and the planned full-scale return in 2028 are expected to be announced in the coming months.