The First Chapter Begins: EXIT Expands from Serbia to the World in 2026
EXIT announces The First Chapter, a bold Global Tour for 2026 that brings its celebrated festival identity to Egypt, India, Malta, Croatia, Macedonia, and Serbia.
A new chapter begins with a seismic announcement: EXIT is no longer staying home — it’s taking its spirit, its fire, and its legacy to the world.
A festival giant is stepping beyond its fortress walls and rewriting its legacy on a world stage. EXIT, one of Europe’s most influential cultural powerhouses, has revealed a bold plan for 2026 — a sweeping global tour titled “The First Chapter”, carrying its unmistakable energy from the Adriatic to the Nile and on to the vibrant pulse of South Asia. What was once a single historic gathering in Serbia is now preparing to unfold as an international circuit of spectacular events.
View this post on Instagram
The announcement, made high above Amsterdam at the Crane Faralda during ADE, instantly shook the festival world. EXIT confirmed that the long-running Petrovaradin era will pause due to pressure from Serbian authorities following the festival’s vocal backing of student demonstrations. Rather than stepping back, EXIT chose momentum, announcing an expansive journey through Egypt, India, Malta, Croatia, Macedonia, and Serbia — a move that positions the brand on a global horizon with renewed clarity and ambition.
EXIT Founder & CEO Dušan Kovačević framed the moment as a turning point, stating that after twenty-five years, the festival is ready to
“spread its wings and carry the spirit of freedom wherever it travels.”
His message underscored EXIT’s core identity: a cultural force built on unity, self-expression, and the belief that music can spark meaningful change. With this new tour, that message is set to echo across continents.
The first stop lands in Croatia, where Sea Star Festival returns to the sun-lit Stella Maris lagoon in Umag. Known for hosting icons such as The Prodigy, Wu-Tang Clan, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Amelie Lens, this Adriatic gathering is already being described as its strongest edition yet. From there, the journey continues in Macedonia with a June celebration that promises dynamic programming shaped by EXIT’s signature atmosphere.
August shifts the spotlight to Malta, where EXIT partners with G7 Events to animate multiple breathtaking island settings. Each location will blend the Mediterranean’s natural charm with high-end production and globe-class performers.
In October, EXIT reaches one of the most awe-inspiring locations on Earth: the Great Pyramids of Giza. Their collaboration with Venture Lifestyle — the team behind landmark shows from Solomun, Peggy Gou, and Carl Cox — sets the stage for a remarkable meeting between modern sound and ancient wonder.
November delivers a dual finale. First, EXIT touches down in Mumbai, marking the brand’s debut in India. The city’s unstoppable motion, artistic depth, and global entertainment identity align perfectly with EXIT’s creative DNA. And finally, Belgrade — the festival’s birthplace — closes the year with a transformed edition of No Sleep Festival, rising from an underground favourite into what is expected to become one of Europe’s biggest rave experiences. Past editions have welcomed Amelie Lens, Indira Paganotto, Bicep, I Hate Models, Artbat, and many more, setting a fierce standard for the event’s next level.
As EXIT steps into its global era, it reinforces itself not only as a festival organiser but as a cultural movement powered by resilience, innovation, and a fearless commitment to artistic freedom. More details about each destination, lineups, and future tour stops will follow in the coming weeks, promising an unfolding story that will define the festival landscape of 2026.
EXIT Festival
| Website | Tickets | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube |
