One of Europe’s most iconic festivals is packing its bags — and heading for the sands of Egypt.
In a move that feels as symbolic as it is strategic, EXIT Festival has confirmed it is leaving Serbia after 25 years and will launch a new music festival in front of the Pyramids of Giza in October 2026.
This announcement comes just as EXIT kicks off its 25th anniversary celebration in Novi Sad with a stacked lineup including The Prodigy, Sex Pistols, Tiësto, Eric Prydz, Solomun, and many more. But the message is clear: the future of EXIT lies far from the Petrovaradin Fortress.
🇪🇬 From Fortress Walls to Pharaohs
This isn’t just a relocation. It’s a reinvention. The Egyptian pyramids, one of the last standing wonders of the ancient world, will serve as the breathtaking backdrop for the first-ever full-scale music festival held at the site.
EXIT’s new project is a partnership with Venture Lifestyle, a powerhouse in Middle Eastern event production known for transforming ancient landmarks into modern stages. From Jennifer Lopez and John Legend to Carl Cox and Adriatique, their past productions have blurred the line between history and rave.
Their brand P+US is already credited with some of the most exclusive performances at cultural heritage sites — and now, with EXIT, they’re scaling it up to full festival mode.
🚫 The Political Rift That Sparked an Exodus
While the move to Egypt sounds visionary, it’s also political. According to Jutarnji list, EXIT’s departure was catalyzed by political pressure from Serbian authorities, following the festival’s open support of student-led protests in Serbia.
EXIT had publicly backed movements demanding more political freedom, triggering a total withdrawal of state co-financing and mounting pressure on its operations.
Global media like BBC and The Guardian covered the controversy, and EXIT gained solidarity from the European festival association Yourope, as well as support from international artists and fans.
🔮 What’s Next for EXIT?
Details on the Egyptian edition remain under wraps until after the 25th anniversary celebration, but organizers say the full festival concept will be revealed later this year. What’s confirmed is that next October, the desert will pulse with electronic beats and festival energy like never before.
This is more than a venue change. EXIT is planting a flag at the crossroads of ancient civilization and future-forward culture. The implications go beyond music — into politics, global cultural power, and what it means for a festival to be both an entertainment brand and a voice for freedom.
