Cluj Napoca has always been a city with music in its veins, but this August it became the beating heart of global dance culture as UNTOLD celebrated its 10th anniversary edition. Ranked the third best festival in the world, UNTOLD X drew a record breaking 470,000 fans from 150 countries, a true testament to its growing reputation as one of the most influential gatherings in electronic music. What unfolded over four days was a masterclass in curation: emotional tributes, groundbreaking live acts, underground journeys, and a palpable sense of transition into a new era, UNTOLD One.
A Conversation with the Visionary
Before diving into the whirlwind of stages, I sat down with UNTOLD founder Bogdan Buta, who radiated both pride and anticipation. “This edition was not only about looking back, but about building what’s next,” he told me. “We wanted to give fans something that connects them emotionally to the past ten years, while also introducing experiences that shape the future. UNTOLD One in 2026 will be our most ambitious chapter yet.” His words echoed across the weekend in the emotional tributes, the groundbreaking performances, and the carefully constructed environments where art and technology collided.
The Mainstage: Spectacle and Sentiment
The mainstage was an arena of extremes, from familiar legends like Martin Garrix to Armin van Buuren’s marathon three hour set. But perhaps the most touching moment came when Post Malone stepped out to kick start his European Tour. As tens of thousands sang along to Rockstar under a sea of lights, it was impossible not to feel the magnitude of what UNTOLD has come to represent: a place where we got reminded of the power to fight for your dreams to become reality.
Galaxy Stage: A Universe of Underground Sounds
For those of us deeply rooted in the underground, the Galaxy stage was the gravitational center of UNTOLD X. Across its vast expanse, Dom Dolla, ARTBAT, Adriatique, and Black Coffee delivered sets that swung between hypnotic minimalism and seismic peaks. Black Coffee’s set in particular stood out, a perfectly measured two hour journey where time seemed to dissolve into layered textures and heartbeating drums.
But what gave Galaxy its unique energy was the heavy presence of local heroes. Romania’s minimal and microhouse selectors Raresh, Priku, Arapu, Nu Zau b2b Sepp, SIT, and more reminded the international crowd why the country has become a global hub for refined, stripped back sound. Their extended sets were a masterclass in patience and progression, and the Romanian faithful responded with the kind of collective devotion that only comes from years of shared dance floor culture. Keep an eye on our socials for an exclusive interview with Priku and Arapu.
Daydreaming: A Portal into Another World
If Galaxy was about cosmic immersion, the Daydreaming stage offered a different form of transcendence. Nestled in the Central Park of Cluj Napoca, it felt like an oasis, lush, intimate, and meticulously curated. Röyksopp’s live set brought a wave of nostalgia wrapped in futuristic textures, while Jan Blomqvist and Bob Moses blurred the lines between live band performance and electronic flow. By nightfall, the Daydreaming stage felt less like a festival and more like a pilgrimage. My favorite closers were for sure Shimza and Marten Lou. Forever in awe with their sparks that keeped the crowd dancing till sunrise.
Looking Ahead: UNTOLD One
As UNTOLD closed its 10th chapter, the message was clear: this is only the beginning. UNTOLD One in 2026 promises an expanded vision, more stages, and an even deeper integration of live acts, DJs, and immersive experiences. In the meantime, all eyes turn to UNTOLD Dubai this November, as the brand continues its global expansion.
Back in Cluj, though, the memory of those four nights lingers. Not because of the fireworks, the headliners, or even the record breaking attendance. From the pulsating depths of Galaxy to the dreamscapes of Daydreaming, UNTOLD X proved once again that this festival is a celebration of belonging, no matter where you came from, you were part of something bigger, something united by music, memory, and forward looking vision.
