📋About
Wacken Open Air 2026: the world's ultimate metal festival
Founded in 1990 in a small village in Schleswig-Holstein, Wacken Open Air has become the largest and most iconic metal festival in the world. Every year, Wacken welcomes 85,000 festival-goers from all five continents for five days of intense metallic celebration across eight stages. The village of 2,000 inhabitants temporarily becomes one of Germany's largest cities.
The 2026 edition features 94 bands and confirms the festival's legendary status with monumental headliners: Judas Priest, Def Leppard, and Lamb of God. Also on the bill: Arch Enemy, Alestorm, and Black Label Society.
The musical palette covers every metal subgenre: folk metal, death-doom, alternative metal, deathcore, djent, and even medieval with acts like Anneke van Giersbergen. The legendary camping atmosphere and passionate crowd make Wacken more than a festival: an annual pilgrimage.
July 29 - August 2, 2026, tickets around €350. Book your spot for the essential gathering of the metal world.
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🎤Lineup
Location
❓FAQ
What are the dates for Wacken Festival 2026?
Wacken Festival 2026 runs from July 29, 2026 to August 2, 2026 in Wacken Open Air, Germany. This 5 days festival brings together music fans at the venue.
Who is playing at Wacken Festival 2026?
The 2026 edition features 97 artists. Headliners include JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD, EUROPE, and SEPULTURA. The lineup covers a wide musical spectrum.
What is the musical atmosphere at Wacken Festival?
Wacken Festival offers a varied lineup mixing electro, folk, and hip-hop. The festival highlights musical diversity and new trends from the music scene.
What are the rates for Wacken Festival 2026?
Passes for Wacken Festival 2026 range from €349 to €351. Check the official Wacken Festival website for detailed pricing and tickets.
How to get to Wacken Festival?
Wacken Festival is located in Wacken Open Air, Germany. The site is accessible by car, public transport, or local transportation. Detailed access information is available before the event.
Where to sleep during Wacken Festival?
Several accommodation options are available near Wacken Festival: hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and municipal campsites. Early booking is recommended due to high attendance.
Is Wacken Festival accessible to young people?
Wacken Festival primarily attracts fans of heavy music. Minors are accepted when accompanied by a responsible adult. Due to the intense nature of the programming, the festival is recommended for teenagers and adults.
What is the atmosphere like at Wacken Festival?
Wacken Festival is renowned for its festive and friendly atmosphere. With 97 artists across multiple stages, the festival offers a diverse and intense musical experience.