The Zagreb Fair became the epicenter of the regional electronic music scene last weekend, and the first edition of Fair Fest began with a true energy explosion. On the night between Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th, in front of a packed pavilion, the world DJ superstar, Steve Aoki, performed for the first time in his nearly three-decade-long career. His premiere performance in the Croatian metropolis was not just a concert, but a carefully directed spectacle that set exceptionally high standards for all future editions of this new festival, and thousands of visitors had the opportunity to witness why Aoki is one of the most sought-after and busiest performers of today. Many sought suitable accommodation in Zagreb precisely because of this event to fully enjoy the festival weekend.

Aoki's memorable Zagreb premiere

From the moment he stepped onto the impressive stage, equipped with top-notch production, video walls, and light effects, Steve Aoki established an incredible connection with the audience. His contagious energy and constant interaction turned Pavilion 15 into a giant dance floor ruled by pure euphoria. The crowd followed his every move in a trance, and the globally known beats of his hits echoed through the air. The set list was a carefully selected mix of his greatest hits, including the collaboration with Louis Tomlinson "Just Hold On," the emotional ballad made with K-pop sensation BTS "The Truth Untold," the energetic "MIC Drop," and the globally popular "Waste It On Me." Of course, the moment everyone was waiting for was the performance of the unofficial anthem of all parties, the remix of the song "Pursuit of Happiness," which caused general delirium and a sing-along.

Aoki, an American of Japanese descent, is known as a master of atmosphere, and during his performance, he showed deep respect for the local audience. In one of the highlights of the evening, to the delight of everyone present, he proudly waved the Croatian flag on stage, which triggered thunderous ovations. For the very end of the performance, the DJ booth shone in the recognizable red-and-white checkers, creating a scene that will be long remembered and shared on social media. But no Aoki performance is complete without his trademark, the performance that made him a legend – throwing cakes into the audience.

The sweet highlight of the evening – the "Cake Face" tradition

What started as a spontaneous marketing trick to promote the song "Turn Up the Volume" back in 2011 has grown into a global phenomenon and an indispensable part of Aoki's identity. The ritual known as "cake face" has become an honor for the most loyal fans who literally compete to be "chosen." It is estimated that Aoki throws up to two thousand specially designed, light, and foamy cakes at his fans annually. The Zagreb audience was no exception. The front rows were filled with fans holding banners with creative messages, inviting the DJ to "treat" them. A banner with the inscription "Cake me, today it's my 50th" drew special attention, showing that Aoki's music knows no generational boundaries. In the grand finale, a dozen cakes flew towards the luckiest fans in the audience, after which Aoki shouted from the stage "Croatia, I love you," thus sealing an unforgettable night and confirming his status as a true showman icon. Many visitors who came from other cities are already planning their next visit and stay in Zagreb, hoping for a swift return of this music giant.

Top-notch domestic and regional support

The atmosphere was brought to a boiling point before Aoki's arrival on stage by proven masters of electronic music. The evening was opened by the famous radio host and experienced DJ Vedran Car, whose set was a perfect introduction to what was to follow. After him, the decks were taken over by DJ Kosta Radman, a veteran of the regional scene whose modern sound and flawless mixing technique regularly fill the best clubs from the Adriatic to the inland. As the icing on the cake of the intro, the Croatian-Slovenian electronic duo Vanillaz performed, proving with their energy and world-renowned sound why they enjoy popularity far beyond the borders of the region.

Rave euphoria continues: Tonight Scooter takes the stage

But the Fair Fest weekend is far from over. Tonight, September 14th, the same location – Zagreb Pyramids (Pavilion 15) at the Zagreb Fair – will host true icons of techno and rave culture, the legendary German band Scooter. With a career spanning decades, more than 30 million albums and singles sold worldwide, and over 2.5 billion streams, Scooter is a musical institution whose energy has not waned in the slightest over the years. Their performances are known as audio-visual spectacles that push boundaries, and the Zagreb audience can expect an uncompromising wall of sound, a powerful light show, and an atmosphere that will take them back to the golden age of rave. It is expected that timeless hits like "Hyper Hyper," "Nessaja," "The Logical Song (remix)," and of course, the unavoidable "Maria (I Like It Loud)," songs that marked entire generations of partygoers and still have the power to set any dance floor on fire, will echo through the hall.

Warming up with music legends

The program for the second day of the festival guarantees a quick warm-up and maintaining a high level of energy from the very beginning. An impressive lineup of local forces will ensure this. First up is DJ Krnyo, a true legend behind the DJ booth with an incredible 40 years of experience, a man who has witnessed and actively shaped the development of the scene. After him, DJ Kneža performs, known for his eclectic sets and his ability to always surprise the audience with a musical gem. The highlight of the warm-up will be the performance of the uncrowned queen of parties, Indira Forza. Ever since her beginnings in the group Colonia, Indira has been a synonym for incredible energy and the ability to raise the atmosphere to a boiling point with every concert. Her performance will be the perfect prelude to the euphoria brought by Scooter, and for all those who want to experience this unique musical event, tickets are still available. This festival is another proof of why Zagreb has become an unmissable spot on the map of European music events. Tickets can be purchased through the Entrio system at the following link: https://www.entrio.hr/event/fair-fest-2025-at-zagreb-pyramids-25086.