Known for blending Latin, reggae, ska, punk and world music, Che Sudaka transformed the festival into an open-air summer dance party. Their infectious rhythms, upbeat melodies and energetic stage presence quickly got the audience moving, with fans dancing from the very first songs until the final encore.

The band’s warm interaction with the crowd created a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Rather than relying on spectacular visual effects, Che Sudaka let the music do the talking, encouraging festival-goers to sing, clap and dance together under the July night sky.

After an already packed Saturday featuring some of Hungary’s biggest names, thousands of festival-goers gathered in front of the Main Stage for the event’s final international headliner. The atmosphere had been building throughout the evening, with ValMar igniting the crowd at sunset before Halott PĂ©nz kept the momentum going with a hit-filled performance that perfectly prepared the audience for the night’s grand finale.

By the time Scooter appeared, the area around the stage was completely packed. As the opening beats echoed across the Great Forest, the legendary group exploded onto the stage with an impressive audiovisual production featuring powerful lasers, flashing strobes, towering LED screens and spectacular pyrotechnics.

Frontman H.P. Baxxter, now 62, proved that age is no obstacle to delivering a world-class performance. Bursting with energy from start to finish, he barely allowed the audience a moment to catch its breath as one classic anthem followed another. The crowd responded with non-stop dancing, singing and jumping, turning the final concert of the festival into one massive open-air rave.

Scooter’s timeless hits united several generations of music fans. Long-time followers relived the soundtrack of the late 1990s and early 2000s, while younger festival-goers embraced the band’s unmistakable sound with equal enthusiasm. At one point, Baxxter reminded the audience with his trademark humor:

“Life is often hard… but Scooter is harder!”

Judging by the reaction, the Campus audience couldn’t have agreed more.

The visual production elevated the show even further. Blinding lights, synchronized lasers and bursts of flames transformed the Main Stage into a spectacular electronic music arena. Every drop was accompanied by explosions of light, while fireworks and special effects gave the performance the feel of a stadium-sized production.

Friday night’s appearance by Armin van Buuren had already demonstrated that Debrecen could host one of the world’s greatest electronic music stars. Scooter, however, delivered a completely different experience—less about an immersive DJ journey and more about an explosive, high-octane live party that never slowed down.

The band’s performance provided exactly the kind of grand finale Campus Festival deserved. As the final songs echoed across the festival grounds thousands of fans celebrated together one last time before saying goodbye to another successful edition of Campus Festival.

One blends thoughtful lyrics with catchy melodies, while the other delivers uncompromising hardcore energy and crushing riffs. Yet during this year’s Campus Festival in Debrecen, both concerts shared an unexpected common theme:

the frontmen’s remarks about marijuana.

KaukĂĄzus took to the stage on Thursday at the OTP FĂ©nytorony Stage, delivering a performance that mixed their signature alternative sound with sharp social commentary. Before performing their song Pingvin, frontman Kardos-HorvĂĄth JĂĄnos reflected on what he described as the contradiction of playing at a festival sponsored by companies connected to the battery industry.

Later in the concert, the singer shifted to another controversial subject. Sharing a personal story from a visit to Prague, he spoke about his experiences with cannabis policies abroad and concluded that Hungary should also legalise marijuana so that people could, as he jokingly put it, “smoke a joint.”

A day later, Friday’s programme brought a completely different musical experience as American hardcore pioneers Cro-Mags stormed the Mountain Dew Rock Arena. Known worldwide for combining the aggression of hardcore punk with thrash metal influences, the band delivered an intense performance filled with songs about survival, inner struggles and spirituality.

When the audience’s initial reaction seemed more restrained than expected, Cro-Mags frontman Harley Flanagan jokingly commented that marijuana is not legal in Hungary, suggesting the crowd might be livelier if people were allowed to get high.

As the concert progressed, however, the atmosphere changed. By the final songs, the Hungarian audience had found its voice, singing, shouting and matching the band’s energy. Smiling at the crowd, Harley Flanagan closed the show with the words: “All right, then my mission is accomplished.” Whether he was referring to the crowd’s growing enthusiasm or simply enjoying the interaction, it was a fitting ending to a performance that had started with a joke and finished with a fully engaged audience.

