Looking for a new addition to your festival calendar? Sziget might be just the ticket. With huge headliners, stunning art installations, and excellent late-night offerings to keep you dancing until sunrise, it’s one of those festivals that genuinely has something for everyone.
For those new to the event: each year, Sziget Festival transforms Budapest’s Óbuda Island into the Island of Freedom. Since it first launched over 30 years ago, it’s become one of the most exciting on the European festival circuit, boasting more than 1,000 performances from both A-List stars and your favourite new artists over the week.
Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know.
THE HEADLINERS
Taking place over five days (with an additional “Day 0” of music, too!), Sziget’s line-up is stacked and genre-spanning, featuring pop stars, huge rock bands, and A-list DJs alike.
Among the headliners are Florence + The Machine, whose latest record, ‘Everybody Scream’, will shine on the Main Stage; Zara Larsson, who will bring her ‘Midnight Sun’ girls’ trip to the festival as the sun sets on Tuesday; and Jorja Smith, who is set to deliver a special “party set” to kick-start your Saturday night.
There will also be headline sets from Bring Me the Horizon, Lewis Capaldi, Skepta, Skrillex, Sombr, and Twenty One Pilots.
THE DANCE HEROES
For those wanting to rave until the sun rises, Sziget has a late-night offering that’ll keep you dancing.
From Nia Archives, whose stellar new record ‘Emotional Junglist’ will soar in her midnight set, to The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands and AURORA’s collaborative project, TOMORA, there’s no shortage of standout names. Then there’s an early morning show from the excellent Haai, a mega Friday night billing on the Bolt Stage from Peggy Gou, and Jazzy will round off your first night at the festival on Tuesday.
In short, there’s plenty to soundtrack your late nights and early mornings dancing.
RISING STARS
If you’re looking for your new music fix, Sziget’s got you sorted. Fresh from supporting Florence + the Machine earlier this year, indie folk artist Paris Paloma will open the mainstage on Thursday, and rising party-starter (and BRIT Critics’ Choice Award nominee) Rose Gray’s live show is always a triumph.
You can also catch punk rockers Lambrini Girls, who’s anticipated debut ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ (released last year) was one we said “explored the many layers of female rage against a backdrop of growling guitars and general debauchery, with all the raucousness of their explosive live performances”. And then there’s Scottish singer-songwriter Brooke Combe, who is bringing Northern Soul to a whole new generation. Her brilliant ‘How Can I Tell You? (To Love Me More)’ might just be the perfect festival song.
THE POPSTARS
Meanwhile, there’s a bevvy of megawatt pop stars on the bill: Sigrid will bring her 2025 LP, ‘There’s Always More That I Could Say’, to the festival; Ashnikko will deliver her fantastical alt-pop to the Revolut Stage; and what could sound better in the sunshine than singing along to noughties hero Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’?
AND OUTSIDE OF THE MUSIC
Sziget takes place on Óbuda Island in Budapest – or as it’s known for the festival, the Island of Freedom, which promises “a celebration of music, arts, diversity, and boundless self-expression”.
Punters – or Szitizens! – can enjoy both the musical offering, which brings together more than 1,000 performances, alongside its cultural programs and other arts (like their circus, and museum quarter). And, of course, the beautiful setting allows you to head into the Hungarian capital and explore the historical city. Visit Buda Castle during the day, enjoy the festival at night, and ease any weary heads at the thermal baths the next morning. Perfect!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sziget takes place in Budapest from August 11 to August 15, on Budapest Óbuda Island, with additional acts performing on Day Zero (August 10). Check out the full line-up for this year’s festival.
Tickets are still available. For a five-day pass, it’s €399 and for a three-day pass, €279. Discounts are available for under-21s, and VIP passes offer fast-lane entry, special viewing platforms and access to VIP bars and toilets. See all ticket options.
