Wacken 2026: 35 years faster, harder and louder!

The world’s most iconic heavy metal festival, Wacken Open Air, is gearing up for a monumental celebration in 2026. From July 29 to August 1, the quiet village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, will once again transform into the Holy Ground for metalheads from across the globe. But this year is no ordinary edition—Wacken 2026 marks the festival’s 35th anniversary, and organizers are pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable.

The first wave of 35 confirmed bands has already been announced, and it’s a stunning mix of legendary acts, exclusive performances, and rising stars. Leading the charge are:

• Def Leppard, the melodic hard rock icons from Sheffield, UK, who helped define the sound of the 1980s and continue to electrify audiences worldwide.
• In Flames, pioneers of the Gothenburg melodic death metal scene, known for albums like The Jester Race and Clayman.
• Powerwolf, Germany’s theatrical power metal pack, returning to Wacken with their signature blend of gothic flair and epic riffs.
• Savatage, the Florida-based progressive metal legends, famous for their dramatic concept albums like Gutter Ballet and Streets: A Rock Opera.

But Wacken 2026 isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about historic moments. The festival will host the final concert of Running Wild, marking the end of an era for the German pirate metal pioneers. Likewise, Sepultura will perform their last show on German soil, closing a chapter in their historical career.

Other standout acts include Emperor, who will deliver a special set titled As the Shadows Rise with their original lineup, and The Gathering, reuniting with Anneke van Giersbergen for an exclusive performance in Germany.

Diversity Across the Metal Spectrum

The lineup reflects Wacken’s commitment to showcasing the full breadth of the metal genre. From black metal to folk, grindcore to metalcore, the 2026 edition offers something for every taste:

• Nevermore, Triptykon, Europe, Airbourne, Lamb of God, Faun, Gutalax, and Blood Fire Death (a Bathory tribute exclusive to Germany) bring a mix of classic and extreme sounds.
• Rising acts like Ten56, Thundermother, The Hardkiss, Einherjer, Grand Magus, Future Palace, Luna Kills, Mantar, Orbit Culture, Paleface Swiss, Pig Destroyer, Insanity Alert, Kupfergold, H-Blockx, Broken By The Scream, Allt, Any Given Day, Blood Command, and AALT round out the bill.

This blend of generations and styles ensures that Wacken remains not just a festival, but a living museum of metal—where the past, present, and future collide in sonic celebration.

Tickets, Logistics, and What’s New

Tickets for Wacken 2026 went on sale on August 3, 2025, via wacken.com and metaltix.com. The standard four-day pass is priced at €349, with optional add-ons for vehicle access (€33) and camper vans (€66). Early arrival packages and loyalty tickets were also made available for longtime attendees6.

The festival will retain its iconic Faster, Harder, and Louder stages, while continuing to improve infrastructure to handle unpredictable weather—especially after the rain-soaked 2025 edition. Organizers have promised better drainage, expanded camping options, and enhanced accessibility.

A Global Gathering of Metal Souls

Wacken is more than a music festival—it’s a pilgrimage. Each year, over 85,000 fans from dozens of countries descend upon the Holy Ground, united by their love of heavy music. The atmosphere is electric, yet welcoming. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, Wacken offers a sense of belonging that few events can match.

The 35th anniversary is expected to amplify this spirit. Special events, anniversary merchandise, and retrospective exhibitions are rumored to be in the works. And as always, the festival will feature non-stop music, campfire camaraderie, metal markets, and late-night madness that defies description.

Why Wacken 2026 Will Be Unmissable

This edition is not just another year—it’s a milestone. With exclusive farewell shows, rare reunions, and a lineup that spans the entire metal spectrum, Wacken 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant chapters in the festival’s history.

Whether you’re coming for the legends, the underground gems, or the sheer experience of being part of the world’s largest metal gathering, one thing is clear: Wacken 2026 will be epic.

So grab your boots, patch up your battle vest, and prepare your soul—because the metal storm is coming, and it’s louder than ever.