Arsenal Fest in Kragujevac | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Arsenal Fest is a music festival held in Kragujevac, specifically in Knezev Arsenal, an old weapons factory associated with the beginning of the industrial revolution in Serbia.

This three-day event, considered one of the most significant in this part of Europe, takes place every year at the end of June. The festival program includes performances by popular artists from the former Yugoslavia, complemented by internationally renowned bands and DJs.

The first Arsenal Fest was held in 2011 and had only one stage (Main Stage). Among others, artists such as Rambo Amadeus, Partibrejkers, Del Arno Band, and Orthodox Celts performed at that time.

The following year, the program expanded. Another stage was set up in the "Zastava Garden" and symbolically named the "Garden Stage," and in 2013, the "Explosive DJ Stage" was added. This stage is located in the powder magazine building and attracts electronic music enthusiasts. It is perhaps not a coincidence that a stage dedicated to this genre of music is set up in the place where the first electric light bulb in Serbia shone in 1884.

Initially, Arsenal featured exclusively regional performers. As the festival grew, the audience had the opportunity to see global stars such as Thievery Corporation, Testament, Asian Dub Foundation, Anthrax, Skindred, Dub Fx, and many others. Since 2017, lesser-known bands that pass the selection of a specially organized committee also have the opportunity to showcase themselves to the audience on the dedicated "Demollition" stage.

What makes this festival unique is its location. When the architecture of the 19th-century factory complex is combined with modern sound and lighting, an atmosphere is created in which bands enjoy performing, and visitors eagerly await the next June to relive the unforgettable experience.

For those who want a complete experience, a campsite is organized. In Veliki Park, next to Cika Daca Stadium, festivalgoers set up tents, play guitars, exchange concert experiences, cure hangovers, and make friendships.

The early editions of this event attracted around 15,000 visitors. The interest has constantly grown, with Kragujevac welcoming over 30,000 music lovers in recent years.

In 2021, the organizers established the "Mikica Zdravković" award, dedicated to individuals who contribute to the music scene of the region. The award is named after the musician and one of the founders of Arsenal Fest, who passed away on November 27, 2020, due to COVID-19.

Patiently and carefully, the organizers of Arsenal Fest have raised the bar and created an event that probably better than any other in the region combines the promotion of domestic performers and attractive international stars.

Due to the epidemiological situation, the festival was not held in 2020. However, things returned to normal the following year when Arsenal Fest became the first open-air festival in Europe organized after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's edition of Arsenal Fest will take place from June 28th to July 1st. You can find all the information about the program and performances on the official festival website.