Demofest (Banja Luka)

A free-spirited summer music festival for unsigned "demo" bands held in Banja Luka's Kastel fortress — a launchpad for regional acts with a great riverside-fortress setting.

Why: emerging Balkan bands; fortress stage; cheap and fun.

Tip: the fortress setting by the river is half the appeal — go for the atmosphere as much as the line-up.