Ultra Europe News
Has Ultra Europe Lost Its Spark? Split Talks About Declining Attendance and Fading Hype (July 13, 2025)
In recent years, especially in Split, discussions about the future of the Ultra Europe festival have grown louder. Many attendees, particularly those who remember the early years at Poljud Stadium, are noticing a significant drop in attendance, a lack of the former “hype,” and an overall different atmosphere. Is Ultra truly in crisis, or is it simply evolving with the times?
Empty Mainstage and a Lack of “Madness”
This year, many festival-goers noticed a significantly emptier mainstage on the very first day—a sight that would have been unimaginable in previous years. The once legendary “madness” that turned Split into the epicenter of partying for three days seems to be fading.
“I was there on Friday, and it’s just not what it used to be. More than half the mainstage area was empty, lots of space, and the hype seemed at an all-time low,” commented one longtime visitor, expressing nostalgia for the days when generations in Split grew up with Ultra.
Outdated Lineup and Lack of Innovation
Many critics point to the issue of an outdated musical concept and a recycled lineup that barely changes from year to year.
“People don’t realize that the genre Ultra was built on (EDM, wannabe house) actually declined somewhere between 2018 and 2020,” one review stated. “DJs like Martin Garrix, Hardwell, and SHM were megastars during Ultra’s golden years from 2011 to 2015. Today, barely anyone knows them.”
Critics argue that Ultra, as a brand, has failed to rebrand itself or keep up with current trends in electronic music. The repeated use of the same headliners has led to audience fatigue, and many wonder why there aren’t newer, fresher names or changes in genre.
Location and Organization: From Poljud to Park Mladeži
The switch from Poljud Stadium to Park Mladeži is another hot topic. Many miss the days when the festival was held at Poljud, believing the atmosphere there was livelier and more massive.
“Those years when Ultra was at Poljud were unforgettable,” recalled one local, pointing out how the overall visitor experience has changed.
Other aspects, such as the “fan pit in front of the stage” turning into something that resembles “a concert with tables in front,” are also mentioned as moving the festival away from its original spirit.
The Future of Ultra: Change or the End of an Era?
Some attendees go as far as to suggest that, in its current form, “it would be better if it no longer existed and stopped burdening the city of Split.” Suggested changes include:
- Upgrading and expanding the Resistance stage with a stronger lineup.
- Adding a third stage focused on hard techno, a genre currently trending among younger audiences.
- Changing the lineup and stopping the waste of money on mainstage DJs living off past glory.
- Considering expanding the genres to include pop, hip-hop, or other popular performers.
Despite a perceived decline in popularity among parts of the audience, Ultra Europe continues to confirm future dates, suggesting that organizers remain financially satisfied. Still, the question remains: will Ultra adapt to new trends and regain its former glory, or will it continue down a path that many feel leads to steady decline?
