Kitzbühel, Austria – Sound | Escape isn’t just another electronic music festival. There are no wristbands, no VIP sections, and no artificial exclusivity—just a deep connection between sound, landscape, and people. Even more remarkably, there’s no entrance fee.
From March 28 to 30, 2025, this free festival unfolds across Kitzbühel’s historic old town and the surrounding mountains, offering an experience where electronic music’s most respected artists meet one of Europe’s most breathtaking alpine settings.
At the heart of Sound | Escape is Sven Väth, a true techno icon whose influence spans over three decades. From Frankfurt’s Omen to Cocoon’s Ibiza residencies, Väth has shaped dance music culture like few others. Joining him is a lineup that cuts across house, techno, and even a rare showcase of drum and bass, an often-overlooked genre in Austria’s club scene. Artists include Matthias Tanzmann, Tom Novy, Tube & Berger, Kilimanjaro, Lunnas, Marvin Aloys, Wolfram, and more.
But Sound | Escape is more than just the music—it’s about the setting. Daytime sets unfold against breathtaking alpine views, while evening performances take over Kitzbühel’s historic streets, turning centuries-old architecture into part of the experience. Unlike mainstream, government-backed festivals that lean into commercial pop, Sound | Escape stays true to the underground, providing a platform for both international pioneers and regional talent.
A Vision for Austria’s Electronic Music Scene
The festival is the brainchild of Marvin Aloys, whose vision is to position Austria as a new hub for electronic music in Europe.
“Austria has this deep musical history, but electronic music has its own roots, its own culture, and it belongs here just as much,” says Aloys. “Sound | Escape is about breaking away from the usual, from the big-ticket, VIP-heavy festival scene, and giving something back to the people. A free festival, in a setting that’s honestly unreal—mountains, historic streets, fresh air—it’s the kind of backdrop that makes it extra special.”
More than just a festival, Sound | Escape challenges the idea that electronic music is confined to nightclubs and city nightlife. It frames dance music as a cultural movement that thrives in open spaces, nature, and unexpected corners of the world, while staying laser-focused on quality music.
“To have someone like Sven Väth headlining is huge,” says Aloys. “He’s been shaping this scene for decades, and to have his support says everything about what we’re trying to do. Electronic music started as something raw, something for everyone, and we want to bring that energy back. No barriers, no exclusivity—just good music, real people, and a space to be part of something different.”
At a time when access to live music often comes with a hefty price tag and electronic music’s cultural hubs face increasing challenges, Sound | Escape offers a refreshing alternative—high-quality, free, and open to all.