From Avicii’s efficiency on the first-ever UNTOLD to Sandro Cavazza’s emotional tribute a decade later, the pageant has mastered the artwork of turning musical moments into lasting recollections. And turning these recollections into critical metrics.
The latest tenth anniversary version, dubbed UNTOLD X, drew 470,000 attendees from 150 international locations, representing a 25% spike in worldwide participation that generated €120 million in native financial influence, in line with a press launch issued by organizers. These numbers inform a part of the story, however the actual aggressive benefit lies in how UNTOLD satisfied international expertise to create unique experiences.
In one of the crucial emotional highlights of the Romanian mega-festival, shock visitor Sandro Cavazza delivered a tribute to the late EDM icon Avicii, who DJed on the inaugural occasion again in 2015. Cavazza’s dwell efficiency of “With out You,” the duo’s generational dance anthem launched in 2017, drew tens of hundreds of ravers singing their hearts out.
One other surefire spotlight got here from trance legend Armin van Buuren, who marked the milestone with a specifically designed three-hour marathon set full with a custom-built stage integration and anniversary-specific visuals. His efficiency included visitor appearances and culminated with him getting into the group throughout a signature second that bolstered his decade-long connection to the pageant.
UNTOLD’s masterful programming technique balanced established digital acts with unique dwell performances. Don Diablo used UNTOLD to solely preview his 2026 international tour idea, and Tiësto threw down an prolonged DJ set that had attendees grooving beneath the starry skies of Transylvania.
Publish Malone kicked off his European tour on the pageant, delivering his solely Romanian efficiency to a packed Cluj Enviornment. Metro Boomin additionally selected UNTOLD X for his sole European pageant look this yr, showcasing tracks from his newest album alongside hip-hop hits.
Dutch EDM icon Martin Garrix introduced {custom} manufacturing and pyrotechnics for a high-energy set mixing new materials with career-defining tracks, whereas Brazilian famous person Alok debuted his “Maintain Artwork Human” idea at a European pageant for the primary time. The manufacturing is a collaboration with City Idea, whose eye-popping choreography at one level integrated Romanian flag colours as a nod to the host nation.
This degree of artist funding stems not solely from the pageant’s pedigree, but additionally its dedication to fostering connections past the music. For the primary time, it hosted an “UNTOLD Children” space with devoted phases for youngsters, who realized find out how to sing, dance and DJ. Most cancers survivors from Youth Most cancers Europe have been additionally onsite for meet-and-greets with Garrix, van Buuren, INNA and extra.
UNTOLD was the one European pageant to function a devoted setup for youngsters with autism and different neurodevelopmental problems, in line with organizers. They partnered with the native Neuroatipic Basis to construct a “sensory field” within the enviornment the place youngsters may safely watch the mainstage reveals.
“Entry to tradition, pleasure and belonging shouldn’t be a privilege,” stated Neuroatipic Basis president and psychologist Crina Nedelcu previous to the pageant. “After we make festivals accessible to neurodivergent youth, we assist form a extra inclusive future.”
Elsewhere at UNTOLD X, the pageant’s cavernous Galaxy stage hosted Dom Dolla, Black Espresso, Marco Carola, Inexperienced Velvet, ARTBAT, Adriatique and different influential producers of techno and home music.
Over on the dreamlike Daydreaming stage, Shimza, Marten Lou, Röyksopp, Jan Blomqvist, Bob Moses, Sebastien Léger, Parra for Cuva and extra delivered melodic units in a mesmeric forest setting.
After wrapping a bow on UNTOLD X, organizers are already trying forward. They’ve now introduced UNTOLD One, the pageant’s version’s subsequent version in August 2026, when followers can count on “extra international superstars together with dwell acts, DJs and producers, extra phases, and new experiences.” The primary restricted passes can be found on UNTOLD’s web site.
Within the meantime, they’re making ready for the second version of their Dubai offshoot, UNTOLD Dubai, scheduled for November 6-9 at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Extra particulars can be found right here.
Comply with UNTOLD Competition:
X: x.com/untoldfestival
Instagram: instagram.com/untoldfestival
TikTok: tiktok.com/@untold.pageant
Fb: fb.com/untoldfestival
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