1. Introduction
I first attended Untold in 2018, the 4th edition. I was super impressed by how well it was organized, and I had an absolute blast. It was pure madness!
I’m writing this guide to help you avoid stressing too much about planning and to enjoy the festival as much as possible. I want to share what I’ve learned and give you some tips to ensure you have the best Untold experience.
2. Plan Ahead
Tickets:
Right after the festival, around August 15th – September 15th, you can get Early Bird tickets.
Tip: If you know you want to go and you like this kind of festival, grab the Early Bird tickets. Untold always brings in great headliners, so you won’t be disappointed.
PS: After you buy the ticket, you have one month to do the check-in; otherwise, you’ll have to pay an extra fee. If you’re not 100% sure you’ll go, it’s better to delay the check-in so you might be able to sell the ticket later.
Accommodation:
Cluj landlords know the festival is popular and increase their prices. Don’t panic; look for options on Facebook groups, you’ll definitely find good deals. I usually stay in Florești and take an Uber or Bolt to the festival. It costs around 50 RON during the day and a maximum of 100 RON at night after the festival.
Download the Festivawl App:
To stay up-to-date with the schedule and not miss any concerts, download the Festivawl app. You’ll find the entire Untold schedule there, you can add your favorite artists, and you’ll get notifications before they go on stage. And the best part is, it works offline, so you don’t need internet at the festival.
3. What to Know Before the Festival
What is Untold?
It’s an electronic dance music (EDM) festival, so expect big names like Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Garrix, Afrojack, and many others. Untold is not just about music, but also amazing light shows, fireworks, and super cool art installations.
How to Get Tickets?
From the official website, untold.com. Don’t rely on Facebook groups—many people try to scam you.
Ticket Types:
Untold has several ticket options to suit everyone’s preferences and budget:
- General Access Pass: This is the standard ticket that gives you access to all stages and activities for 4 days. The price varies depending on when you buy it, so keep an eye on the official website.
- VIP Pass: If you want to feel like a star, get a VIP pass. You get access to special areas closer to the stage, plus other benefits. It’s obviously more expensive, but worth it if you want a premium experience.
- Daily Tickets: If you can’t attend all days, you can buy tickets for the specific days you’re most interested in.
- Group Packages: If you’re coming with a group, get a group package and save some money—though not always as much as with Early Bird tickets!
Important:
- Prices change every year, so check the official website for the latest info.
- Some ticket categories sell out fast, so don’t hesitate if you know you want to go.
4. Where to Stay and How to Get There?
The Untold Festival takes place in the Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park, at Cluj Arena Stadium, and the surrounding areas.
If you’re coming by car, don’t bother looking for parking spots nearby. It’s better to park in the neighboring districts and use public transport or a taxi. Here’s a helpful parking guide.
Accommodation for the Untold Festival
Don’t jump straight to Airbnb or Booking; you know prices skyrocket during the festival period. Look for deals on Facebook groups — you’ll find better options there.
Or, if you want, you can stay in Florești, like me. From there, it’s easy to reach the festival by Uber or Bolt. It costs around 50 RON during the day and a maximum of 100 RON at night.
Tip: When leaving the festival at night, don’t order your ride right in front because drivers don’t have access, and you’ll end up waiting a long time. Walk two streets away, toward the boulevard, and you’ll get a ride much faster and cheaper. Here’s the exact address:
5. What to Pack:
Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so bring something you can wear all day and night. Sneakers, trainers, or sporty sandals are the best options.
Light and airy clothes: Temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, so choose clothes made from breathable, lightweight fabrics. Don’t forget a long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Rain poncho: The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to be prepared for anything. A rain poncho can save you from a miserable night.
Sunglasses and hat/cap: They’ll protect you from the sun during the day and complete your festival look.
Power bank: You’ll take lots of pictures and videos, so a power bank is essential to keep your phone alive.
6. First Steps at the Festival:
When you arrive on the first day, make sure you’ve done the online check-in and head straight to an Untold tent. You can pick up your wristband there, or, if you haven’t checked in, you can do it on the spot. But you’ll save time for yourself and others in line if you do it online. If you’re staying in Cluj or have friends in the area, you can order the wristband through Tazz and have it delivered to your door, saving even more time!
After you have the wristband on your hand, get in line according to your gender (only men and women for now) to go through the body check performed by a person of the same sex as you.
Now that you’ve entered the festival, it’s crucial to put money on your wristband. Tip: Don’t stop at the first top-up points; they’re the most crowded! Head closer to the main stage (stadium); it’s usually less busy there!
Continue using the Festivawl app you installed. You can easily see who’s playing and at which stage, customize your schedule with your favorite artists, and get ready for a great time!
Below is an Untold map from 2019, but it’s still relevant—many things like the stages, first aid points, bars, and the Food Court don’t change!
7. Prices at Untold
Prices go up a little each year, but just to give you an idea, in 2023, here’s what they looked like:
- Still water: 12 RON
- Beer: 18 RON
- Soft drinks: 16 RON
- Cocktails: 20-39 RON
- Shots: 16 RON
- Red Bull: 16 RON
8. Tips from an Untold Veteran:
- Bathrooms: The busiest bathrooms are near the main stage, especially when big artists are performing. If you want to avoid the crowd, head toward the exit of the festival; there are almost empty bathrooms there.
- Food: The same goes for the food court—it gets super busy during major concerts. Try eating 2 hours before the big artists or even later around 2-3 AM.
I hope this guide was helpful and made you feel more prepared for your Untold adventure. It’s an unforgettable festival, full of energy, great music, and awesome people.
See you at Untold!
