Makfest 41 in Štip: festival on October 30 and 31
Two evenings on October 30 and 31 will bring new compositions and established pop names to Štip’s Makfest.
Štip will once again host the country’s pop-music spotlight when the 41st Makfest takes place on October 30 and 31. More than four decades after its first edition, the festival remains a meeting point between musical generations and a launchpad for new Macedonian songs.
The festival’s programme for 2026 brings new compositions and authorial projects by established names from the domestic scene alongside newcomers who will perform for the first time. Organisers say the selection preserves Makfest’s familiar spirit while opening room for diverse styles and fresh interpretations.
Local officials, organisers and a visual rethink
“The festival represents a significant mark of the city, but also an important part of the Macedonian musical tradition, which for decades unites musical names, the audience and lovers of Macedonian popular music,” Mayor of Štip Ivan Jordanov said, underlining the event’s cultural weight for the town and the country.
Artistic director Robert Sazdov added: "This year we have a really excellent programme. We have several participants who will perform for the first time, but we also have prominent Macedonian musical names who will be part of the unique festival of popular melodies." Operational coordinator Aleksandar Arsovski announced substantial changes to the festival’s visual design and stage, promising a look that organisers say will differ from previous editions.
Organisers are optimistic that the two festival evenings will produce new Macedonian hits destined to circulate long after the final curtain. The first night’s line-up includes Anastasija Spasevska, Dragana Jovanovska, Devana, Kaly and Goki, Sanela Shukrievska, Nenad Vrzhalski, Tri pati na den, Doris Di, Arte-Fakt, Ana Tsambuleva, Dono, Tamara Grujeska, Tea Zlateva, Marija Naumoska and Elena Naumova.
The second evening will feature Ognen Zdravkovski, Vrcak and Simona Popovska, Elvir Mekic, Jovan Jovanov and Toni Zen, Risto Samardzhiev, Agni Avshar, Natasha Malinkova, Viktorija Loba, Thea Trajkovska, David Temelkov, Marija Spasovska and Marija Daneva.
Photo: press material from the event
