A magnificent opening, a newly conceived venue, and the first day of the festival – Beats for Love 2025 has begun.
In the unique (post-)industrial setting of Dolní Vítkovice, the 11th edition of Beats for Love — the largest dance music festival in Central Europe — kicked off last night. From the very start, it introduced visitors to an entirely new visual concept for the festival grounds. Until 5 July, when Beats for Love comes to a close, more than 550 performers will appear across 18 stages. Among them are both international stars and emerging talents from the electronic music scene.
The opening of Beats for Love 2025, attended by Mayor Jan Dohnal and Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová. Photo: Beats for Love
Right from the start, fans were captivated by the debut of the festival’s new visual identity, which the organisers have named the Beats for Love Universe. In creating it, they drew not only on their own imagination but also on ideas contributed by invited designers, artists and creatives. The festival grounds have been divided into four themed zones, each distinguished by its unique design and visual style.
The Industrial stage, set near the blast furnaces, emphasises themes of light and fiery forges. The Space stage explores cosmic motifs, including strikingly designed entrance gates. The Love stage, rich in visually expressive elements, evokes the idea of a “heart in one’s hand”. The fourth stage, Pulse, serves as a connector between the other three.
Beats for Love is hosting — or will soon host — some of the biggest names in contemporary dance music, including Richie Hawtin, Ben Klock, Axwell, Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Timmy Trumpet, Claptone, Sub Focus, MK and many more. In addition to music, fans can enjoy performances from a wide variety of artists and performers.
This year, Beats for Love also carries a strong social message. Through the Beats for Charity project, festivalgoers are supporting two selected families: grandparents from the Přerov region who are caring for their grandchildren after the death of their daughter, and young Eliška from Karviná. In the past two editions, the initiative raised CZK 600,000 for charitable causes — a target organisers hope to match again this year.
For the third year running, the festival also features a discussion stage called Talking Beats, located in the former coking plant control room. Its programme offers a wide range of cultural and social topics. On Saturday, 5 July, from 17:00 to 17:45, the Mayor of Ostrava, Jan Dohnal, will take part in a discussion with Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová. Together, they will reflect on the theme “How Festivals Breathe Life into Ostrava.” You are warmly invited to join!
The statutory city of Ostrava is once again the main partner of Beats for Love.