The countdown to Wacken Open Air 2026 continues, and all tickets for the festival’s 35th anniversary edition have now been sold. Taking place from July 29 to August 1, the massive gathering will bring together 85,000 metal fans at the Holy Ground in Schleswig-Holstein.

Wacken Open Air founder Thomas Jensen expressed his excitement over the overwhelming response to this anniversary edition, stating that preparations are continuing at full speed. The festival team aims to create an unforgettable celebration together with musicians, crews, and members of the metal community arriving from all corners of the world.

Festival co-founder Holger Hübner also emphasized that it is a great source of pride to see Wacken remain one of the most important meeting points in the metal world for decades. According to Hübner, the organizing team, the village of Wacken, and the surrounding communities are continuing their efforts to turn the 35th anniversary celebration into a truly special experience.

For tickets that can no longer be used, festival organizers have announced that fans can safely transfer them to other attendees via the official Wacken Ticket Market.

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Photo WOA Festival GmbH

This year’s festival lineup will feature major names such as Judas Priest, Sabaton, Def Leppard, and Powerwolf on the main stages. Attendees are encouraged to use the official W:O:A app for concert schedules, stage times, and festival area information.

The arrival process at the festival site begins on July 26. The opening of the main concert area will take place on July 29, when thousands of metalheads will once again gather on Wacken’s legendary grounds.

In addition to the concerts, the festival’s extensive supporting program is also shaping up with a wide range of events. The Welcome To The Jungle, Wasteland, and Wackinger Village areas will host live podcasts, talks, performances, workshops, and special events throughout the festival.

At the Welcome To The Jungle Stage, Mille Petrozza will present his book My Heaven, Your Hell together with author Torsten Groß. The “Witches Of Wacken” panel, featuring names such as Alissa White-Gluz, Johanna Platow, and Sabina Classen, will also be one of the festival’s standout events.

The program will also include a performance by Thomas Nicholas Band, podcast sessions with Hämatom and Saltatio Mortis, fantasy literature readings, and activities such as Metal Yoga and Metal Karate, further expanding the boundaries of the metal experience.

The medieval-themed Wackinger Village will feature sword-fighting demonstrations, traditional competitions, and dance workshops, while dedicated areas for younger metal fans will offer family-friendly activities. Meanwhile, the Wasteland area will add another dimension to the festival experience with Wasteland Warriors performances and Cage Fight events.

Celebrating its 35th year, Wacken Open Air once again prepares to stand among the world’s biggest metal gatherings, combining massive stage performances with a unique selection of side events to become one of the most significant metal festivals of summer 2026.

wacken.com 
metaltix.com