As the countdown begins for one of Scandinavia’s most anticipated music events, Sweden’s Way Out West Festival Lets Fans Pledge a Kidney in Exchange for a Ticket—yes, literally. With the 2025 edition of the festival officially sold out, organizers have launched an unconventional (and slightly provocative) campaign to raise awareness about organ donation.
Taking place in Gothenburg from August 7 to 9, this year’s Way Out West Festival boasts a star-studded lineup including Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Pet Shop Boys, Iggy Pop, Kneecap, and many more. The hype has been massive, and with tickets selling out faster than ever before, fans have been jokingly claiming they’d give up a kidney just to attend. Well—turns out, that idea has turned into a real offer.
Introducing the “Kidney Pass”
To turn the hype into something meaningful, organizers have introduced the “Kidney Pass”—a new initiative offering a limited number of free three-day passes to individuals who sign up for Sweden’s organ donation registry.
“This year, tickets to Way Out West sold out earlier than ever,” reads a statement on the official festival website. “With no tickets left, the FOMO kicks in hard. People start saying they’d give up just about anything to get one. One phrase you often hear when tickets are gone? ‘I’d give a kidney for a ticket.’”
How It Works
The process is simple. Anyone over the age of 18 with a valid Swedish social security number can register as an organ donor through the Donation Registry. Once registered, individuals can submit their confirmation to Way Out West, entering the running for a highly coveted festival wristband.
But it’s important to note: you’re not literally handing over a kidney. The registration is purely for posthumous organ donation. As the festival explains, “By joining it, you’re not just saying you’d give a kidney for a ticket, you’re showing you truly support organ donation—by being willing to donate your organs after your death.”
No Obligations, Just Awareness
Signing up doesn’t lock you into anything irreversible. The registry allows individuals to update their preferences, make exceptions, or even remove their information entirely at any time. In short, it’s about spreading awareness, not pressure.
Although the Kidney Pass doesn’t guarantee a ticket—since only a limited number of passes are available—those who are selected will receive a unique wristband that boldly reads: “I gave a kidney for this ticket.”
Final Thoughts
With this bold initiative, Sweden’s Way Out West Festival Lets Fans Pledge a Kidney in Exchange for a Ticket—and sparks a national conversation about the importance of organ donation. It’s a fusion of music, altruism, and creativity that’s truly unlike anything the festival world has seen before.