The sixth Sea Star Festival was marked by the premiere performance of Baby Lasagna in his hometown of Umag. Rightfully regarded as the voice of a new generation, Baby Lasagna has skyrocketed in popularity across Europe over the past few months. His first post-Eurovision performance on the festival’s Main Stage wowed the packed audience. This marked the pinnacle of Sea Star, which saw more than 44,000 visitors pass through its gates from May 23 to 26. Alongside the local hero, the festival featured stunning performances by John Newman, Ofenbach, ARTBAT, Deborah De Luca, Hot Since 82, Joker Out, Senidah, Ian Asher, Angelina Mango, Devito, and Victoria from Måneskin. The sixth Sea Star filled the Stella Maris lagoon to the brim, leaving its distinct mark on the region’s festival scene with its sound, atmosphere, and production level.
Bringing the energy of EXIT’s largest stages to the magical Stella Maris lagoon in Umag, this event once again captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression on every attendee. The festival’s first night began with an enchanting sunset and the beloved indie rockers Joker Out, along with the fresh talents of Keni Nije Mrtav. As night fell, regional superstars Buč Kesidi dazzled the crowd with confetti and glitter. The main stage reverberated with the mesmerizing rhythms of INIKO, while the Nautilus Arena hosted trap excellence with performances by Grše, Kuku$, and z++. The crowd danced into the morning to the beats of world-renowned techno and house heroes Hot Since 82, ARTBAT, and Deborah De Luca, leaving their hearts and minds on the dance floor.
An exciting mix of new and established regional names performed alongside some of the world’s biggest stars. The second night opened with a dreamy set from the young and versatile Vimoksha, followed by Angelina Mango, the reigning queen of Italian pop and this year’s Sanremo winner. Balkan trap superstars Devito and Senidah then electrified the Tesla Main Stage with their high-energy performances and massive hits. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch at midnight when the most anticipated star of the evening, Baby Lasagna, took the stage. Performing in his hometown of Umag, he captivated tens of thousands with new songs from his upcoming debut album. The crowd danced to “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” and other yet-to-be-released tracks, enjoying a fresh mix of metal and pop-punk sounds delivered through an impeccably crafted performance. John Newman then took the stage, maintaining the euphoria with a set brimming with positive energy. From his hit “Blame” to the emotional premiere of a new song, his performance was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a fireworks display, messages of love, and the hoisting of the Croatian flag. “You know the love I have for you, all of you. It was too much to put into words,” John expressed his admiration for Umag and the Sea Star Festival crowd on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
After John Newman’s electrifying performance, some of today’s top hitmakers took over the main stage. French DJ duo Ofenbach delivered a euphoric set packed with party anthems like “Overdrive,” “Hurricane,” “Be Mine,” and “Katchi.” Their stunning visuals and high-energy beats launched the audience into a dance frenzy. Following them, American DJ Ian Asher took control of the decks, keeping the energy soaring with viral remixes like “Makeba” and “Mas Que Nada,” along with his new single “Touch Me,” as the crowd danced until dawn.
Meanwhile, the Nautilus Arena resonated with powerful techno sets by Victoria from Måneskin, Estella Boersma, and DJ Jock. The unique atmosphere was further enhanced by a redesigned stage featuring a more robust sound system and an increased number of LED screens, ensuring an unforgettable experience. After Mose opened the stage, Electric Waves saw performances by Pablo Panda, Inner Sense, Recep, and many others, whose hypnotic and ecstatic DJ sets kept the crowd dancing on the lagoon’s beach.
The sixth edition of the Sea Star Festival radiated a unique energy within the magical landscape of the Adriatic coast, impressing attendees with its top-tier production, one of the most remarkable on our shores. Over four days, the festival welcomed more than 44,000 visitors from over 40 countries.
This year’s Sea Star Festival was made possible with the support of the Croatian Tourist Board, Istria County, the City of Umag, the Umag Tourist Board, the Istria County Tourist Board, and Plava Laguna.
