Every summer Prishtina turns into one of the most exciting cities in the Balkans, and the reason is Sunny Hill Festival. The 2026 edition runs for three nights from 31 July to 2 August at Sunny Hill Festival Park, with Katy Perry, Lewis Capaldi and Martin Garrix at the top of the bill. This guide covers the confirmed lineup, what a pass costs, and how to plan the weekend.
What is Sunny Hill Festival?
Sunny Hill Festival is an open-air music festival held in Prishtina, Kosovo. It was founded in 2018 by Dukagjin Lipa and grew out of the Sunny Hill Foundation, a non-profit that invests in young people and communities across Kosovo and Albania. It has become one of the biggest events in the region: the organisers report the 2025 edition drew over 100,000 people from around 60 countries, and the 2026 programme spans four stages.
Past editions have featured Dua Lipa alongside names like Martin Garrix, J Balvin, Stormzy, Diplo, Calvin Harris and Miley Cyrus. It is one of the biggest music moments in the region and pulls visitors from across Europe and beyond.
Is Dua Lipa playing in 2026?
No. Dua Lipa headlined the 2025 edition, but she is not on the announced 2026 lineup. This trips a lot of people up, because the festival was founded by her father and she still promotes it internationally, so it is often assumed she plays every year.
If you are booking a trip specifically to see her, check the official announcements before you commit to flights. The 2026 bill is strong on its own terms and the headliners below are all confirmed.
The 2026 lineup
Katy Perry, Lewis Capaldi, Martin Garrix and Dhurata Dora headline. The rest of the bill mixes international names with a deep Albanian and Kosovan roster: Blanco, Ledri Vula, MC Kresha, GJIN, EsDeeKid and Manifest among many others.
The electronic side is strong too, with Keinemusik, the Berlin duo of Adam Port and Rampa, alongside Seth Troxler, PAWSA and Carlita. In total the programme runs to more than fifty artists across four stages, and the official lineup page is the place to check which stage and which night.
Dates, venue and tickets
The 2026 festival runs Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August. Note the venue: it is at Sunny Hill Festival Park in Bërnicë, on the edge of Prishtina, and not Germia Park where earlier editions were held. Older guides still point to the wrong place, so go by what is on your ticket.
Every ticket is a three-day pass. The regular pass is listed at 195 EUR, with group rates of 190 EUR per person for three people and 185 EUR for five. VIP runs from 400 EUR for the C4 Stage up to 800 EUR for a both-stages bundle. The cheaper Believer and Early Bird tiers have already sold out, which is the usual pattern: tiers go in order and the price only moves one way. Buy through the official site or Fever, the festival's international ticketing partner.
Where to stay for Sunny Hill Festival
Prishtina hotels fill up fast in the weeks before the festival. The smart move is a central hotel with easy access to taxis and restaurants, so you can split the weekend between the festival and the city itself rather than camping.
ZOE Hotel is in the heart of Prishtina, a short ride from the festival park and a few minutes on foot from the main pedestrian area. Self check-in means a 4am return is never a problem, which matters when three nights in a row run well past midnight.
- Central Prishtina location, close to restaurants and nightlife
- Short taxi or ride-hail out to the festival park each evening
- Self check-in for late returns after shows
- High-speed Wi-Fi to share clips and photos with friends
What else to do in Prishtina during festival week
Sunny Hill is not just a concert, it is an excuse to explore one of Europe's youngest capitals. During the day you can visit the Newborn Monument, walk around the National Library, try Kosovan coffee culture on Mother Teresa Boulevard, and sample local food in the Old Bazaar area.
Kosovo is also one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Meals, drinks, and taxis are significantly cheaper than in Western Europe, which makes festival trips here a lot easier on the wallet.
Tips for a great festival trip
- Book your hotel first. Tickets can usually be bought closer to the festival, but rooms go early.
- Fly into Prishtina International Airport (PRN). Most European cities have direct flights in summer.
- Bring cash for small vendors and tips, although cards work in most central spots.
- Pace yourself. Three consecutive late nights is the real challenge, so plan quiet daytimes.
- Check official Sunny Hill channels for lineup updates and set times.