The two moments highlighted an unusual coincidence at Campus Festival. Despite representing opposite ends of the musical spectrum, both frontmen chose to speak about cannabis during their performances. Whether intended as social commentary, humour or personal opinion, the remarks became memorable talking points beyond the music itself.

While Hungarian performers dominate the first half of the festival, Friday and Saturday belong to the international acts. The weekend is headlined by two of the biggest names in electronic dance music: Dutch trance legend Armin van Buuren and Germany’s iconic dance group Scooter, both of whom have attracted millions of fans around the world over the past three decades.

Friday, July 24

Armin van Buuren (Netherlands)

One of the most influential DJs and producers in the history of electronic music, Armin van Buuren has been a global ambassador of trance for more than 25 years. The five-time world’s No. 1 DJ has sold out arenas across the globe and is the creator of the internationally acclaimed A State of Trance radio show, followed by millions of listeners every week. His spectacular live performances combine uplifting melodies, cutting-edge visuals and an unmatched festival atmosphere, making his Debrecen appearance one of the highlights of Campus Festival 2026.

Cro-Mags (United States)

New York hardcore pioneers Cro-Mags are one of the defining bands of the crossover hardcore and metal scene. Since the 1980s, their aggressive sound and influential albums have inspired generations of punk and metal musicians. Fans of heavy music will not want to miss this rare Hungarian performance.

Switch Disco (United Kingdom)

British DJ and production duo Switch Disco have become festival favourites thanks to their energetic house music and clever remixes. Their viral dance tracks and collaborations have earned them millions of streams, making them one of the UK’s fastest-rising electronic acts.

Saturday, July 25

Scooter (Germany)

Few dance acts have enjoyed a career as long and successful as Scooter. Led by the unmistakable H.P. Baxxter, the German group has sold more than 30 million records worldwide with hits including Hyper Hyper, How Much Is the Fish? and Nessaja. Known for explosive live shows, Scooter remains one of Europe’s biggest festival attractions and is expected to deliver one of the most energetic performances of the weekend.

Che Sudaka (Spain)

Although based in Barcelona, Che Sudaka brings together musicians with Latin American roots and is famous for its colourful fusion of ska, reggae, punk, cumbia and Latin rhythms. Their concerts are lively celebrations that encourage audiences to dance and sing along regardless of language.

Tokyo Machine (United States/Japan)

Known for combining electronic dance music with video game culture, Tokyo Machine has built a devoted international fan base through releases on Monstercat and performances at gaming and EDM festivals. The masked producer’s high-energy sound blends chiptune influences with modern bass music, making the show especially appealing to younger festivalgoers.

A weekend not to miss

Campus Festival is much more than a music event, featuring street performances, art installations, cultural programmes, food courts and community spaces throughout the Great Forest. However, for many international residents of Debrecen, this weekend represents the festival’s biggest attraction, as globally recognised artists share the stage with Hungary’s most popular performers.

Whether you are an international student spending your first summer in Debrecen or an expat who has made the city your home, Friday and Saturday offer a chance to enjoy world-class live music without leaving eastern Hungary. With Armin van Buuren and Scooter leading an impressive international lineup, the final two days promise to be the most exciting of Campus Festival 2026.

You can find more information about the Campus Festival on its .

In a message shared on social media, the artist apologized to fans:

“Sorry, Debrecen, but I can’t be there today. Unfortunately, I’ve been sick quite a lot lately. I managed to perform at my previous show with a 38°C fever, but now I’ve even lost my speaking voice.”

Following the cancellation, the festival organizers adjusted the schedule for the Metal-Sheet Beat Stage.

PIXA will now begin his performance earlier than originally planned and will play an extended set from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., replacing Missh’s scheduled appearance.

Festival organizers have advised visitors to check the updated program for any further changes during the event.

The artist is considered one of today’s most original and inspiring musicians, known for his creative freedom, independence, and incredible work ethic, organizers told MTI on Friday.

The 29-year-old Rilés is from Rouen. After finishing high school, he studied English literature to develop his songwriting skills.

Before pursuing music, he painted and used the income along with his scholarship to build a studio in his bedroom.

