With a comprehensive restructuring, the Sziget Festival 2025 enters a forward-looking era. The “Island of Freedom” remains true to its values, but receives a fresh concept. During a press conference in Budapest, key changes were presented that divided the festival area into thematic districts, expanded the musical offer and anchored sustainability and social responsibility more strongly.
Artistic Reorganization: The Festival as a City
From this year onwards, the festival grounds will be divided into several independent areas – so-called “districts” – which will bring together music genres, artistic focuses and audience experiences. Festival Director Tamás Kádár describes this change as a conscious step to develop the festival in a contemporary way while preserving its unique atmosphere: As we open this new chapter for Sziget, our focus remains the same: the special atmosphere, the great variety of programs and the creation of lasting memories. But this year we are also introducing a number of exciting innovations. Kádár pointed out that the change in cultural consumption habits and the increasing expectations of festival visitors are continuous challenges. To strengthen our position among the world’s leading festivals, we have decided to take a big step forward based on a multi-year strategy. ‘
The upcoming changes are expected to reinforce Sziget’s core values – such as its diverse musical offering and broad cultural palette – while placing a greater focus on creative solutions. With a redesigned program structure, visitors should be offered an unforgettable festival experience almost around the clock. The driving force behind Sziget is still the same as it was at the beginning. At that time, we became unique without even knowing what international trends were. Today, we strengthen the identity of Sziget by understanding exactly in which environment we operate, said Kádár.
One of the most visible changes will welcome visitors when they arrive: The iconic K-Bridge will get a new look. Some program areas are also moved. So the Cirque du Sziget moves to a new location, the Magic Mirror will now be found in the northern part of the island and the Traveling Funfair moves to another location.
One of these new “districts” is the previously announced Delta District, which is entirely dedicated to electronic nightlife. There, visitors can expect the redesigned Yettel Colosseum with acts such as I Hate Models and The Blessed Madonna, the renewed Bolt Night Stage with artists such as Armin Van Buuren and Amelie Lens as well as the new indoor club “The Club by Don Julio”.
zoho District: Urban culture meets festival spirit
A special highlight is the new Szoho District, named after the creative neighbourhoods of Soho in London and New York – with the typical Sziget “Sz” as a tribute to one’s own identity. Szoho becomes the artistic melting pot of the festival: a vibrant microcosm where music, street culture, art and community meet.
Here you will find stages such as The Buzz, performing acts such as EKKSTACY, Last Train, Casey Lowry and various Hungarian artists, as well as dropYard, which presents hip-hop acts during the day and genres such as Drum & Bass, Dancehall and Reggaeton in the evening. The offer is complemented by the new stage The Cypher, which is dedicated to breakdance and freestyle, and The Joker, which serves as a board game cafe during the day and becomes a spoken word meeting point in the evening with international comedy and poetry slam. Street art, skate demos, tattoo artists and pop-up performers complete the authentic big city feel in the middle of the Danube Island.
International line-up at the highest level
Musically, Sziget 2025 also remains at the top international level. At the Main Stage are world stars such as Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, Shawn Mendes, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Nelly Furtado, FKA Twigs, Michael Kiwanuka and many more. For the first time, a K-pop act – Kiss of Life – will complement the line-up. In addition, national highlights such as Дeva or Pogány Induló & Parno Graszt set a strong cultural mark. The Revolut Stage also promises a varied music program with acts such as Justice, Empire of the Sun, Caribou, Brutalism 3000, Refused and numerous Hungarian acts.
Performing Art at the Center: Paradox
A central element of the realignment is the upgrading of the performative arts. The newly created paradox zone represents a cross-genre stage experience in which circus, dance, acrobatics and illusion merge. International productions such as “Duel Reality” by The 7 Fingers, the air-acrobatic Sylphes Aerial Ballet or the feminist performance by YUCK Circus offer a visual spectacle at the highest level.
North Field: Discoveries and Creative Highlights in the Northern Part of the Island of Freedom
Another new district on the island is North Field, which is located in the northern part of the festival. It is the new home of the Magic Mirror, the ever-evolving art field ArtGarden – which once again invites festival visitors to relax and discover during the day – and also hosts the Light Stage. Close to the renewed Sziget entrance area lies Impact Island, where NGOs and XS-Land are accompanied by TEDxBudapest with their own area, while at the northern end of the island Sziget Beach awaits visitors with impressive installations and pop-up performances.
Sustainability and social responsibility
The Sziget Festival again sets standards in terms of sustainability in 2025. With the new tent deposit system (“Don’t-Leave-Your-Tent”-Ticket) the festival wants to actively fight against abandoned tents. All gastronomic suppliers must use biodegradable packaging and energy-efficient concepts are preferred. The cooperation with the Green Deal Circular Festival initiative and a successful sustainability audit confirm the ecological pioneering role of the Sziget Festival. At the same time, the Szitizen Care programme is being expanded, which is dedicated to the well-being of all festival guests. This includes accessible access, retreats, mental health services and professional support on site – whether for people with disabilities, families or the LGBTQI community.
Gastronomy & Glamping with Comfort
Despite increased costs, the Sziget Festival remains fair in terms of price in 2025: Beer prices remain the same and all food stalls must offer at least one discounted dish. At the same time, the culinary offer is expanded to include vegetarian, vegan and allergen-free options. With Sziget Ville Premium, the festival is also breaking new ground in the area of accommodation. Guests can expect an exclusive glamping experience with comfortable tents, wellness area, yoga, sauna and massage services – a place to breathe in the middle of the festival hustle.