EXIT Festival Expands Global Reach with New Montenegro Events
EXIT Festival is officially expanding its footprint to Montenegro. One of Europe's most iconic music festivals has confirmed two major events in the country this summer, adding a stunning Adriatic destination to a world tour that has already captured the attention of the global festival community. With Long Beach in Ulcinj scheduled for July and the return of the Sea Dance Festival in Budva, Montenegro is set to become a pivotal stop on the 2026 festival calendar.
Founded in 2000 by student activists in Novi Sad, Serbia, the festival spent 25 years at the Petrovaradin Fortress. It grew into one of Europe's largest cultural phenomena, earning accolades such as the Best Major Festival award at the European Festival Awards in 2013 and 2017. Following a period of political tension in 2025, the festival transitioned into a global movement, taking its values and community to six countries worldwide.
The 2026 World Tour
The EXIT 2026 World Tour, titled "The First Chapter," is a testament to the festival's resilience. The tour includes stops in Croatia, North Macedonia, Malta, and a historic multi-day event at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The tour also marks the festival's debut in Asia with a stop in Mumbai, India. This ambitious journey earned EXIT the Promoter of the Year award at the European Festival Awards in January 2026.
EXIT in Montenegro
The Montenegrin government has extended its full support to the project. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić highlighted the economic and cultural impact, noting that the festivals are expected to welcome visitors from over 100 countries, generating significant tourism revenue and thousands of overnight stays. The event on Long Beach in Ulcinj will utilize thirteen kilometres of wide Adriatic shoreline, offering a unique, natural setting for attendees.
The return of the Sea Dance Festival to Budva is particularly anticipated. Having previously hosted world-class artists such as The Prodigy, Jamiroquai, David Guetta, Skrillex, Underworld, Fatboy Slim, Tale of Us, Boris Brejcha, Nina Kraviz, and Amelie Lens, the festival continues its legacy of excellence. Notably, this edition in Budva will be entirely free for attendees, reinforcing the festival's core commitment to accessibility and freedom.
"Montenegro is one of Europe's best-kept secrets," said Founder and CEO Dušan Kovačević. "With its stunning nature and vibrant Adriatic coastline, it has everything it takes to become a landmark destination for a new generation of travellers who live for combining world-class holidays with unforgettable live music experiences."
As the festival prepares for these new chapters, the global music community remains focused on the evolving legacy of EXIT. For ticket information and further updates, visit the official festival website.