He taught himself music composition, sound engineering, mixing, and mastering through YouTube videos—his DIY approach remains the foundation of his artistry. Since 2014, he has written, arranged, recorded, and mixed all his own music, directing and editing all his videos himself. Between 2016 and 2017, he released a new song every Sunday for a year.

With the Rilesundayz Season I project, he gained worldwide attention and, entirely independently without label support, amassed over 100 million YouTube views.

In 2019, his first album, Welcome to the Jungle, was released under Republic Records. His French Zenith tour sold out, as did his London, North African, and Eastern European shows. Two years later, he returned to independence and launched Rilesundayz Season II, marking a new era in his work with a more refined sound and aesthetic.

After the second season, Rilés began work on his new album, Survival Mode, while undertaking a major physical challenge: running nonstop on a treadmill for 24 hours.

The Survival Run resonated worldwide, becoming a symbol of perseverance and mental strength; the video reached nearly 22 million views in 24 hours.

Survival Mode was released earlier this year and represents one of RilĂ©s’s most mature and profound works: a manifesto of self-discipline, creative courage, and pushing boundaries. This spirit also defines his live performances; after appearing at Sziget Festival in 2022, he returned to the main stage this year for another concert.

(MTI)

For the first time in the history of the four-day festival, Armin van Buuren, one of the biggest icons of the global electronic music scene, will perform – the Campus Festival organizers announced in a statement on December 10.

The Dutch DJ is ranked 5th on the DJ Top 100 list, a former five-time world number one, and the producer of the hit song “Blah Blah Blah,” which has over 10 billion streams. In addition, he regularly performs at global festivals such as Tomorrowland and the Ultra Music Festival, according to the statement.

“Armin van Buuren’s performance marks another significant step in the life of the Campus Festival. This announcement shows that we continue to focus on attracting high-quality international acts. Between July 22 and 26, 2026, we will offer a memorable musical experience in the heart of Debrecen,” emphasized AndrĂĄs SĂŒli, the festival’s program director.

This year, the Campus Festival again demonstrated its appeal in the domestic festival market. In 2025, the event attracted more than 120,000 visitors to NagyerdƑ, with over 250 musical acts and nearly 1,000 cultural programs across 21 different venues.

To provide experiences for locals even during the winter season, on December 12, 2025, the Campus Festival invites Debrecen students to a tram party with Milán Koósz. The party will take place from 3 PM to 7 PM on Tram Line 1, boarding at the Aquaticum stop. The high school with the highest number of participants will receive a significant discount on 2026 Campus passes. Participation is free but requires registration. Details are available on the festival’s official website.

The festival series is a defining event in the life of the University of Debrecen, which every year pays special attention to presenting higher education and science in an entertaining and accessible way at the festival. In line with this, in 2026, the university will again offer a diverse program lineup, including concerts, talks, and interactive demonstrations. In addition, wooden houses set up on University Square will showcase the university’s faculties and various organizational units.

(unideb.hu)

“Although we started late with booking, it seems we’ve already caught up. We were a bit concerned that artists we had already been in talks with might be drawn elsewhere during the forced hiatus, but it seems Sziget remains an important festival for them, and many have kept the dates reserved for us,” said Károly Gerendai, Sziget’s returning owner. “Thanks to this, we are able to present a strong musical lineup that allows visitors, particularly those drawn by the headline acts, to plan their festival experience. Our long-term goal is not only to offer a strong lineup but also to maintain the festival’s unique atmosphere, cultural diversity, and the ‘Sziget feeling’ that can only be experienced here. A strong music program is now expected of every major festival, but what sets Sziget apart is its sense of freedom, unique location, diverse musical and non-musical programs, distinctive visuals, and quality services that enhance the holiday experience. The ‘Sziget feeling’ has given millions a lasting experience over the past decades. We have stood out in the competitive international festival field by offering something different, more colorful, and richer in experience than others, and we want to reinforce that again.”

The first names have now arrived, with several scheduled for the festival’s two prime evening slots on the Main Stage. One of the biggest highlights will surely be the return of Twenty One Pilots. Their concerts are always unique, with frontman Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun ensuring their performances remain exceptional. The band last performed at Sziget to a sold-out crowd, and their popularity remains strong—they will also present their new material. Florence + The Machine, who last performed at Sziget in 2023, leaving a deep impression on the audience, will also return. This October, after three years, the band released their sixth studio album, which has been received with enthusiasm by international critics. They are headlining almost every major festival next summer, and Florence Welch will not skip Sziget.

