In recent decades, Serbia has built a name for itself as a top international destination for those wanting to enjoy great entertainment. Belgrade has a rich music scene, with something for everyone’s taste – from traditional Serbian music in the bohemian Skadarlija street, to Serbian and international pop hits played on floating river clubs on the Sava and the Danube to night clubs with a wide variety of electronic music.Lovers of classical music can choose between the classical guitar festival and concerts by the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. There is also BEMUS, Belgrade Music Festival, which has brought some of the world’s best orchestras to Belgrade, including the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic, as well as renowned conductors, soloists and ballet companies.
Every April, visitors to Novi Sad can enjoy concerts played by master performers of classical music from Serbia and abroad at the NOMUS International Music Festival.
With fun guaranteed and with a wide and diverse offering of music festivals that cater to every taste, all you have to do is pick one that best fits your musical tastes.
Held in a magnificent 18th-Century fortress, rising from the banks of the Danube in Novi Sad, Exit gathers dozens of Serbian and international performers every year. Named the best European music festival on several occasions, it is held in early July across some twenty stages dedicated to different genres.Whether you love electronic music, pop, Latino, reggae, rock or metal, you will find a stage to suit you at Exit. The famous “Dance Arena”, reserved for only the best DJs in the world, is considered by many to be the soul of this festival. Events at Exit take place from late evening hours to the early morning, when thousands of visitors return to the festival camp site at the nearby Danube beach.
Info: Exit Festival
Every August, hundreds of thousands of visitors from the country and abroad flock to the town of Guča in Western Serbia to enjoy the world’s largest trumpet festival. Guča Trumpet Festival, known in Serbian as Dragačevski sabor, is the largest traditional event and is over half a century old.Dozens of trumpet orchestras from Serbia and abroad compete for the Golden Trumpet award, building up an unrivalled atmosphere that guarantees euphoria for attendees. The music programme is complemented by traditional dance, songs, costumes and food of the region, which contribute to the authentic atmosphere of this folk festival.
Info: Guča Trumpet Festival
For several days in August, Niš becomes the capital of jazz. The beautiful 18th-Century Turkish fortress provides a backdrop for concerts by renowned international stars, as well as fledgling musicians who have yet to make a name for themselves. Nišvil Jazz Festival features many workshops for children and adults, with jamming after the official programme continuing until the early morning hours.
Info: Nišvil
Bringing together the love of beer and the love of good music, this is one of the largest festivals, not only in Serbia, but in the wider region as well, with up to a million visitors every year. As Serbian and international stars take turns on the stage, a wide selection of foreign and Serbian brews flow, from well-known industrial brands to exotic brews for those who wish to try something new.
Info: BeerFest
Every September, a music festival is held in honour of the great Serbian composer Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac, in his birth town of Negotin. Entrants include pianists, soloists, ensembles and ballet companies, with the competition between choirs a highlight of the event. In addition to concerts of classical music, visitors are treated to a varied supporting programme, with numerous exhibitions, literary evenings and excursions to the tourist attractions of the Negotinska Krajina region.
