Who to catch at Sziget, and when

Sziget 2025, 6-11 August, The Island of Freedom

Arguably Europe’s most iconic summer commune of conviviality, Sziget returns to Budapest’s Óbuda Island from 6–11 August 2025, promising another euphoric week of world-class music, immersive art, and late-night mayhem on the so-called ‘Island of Freedom’. If you’re not already booked in, we demand an explanation.

There are, to be sure, fuckloads of artists exhibiting their wares – to the point that figuring out where you should be, when, and what not to miss is in itself a rubik’s cube locked inside an escape room at the bottom of the Pacific. But do not fear!

As ever your musical servants, we’ve scoured the bill and picked out a fair few essential acts you need to catch at Sziget this year – from psych-fuelled surf rock to cinematic electronica. Get the Sziget app, heart the below, and do your best through a layer of intoxication to follow your well-executed plan when things kick off in Hungary next month. Good luck.

Ocean Alley

Thursday, 7th August, 4-5pm, Main Stage

If the Budapest-ian sunshine should have a soundtrack, the psychedelic surf-rock of Australia’s Ocean Alley would fit the bill. This six-piece, who are pretty big down under, blend elements of rock, reggae, and soul into a warm, swirling live set that’ll fit Sziget’s open-air spirit quite a lot better than OJ’s glove. Expect dreamy guitar lines, groovy breakdowns, and one of the most laid-back, soulful performances of the week.

The Beaches

Thursday, 7th August, 5.30-6.30pm, Main Stage

Post Ocean Alley, stay right where you are! Or, if you must, go and fetch yourself a pitcher. Then immediately return to right where you were! Because following Ocean Alley is none other than the powerful, playful, punk-pop of Toronto’s The Beaches, an all-female outfit ever-poised to set a party alight. The Beaches’ tight blend of earworm-triggering energy channels noughties nostalgia through a modern, feminist lens. Think sharp hooks, big choruses, and attitude in spades – the lyricism on offer here is both poetic and poignant. Those interested in screamalongs are encouraged to brush up beforehand.

Justice

Thursday, 7th August, 00:30-2:00am, Revolut Stage

The late billing of Parisian electro-legends Justice is no doubt perfectly placed, but it leaves the most carefree among us with a conundrum: how does one stay sober enough to enjoy such a set given it begins at half midnight on day two? Fortunately, by definition, the most carefree among us will give the conubdrim very little thought, and those that manage to avoid obliteration can expect this couple of seasoned vets to enrapture the Rev tent with their signature blend of dramatic synths, disco grooves, and crunchy, distorted beats. Last we heard the Revolut ‘stage’ was a tent, mind, and this one is set to be packed. You have been warned.

Michael Kiwanuka

Friday, 8th August, 7-8.15pm, Main Stage

With a voice like velvet and songs that hit deep, UK soul artist Michael Kiwanuka adds emotional depth to Sziget’s invariably boisterous line-up without worry or wear. This guy has in fact been around for a relative age now, continually clocking up critical acclaim, without ever breaking into mainstream malaise. That alone makes Kiwanuka’s set worth checking out. An interlude of classic soul, folk, and modern psych promises a moment of calm amid the chaos, even on the main stage.

Caribou

Friday, 8th August, 12:30-1.45am, Revolut Stage

If Kiwanuka offers a break from the brazen, Caribou is on hand to reinstate Sziget’s status quo. This, for the BBC, is set to be the set of the six-days. Glitchy, kaleidoscopic electronica and minimal techno will no doubt combine with live instrumentation to see Dan deliver a banger of a performance many will still presumably forget. Don’t be surprised if you leave transformed. Don’t be surprised if it’s the festival highlight.

FKA Twigs

Saturday, 9th August, 7.15-8.30pm, Main Stage

It’s been a long time coming, but FKA Twigs finally lands a slot at Sziget following her pandemic-postponed debut. A true visionary, Twigs’ genre-defying blend of art-pop, trip-hop and experimental electronica is, natch, right up our anus, and should surely be just as far up yours, too. The genteel set will likely be one of the most visually stunning of the fest given Twigs is currently touring Eusexua, her most ambitious and intimate offering to date.

Portugal. The Man

Monday, 11th August, 5.30-6.30pm, Main Stage

Masters of alt-pop weirdness and a band with much more going on than the global sensation Feel It Still, Portugal. The Man are high on the hit list for the final day of Sziget 2025. These guys have a rep for live shows filled with trippy visuals, shredding solos, and surprise covers – if you needed any further reason beyond their hit-list to seek them out. Think Pink Floyd by way of Arctic Monkeys. Perfect fans of genre-fluid, offbeat rock.

The Last Dinner Party

Monday, 11th August, 7.15-8.15pm, Main Stage

Mercury Prize nominees The Last Dinner Party rocketed to fame last year with their baroque glam-pop debut Prelude to Ecstasy and have been riding a well-timed wave ever since. With theatrical flair and tracks that owe as much to Kate Bush as they do to Queen, expect everyone’s current favourite East London five-piece to serve up a raw helping of drama, decadence, and dancefloor-friendly indie.

Beyond the Beats: A Festival for the Curious

We’ve covered Sziget’s brilliance in posts gone past, but it’s worth noting now that Sziget 2025 lands with a major update by way of the Delta District – an area of opulence designed exclusively for night-time antics. Encompassing the open-air Yettel Colosseum, the BOLT Night Stage and The Club, the area will keep electronic fans happy.

Music aside, the Island of Freedom continues to offer its hefty dollop of theatre, circus, cabaret, comedy, and even beach parties, all infused with the festival’s core message of love, inclusion, and freedom (which is nowhere near as wanky as it sounds). It remains little wonder that citizens from over 100 countries clamber to become Szitzens each year. You must do this at least once in your life. Once you do, you will want to again and again.

Six-day passes and accommodation are available now – see you there.

Bristol Beats Xx