One of 2025’s biggest musical discoveries and success stories is SOMBR, whose debut album was released in August, and the singer is already among the 2026 Grammy nominees. SOMBR’s sophisticated, ambitious tracks are designed for large concert halls and festival stages, making the Sziget performance a must-see. “I hope to return to Budapest soon,” he said during his 2022 Sziget performance, before unexpectedly pausing touring due to illness after Glastonbury. This year, he returned to the stage, and next year Lewis Capaldi will also perform again on Sziget’s Main Stage.

Exciting additions include Tomora, a brand-new project by Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers) and Norwegian singer Aurora. Also announced is Dijon, an American singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and multi-instrumentalist who collaborated on Justin Bieber’s latest album. Underworld, legendary for their anthemic electronic hits, return to the Main Stage after 20 years. Biffy Clyro, one of Scotland’s biggest rock bands, will also make a major comeback.

Other notable acts include the exceptionally talented Tash Sultana, as well as new names like Ashnikko, bbno$ (known worldwide for the multi-hundred-million-stream hit “Lalala”), and Paris Paloma, who went viral in 2023 with her single “Labour.” From Hungary, Sisi and Elefánt, who canceled their Sziget shows in 2025 due to illness, will return, along with the unique-sounding makrohang.

Regarding the announcement, Sziget’s head organizer Tamás Kádár said: “In recent years, the festival has faced criticism for emphasizing international stars over popular Hungarian artists. Next year, in cooperation with Budapest Park, we will host a dedicated Hungarian stage featuring the biggest local favorites.”

While the full 2026 lineup is still taking shape, the festival aims to broaden the age range of attendees and expand its cultural offerings. Thematic “quarters,” such as the popular electronic music hub, will be expanded, and established stages will continue to highlight genres like rock and world music. Gerendai added: “All the proven program areas will remain, but the development will be spectacular, with new venues returning and some entirely new ones appearing.”

Here is the first batch of performers in alphabetical order, with the lineup continuing to grow:

ALT BLK ERA, ANNA, Antony Szmierek, Ashnikko, Baby Lasagna, Bad Nerves, bbno$, Biffy Clyro, BIIA, Brooke Combe, Cassia, Charlotte Cardin, DE’WAYNE, Dijon, Dom Dolla, ElefĂĄnt, Florence + The Machine, Giant Rooks, Indira Paganotto, Jazzy, Joris Vroon, Karen DiĂł, Kim Dracula, Lambrini Girls, Lewis Capaldi, makrohang, Oskar Med K, Pan-Pot, Paris Paloma, sim0ne, Sisi, Ski Aggu, SOMBR, Tash Sultana, TOMORA, Twenty One Pilots, Underworld, Zimmer90.

Sziget 2026 will take place from August 11–15. Early Bird tickets are still available for a few days, with the next price increase scheduled for December 16 at 20:00.

(Sziget)

The band resumed touring last year with their twelfth studio album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1.

Next year, they will return to Hungary after nearly a decade, the organizer Live Nation announced to MTI on Tuesday.

Marilyn Manson was formed in 1989. The band—and its lead singer, born Brian Hugh Warner—derived their name by combining Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson. Warner, who initially worked as a journalist, believed that both the sex symbol and the cult killer were mere sensational figures for the media.

This choice signaled the band’s dual intent to shock the public while also offering critique. Their first album was released in 1994 on Trent Reznor’s (Nine Inch Nails) newly launched label. Their second album, Antichrist Superstar, released in 1996, brought them international fame. Marilyn Manson recently hinted on Instagram that their thirteenth studio album will arrive soon, so audiences in Budapest might hear songs from it as well.

This will be Manson’s first international tour since actress Evan Rachel Wood, and later multiple other women, accused him of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. No charges were ultimately filed due to statute of limitations and insufficient evidence.

The provocative and controversial performer last played at Budapest Park in 2017, and prior to that at the VOLT Festival in 2009.

In addition to music, Marilyn Manson is active in other art forms: he paints and has appeared in several films and TV series.

(MTI)