Yeah, yeah, what everyone who heard about Serbia or Belgrade will surely mention is the wild nightlife, and those who experienced it firsthand will certainly agree with that statement. But, I’m not here to talk about what and where to have fun in Belgrade since you can find it almost everywhere in this astonishing city. I’m here to introduce you to the sounds of the world, wild atmosphere, and pure fun, and although you can get all that in many places in Serbia, going to at least one festival takes all that to another level. Perhaps you already visited or heard about some of them, yet still, there are festivals you probably don’t know much about but should definitely be on your to-visit list, so let’s check them out.
Arsenal Fest
Let’s start from the heart of Serbia, the heart of Sumadija, the city of Kragujevac. Arsenal Fest is a three-day festival held in Kragujevac every June. This festival started back in 2011 with only one stage but still gathered about 14000 visitors. Today, the festival has three stages thousands of thousands of visitors. What makes Arsenal fest so unique for this part of Europe is that there are many performers from Serbia, obviously, but various bands, singers, and music artists from all over Europe, Asia, and Africa participate, making it a true spectacle. It is one of the most interesting summer festivals in this part of Europe. The visitors have accommodation in “Arsenal Rock Camp” near the city stadium, so make sure to book the place on time so that you will peacefully enjoying the reggae, hip hop, Latino sounds and wake up to the sounds of the strings of acoustic and electric guitar.
Arsenal fest Kepa&Free Spirits
Beer Fest
The beer fest is a festival that celebrates beer in all its glory, and it is open to everyone who loves great music and, of course, beer. But, be aware that since you will have to choose from more than 90 brands of beer, you may want to prepare on time. The one thing you won’t have to worry about is whether you will hear your favorite song since there are many stages with musicians from different countries and genres. This festival was founded in 2003, and it was first placed in lower Kalemegdan, in Belgrade fortress. Today, you can enjoy the wonderful sounds at the plateau at Usce, where it is held today.
Flares are common
Now, many would ask about the price for these even, and where can one find the tickets. Well, I could say to visit it and not worry about that, and you will understand why in time, but I’ll be fair to you and say that there is no fee. Still don’t believe me? There is only one way to find out, so see you there.
Nisville
For more than 20 years now, this festival is home to all jazz musicians from all around the world. It presents us with a great mixture of different kinds of jazz styles and genres and many different performers from all around the world. The festival is that popular that even the well-known American jazz magazine “Downbeat” mentioned that it is the only festival that celebrates music created on American soil, Balkan sounds, and a mixture of the two. It is being held every year in June in the fortress of Nais, which makes the atmosphere even more authentic for everyone who decides to come. The city of Nis has its airport, which makes it even more accessible, so if you are a jazz fan, there is no reason not to enjoy this amazing festival.
Nišville at its best
Gitarijada (Guitar Fest)
If you believe that rock is dead, you simply must visit Gitarijada, as it is the most influential rock festival in Serbia and Europe. The city of Zajecar is the home town of this festival, and from 1966, when Momcilo Radenkovic, guitarist and vocalist from the band Zlatni Prsti, founded it, its importance only raised to these days. Everything is set up perfectly so that new and young bands can compete, win, and became part of rock history.
Have you ever wondered how some young band would perform if they got the opportunity to play and compete against some famous band? Yes, that type of competition is also something you can find in Zajecar. It is one of the longest-lasting festivals in Serbia with thousands of visitors and, what makes it even more precious, with an enormous cultural value. Let me just add one more thing. By visiting Gitarijada, you will once again fall in love with the sound of rock.
And someone said that rock is dead
And someone said that rock is dead
Exit
Exit festival was founded in 2000 as a students protest against the regime, and no one could possibly predict how famous it will become. During these 20 years, many things changed, like the number of stages, star musicians, visual quality, but one thing remained the same – its location, Petrovaradin Fortress. It is an ideal place for this kind of festival because it is spacious and tall walls that surround the Petrovaradin Fortress only help organizers arrange it to be a city of its own with its own currency, so Exit can last for four days without any interruptions. If you decide to visit it, be aware that the party does not stop for four days, so better take the tent if you want to rest for a while.
Put your hands up in the air, Put your..
You are in love with the sound of the trumpet? Stay tuned as this is only part one, so there are many festivals yet to cover (Did someone mentioned the Guča Trumpet Festival?!).