AKAB Okretnica Belgrade
Noise with a cause
It's a place every community needs. A former general store. Under the bridge (Pančevački, that is), surrounded by kafana underground. It is an underground, independent punk spot. In their own words, a collective space for socializing, organizing, gigs, discussions, workshops and everything that involves self-organization in solidarity.
AKAB Okretnica is run on donations and not for profit - the tickets are not charged as such. The money you would donate to see a concert often goes for benefits - whether a dog shelter, arrested peace activists, or a festival run by fellow punkers. Housed in a nondescript, one-storey edifice, you may find it just across the bus stop (and railway stop), where city buses end and start their lines. Hence the name Okretnica (Terminus).
Here you can witness local and international punk and related bands in their natural habitat. Also, poetry nights, book presentations, discussions and workshops. The space is non-smoking, and at almost every event vegan food is served, paid for through donations, usually prepared by people who run the place and/or play in bands. E.g., after fixing your veggie spaghetti bolognese, the cook will pick up the instrument and get on the stage.
If you go upstairs to escape the noise and crowd, you'll enter a tranquil hangout space and a library of activist zines and books. For info about the program, you can check Okretnica's Facebook page or rely on word of mouth - that is, if you happen to know some of the regulars.
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