There’s something about dancing barefoot on warm concrete with the sea just a few steps away, the sky slowly shifting from gold to deep blue, and a kick drum locking you into a moment that feels like it could last forever. That’s what Sonus is really about. This is not just a festival, it’s a rhythm you fall into for five days straight. From August 17 to 21, the island of Pag, Croatia, becomes something else entirely: a place where music, light, sweat, and salt all blend together until you forget what day it is and just follow the pulse. It’s the kind of experience that doesn’t need hype because it speaks for itself once you’re in it.
The 2025 lineup features seventy-seven artists across beachside clubs and open-air dancefloors, blending long-time legends with names you’ve had on repeat all winter. Veterans like Adam Beyer, Ben Klock, Richie Hawtin, and Sven Väth share the bill with artists such as Artbat, Anetha, and DJ Heartstring. Returning favourites like Joseph Capriati and Seth Troxler are also on the roster, promising sets that fans have come to expect and cherish. The festival continues its tradition of mixing global pioneers with emerging acts, creating a diverse and carefully curated lineup that covers a wide spectrum of techno and house sounds.
What really sets this festival apart is how it lets DJs bring their whole selves to the decks. Joseph Capriati, after delivering both a nighttime set and a daytime session, shared: “Thank you, Croatia, for another unforgettable experience at the Sonus Festival! This was my second set last night at Club Papaya. I love having the opportunity to express both my musical sides, techno at night and groove during the day, and Sonus is the perfect place to play everything you feel. Much respect. See you soon!”
That sentiment is shared by artists and organizers alike. Enzo Siragusa, after a two-decade career, described a night at the festival as one of the "top five gigs of my life," feeling that "magic was in the air." It’s moments like these, where music, place, and crowd align, that keep people coming back. Indira Paganotto highlights its unique setup—"by the beach, with a bunch of different stages and clubs... so fun"—while Charlotte de Witte captured the essence with a simple observation: “Beautiful sunrise in Croatia at the Sonus Festival.”
This magic is something that Dalibor Oliver Zjacic, Founder of Sonus Festival, consciously cultivates for each edition. Looking ahead to 2025, his excitement is palpable. "We're really looking forward to this year’s edition of Sonus, especially as we introduce our brand new beach stage for the first time," he says. He also reveals some major musical moments in the works, noting, “We’re proud to welcome Boris Brejcha, performing exclusively for Sonus 2025... Likewise, Joseph Capriati returns... He’ll be playing two shows, including a 4-hour sunset closing set on the final day, definitely not to be missed!” This international appeal is clearly working, as Zjacic proudly adds that “US guests are once again among the top 5 nationalities, continuing a strong trend.”
But the Sonus experience extends far beyond the dancefloor, as the island of Pag itself plays a huge role in the magic. Its stunning coastline, dotted with open-air venues like Aquarius, Kalypso, Papaya, and Noa Beach Club, creates the perfect playground. You can jump from one stage to another, or, as Zjacic suggests, take a "must-do" break: “take a swim in the Adriatic Sea! The water is crystal clear, energizing, and incredibly refreshing. The perfect way to reset.”
This blend of music and nature is what makes Sonus unique. You might find yourself on a boat party with DJs like Fjaak at the helm, turning the sea into a dancefloor as the sun goes down—what Zjacic calls "the breathtaking sunsets — a signature part of the Sonus experience!" Or you could explore the island's other treasures he recommends, from its burgeoning wine scene to its incredible culinary offerings like "fresh fish, scampi, world-class olive oil, and Pag cheese, which previously won gold in France as the world’s best cheese." For a truly unforgettable moment, Zjacic points to the ancient olive fields in Lun, a botanical reserve with some of the oldest wild olive trees on earth. "Walking through these sculptural landscapes," he says, "is unforgettable."
Of course, the afterparties have a reputation of their own, but the closing party is always the emotional high point. On 21 August, Keep On Dancing will take over Kalypso for the grand finale, featuring a four-hour closing set from Joseph Capriati alongside Ricardo Villalobos, Traumer, and Seth Troxler. Tickets are selling fast, and for a limited time, you can grab a €50 discount when booking accommodation packages. Check out the full lineup and details on their website. See you in Croatia!
