The Balkans doesn't seem like the most attractive destination to visit, but these festivals might just change your mind. Join me while I count down the best festivals in the area that you should definitely visit at least once in your lifetime.
8. Sonus Festival
Where: Zrce Beach, Pag Island, Croatia
When: August 21 - August 25
Why: If you like indie parties in the most beautiful locations in the Balkans, Sonus is the right place for you. The atmosphere of this festival is heaven-like and it includes everything from boat rides around the Adriatic coast to huge rave parties across different sand beaches of Croatian Islands.
Website: http://www.sonus-festival.com/
Ticket Fee: €69 - €129
7. DemoFest
Where: Kastel Fortress, Banja Luka, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
When: TBD
Why: DemoFest is the most famous festival of unknown artists in the Balkans. Its competitive nature leaves the audience raging and the whole festival turns the city of Banja Luka into a city of the new wave Balkan youth.
Website: http://demofest.org/
Ticket Fee: No charge
6. DokuFest
Where: Prizren, Kosovo
When: August 5 - August 13
Why: DokuFest is an International Documentary and Short Film Festival which is able to satisfy the needs of all cinephiles. The prettiest part of the festival is probably the open-air movie screening in the middle of this beautiful historical town.
Website: http://dokufest.com/2015/
Ticket Fee: No charge
5. SeaDance Festival
Where: Jaz Beach, Budva, Monenegro
When: July 14 - July 16
Why: SeaDance festival is everything that you would expect from the name. Turquoise waves and golden sand make the perfect atmosphere for the mix of electronic and house music in the festival. This year's lineup includes Skrillex, Hurts, Lost Frequencies, and many more amazing performers. After all, if you feel tired of the whole festival atmosphere, you can always enjoy the peaceful Chill-Zone and swing in a hammock with a cold drink in your hand.
Website: http://www.seadancefestival.me/sr
Ticket Fee + Accommodation: Starting from €59
4. Sarajevo Film Festival
Where: Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
When: August 12 - August 20
Why: It's the biggest film event in the region! You might be able to recognize some of its guests on the photo above.
Website: http://www.sff.ba/
Ticket Fee: Dependent on the screened movie
3. Guča
Where: Guča, Serbia
When: August 11 - August 14
Why: If you are into the idea of the Balkan wilderness, there is no place where you'd rather be. Trumpets, barbecue, and liters of beer come together to produce what is known as the "Woodstock of the Balkans." Roma music in the festival will make you cry and rage at the same time. Finally, if you're lucky enough to remember the whole festival, you'll surely come back the following year.
Ticket Fee: No charge, that's how we party in the Balkans!
2. Ultra Europe
Where: Split, Croatia
When: July 15 - July 17
Why: Ultra Europe is the European version of the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. What else do you need? On top of that, city of Split is for sure one of the best vacation places that you could possibly choose.
Website: https://ultraeurope.com/destinations/festival/
Ticket Fee: €119 - €199
1. Exit
Where: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
When: July 7 - July 10
Why: I bet that you didn't expect to find one of the best festivals in the world on this list. Exit Festival has won numerous awards since 2000, the year in which it was first organized by a group of Novi Sad University students. It was officially proclaimed as the "Best Major European Festival" at EU Festival Awards in January 2014. This year, it was proclaimed the best in Europe once again by the leading travel portal "European Best Destinations," leaving behind festivals like Secret Garden, Tomorrowland, Glastonbury, and Sziget. The magic of the festival is surely influenced by the fortress ambiance and overwhelming amount of visitors from all over the world. Finally, Exit adventure combines Exit Festival with the SeaDance festival mentioned earlier, therefore organizing transport and giving discount to the people who buy tickets to both events.
2016 Lineup:
Number of stages: 19
Website: http://www.exitfest.org/en
Ticket Fee: Starting from €58
